Have you ever noticed that skateboard wheels tend to turn yellow over time? It’s a pretty common sight and most people just accept it as part of the wheel’s natural aging process. But have you ever wondered why it happens in the first place? In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind skateboard wheel discoloration and find out what causes those wheels to turn yellow!
why do skateboard wheels turn yellow?
As anyone who’s ever owned a skateboard can attest, the wheels have a tendency to turn yellow over time. While this is generally considered to be simply part of the aging process for skateboard wheels for concrete, the discoloration is actually caused by a few different factors. Let’s take a closer look at why skateboard wheels turn yellow and what we can do to prevent it!
1. UV Exposure
One of the primary causes of yellowing skateboard wheels is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Just like the sun can cause fading and discoloration in fabrics and other materials, it can also have a similar effect on skateboard wheels. The UV rays break down the plastic that the wheels are made of, causing them to become yellow and brittle.
2. Friction
Another factor that can contribute to yellowing skateboard wheels is friction. Every time you ride your skateboard, the wheels spin rapidly and rub against the ground. This constant friction causes the plastic of the wheels to break down over time, which can lead to discoloration.
3. Chemical Exposure
Just like UV light and friction, certain chemicals can also cause discoloration in skateboard wheels. For example, if you frequently ride your skateboard in the rain, the chemicals in the water can interact with the plastic of the wheels and cause them to turn yellow. Similarly, if you store your skateboard in an area where there are chemicals like cleaning products or paint fumes, those chemicals can also cause the wheels to discolor.
4. Heat
Another common cause of yellowing skateboard wheels is heat. When the wheels are exposed to high temperatures, the plastic can start to break down and turn yellow. This is often seen in skateboarders who ride in hot weather or leave their boards in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
5. Age
As skateboard wheels age, they will naturally start to discolor. This is due to a combination of the factors we’ve already discussed, such as UV exposure, friction, and chemical exposure. Over time, these factors will cause the wheels to gradually turn yellow.
6. The Urethane Has Degraded
The most common cause of yellowing skateboard wheels is the degradation of urethane. Urethane is a synthetic polymer that’s used in a variety of applications, including as the material for skateboard wheels. It’s incredibly durable and resistant to impact, which is why it’s such a popular choice for skateboards. However, urethane is not immune to degradation over time.
How to Prevent Yellowing Skateboard Wheels?
Yellowing skateboard wheels can be a real eyesore. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening.
First, make sure to clean your wheels regularly. A good way to do this is to wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use. This will help remove any dirt and grime that can build up and cause discoloration.
Second, try to avoid skating in wet conditions as much as possible. Water can speed up the yellowing process and make your wheels look dull and dirty.
Finally, invest in a good quality wheel cleaner and polish. This will help keep your wheels looking shiny and new for longer. Regularly cleaning and polishing your wheels will help to slow down the yellowing process and keep them looking their best.
Follow these simple tips and you can help prevent your skateboard wheels from yellowing. With a little care and upkeep, you can keep them looking like new for years to come.
How do you clean yellow skateboard wheels?
After a long day of skating, your wheels can become quite dirty. And if you don’t clean them regularly, the dirt and grime can build up, making your wheels less effective and causing them to yellow.
So, how do you clean yellow skateboard wheels?
There are a few different methods you can use, but we’ll walk you through the most effective way to get your wheels looking like new again.
First, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need water, dish soap, a scrub brush, and a microfiber cloth.
Next, remove your wheels from your skateboard and place them in a sink or bucket filled with warm water.
Add a squirt of dish soap to the water and use your brush to scrub the wheels clean. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as this is where dirt and grime can really build up.
Once you’ve scrubbed the wheels clean, rinse them off with clean water.
Finally, dry the wheels with your microfiber cloth.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully cleaned your yellow skateboard wheels.
Conclusion
It is interesting to think about all of the different things that can cause skateboard wheels to turn yellow. There are so many variables that it would be difficult to pinpoint one specific reason why this happens. However, by understanding some of the factors involved, we can take steps to try and prevent our wheels from turning yellow. By being mindful of the environment in which we skateboard and the materials used in our wheels, we can help keep them looking clean and new for as long as possible. Have you ever experienced yellowed skateboard wheels? What do you think causes this phenomenon?