How long do skateboard trucks last? (Tips for longevity)

If you’re a skateboarder, you know that having durable and reliable trucks is essential to hitting the streets or the local skatepark.

But how long do skateboard trucks last? Are they built to survive one heavy session or can you get multi-year use out of them?

In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about how long you should expect your skateboard trucks to last, as well as provide tips for taking care of your set so that it provides maximum performance and longevity.

So, strap in and stay tuned – we’re going to dive into all things truck related!

Quick Info: Basically, if you look after your trucks and use quality components, you can expect them to last anywhere between 2 years and 4 years. Heavy riders may need to replace their trucks more often due to wear on the parts or simply because they need better performance.

Skateboard trucks and their importance:

To start, let’s take a step back and discuss what skateboard trucks are and the important role they play in skating.

Skateboard trucks are the mechanisms that connect your board to the wheels. The typical setup includes two metal “trucks” with a series of axles, bushings, and king pins that attach to the baseplate of your board.

Together, these components allow you to turn and maneuver your board, which is a crucial part of any skateboarding trick or line.

Without quality trucks, you won’t be able to turn sharply or take control of your speed when skating downhill. So, it’s important to choose quality parts if you want to maximize your performance.

Different types of skateboard trucks and their features:

Skateboard trucks are an essential part of the skateboarding experience, but most people don’t realize just how much variety there is in the types and features available.

From traditional to modern designs, there is something for everyone.

Take a look at the different types of skateboard trucks and their features to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a new setup.

Standard Trucks

The standard truck is the most common type of skateboard truck on the market.

These trucks come in a range of sizes from 6” to 8.5” and feature a baseplate made from aluminum or steel.

The hanger is typically made from forged steel, with bushings that provide cushioning between the hanger and axle.

Standard trucks are suitable for all types of riding styles, from street skating to downhill racing. They also offer great stability due to their large weight capacity and wide wheelbase options.

Reverse Kingpin Trucks (RKP)

Reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks are another popular option for skateboarders who prefer more maneuverability while they ride.

These trucks have smaller baseplates than standard models and feature a reversed kingpin design that allows for greater turning angles compared to traditional models.

RKP trucks tend to be lighter than standard models and are better suited for technical tricks, like kickflips or manuals, as well as for carving up hillsides.

They also come in various sizes ranging from 5” to -9” so you can pick one that best suits your style of riding.

Suspension Trucks

Suspension trucks are designed with shock absorbent technology built into them that helps reduce vibration when riding over rough terrain or surfaces such as wood or concrete ramps.

The baseplate is usually made out of aluminum or steel and features an adjustable spring system that provides added cushioning while riding over rugged terrain.

Suspension trucks offer greater control while carving down hillsides, making them ideal for those who prefer downhill longboarding.

They also come in various sizes however they tend to be slightly heavier than other types of skateboard trucks due to additional suspension components.

Factors that influence skateboard truck:

Skater weight: A skater’s weight can affect the wear and tear on the trucks. Heavier skaters put more stress on their trucks, which can cause them to wear out more quickly.

Skating style: The type of skating a person does can also affect the lifespan of their trucks. For example, skaters who primarily do street skating may experience more wear and tear on their trucks than those who primarily do ramp skating.

Frequency of use: The more frequently a person uses their skateboard, the more wear and tear their trucks will experience. Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of the trucks.

Terrain: Skating on rough terrain can also impact the lifespan of skateboard trucks. Grinding on rough surfaces or hitting large cracks or bumps can cause damage to the trucks.

Quality of trucks: The quality of the trucks themselves can also influence their lifespan. Higher quality trucks made from stronger materials may last longer than lower quality trucks.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as tightening bolts and lubricating moving parts, can help extend the lifespan of skateboard trucks. Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature wear and tear on the trucks.

Tips for maintaining skateboard trucks for longer life expectancy:

To ensure that you can keep doing it for a long time, it’s important to take good care of your skateboard trucks. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Keep the axles clean –

The axles of your trucks should be cleaned regularly with a rag or brush, as dirt or debris can accumulate over time, leading to rust and corrosion.

This is especially important if you live in an area with salty air near the ocean since this can cause oxidation faster.

Keeping them clean will also help make sure they spin more smoothly and efficiently when using your board. 

Check for loose nuts and bolts –

You should check all nuts and bolts on your trucks every few months to make sure none have become loose over time due to wear and tear from skating.

If any have become loose, tighten them back up with either a wrench or Allen key depending on what type of nut/bolt you have.

It’s important not to overtighten as this could damage threads or even break parts off completely.

Inspect bushings –

Bushings are small rubber rings that sit between the baseplate and hanger on each truck to create resistance when turning your board side-to-side while skating.

Over time these will wear out so it’s important to inspect them periodically for signs of cracking or tears which indicate they need replacing soon before they completely break down.

Replacing worn out bushings will help keep your trucks working properly for longer periods of time without having any issues while riding.

Lubricate kingpins –

Kingpins are metal pins that connect the baseplate and hanger together on each truck, helping create a smoother ride by allowing less friction between parts when turning side-to-side during skateboarding maneuvers like carving or grinding rails etc.

To keep them in good condition it’s best practice to lubricate them every few months with either oil or grease depending on what type of kingpin you have installed on your trucks (check manufacturer instructions).

Doing this helps minimize wear & tear from constant use which keeps your board running smoother for longer periods without any problems.

Grease pivot cups –

Pivot cups are small plastic cups located within each truck at both ends of the hanger which help provide cushioning when turning side-to-side while skating by absorbing some shock from impacts with obstacles like curbs etc.

Over time these will wear out so it’s wise to inspect them periodically for cracks/tears/wear & tear which indicate they need replacing soon before they completely break down as well as applying some grease occasionally (check manufacturer instructions) which helps extend their life expectancy even further.

How long do skateboard trucks last?

As I talked earlier for skateboard enthusiasts, the durability of their gear is a crucial factor to consider.

Skateboard trucks, which serve as the support system for the board and play a significant role in maneuvering, have varying life spans depending on use and maintenance.

On average, a well-maintained skateboard truck can last between 2 to 4 years.

Factors affecting this life span include frequency of use, intensity of tricks and stunts, and quality of materials that the trucks are made of.

Making sure to regularly clean and lubricate moving parts, adjusting pressure points, and inspecting for wear and tear are ways to prolong the longevity of your trucks.

Final Thoughts

After taking a look at the overall question of how long do skateboard trucks last, we can safely conclude that the answer to this depends on several factors.

From type of material and terrain used, to how often a board is ridden, each of these aspects will influence its longevity.

That said, a well-maintained board that experiences fewer harsh elements should theoretically last longer than one that gets severe wear due to extreme stunts or hard landings.

New technologies such as forged aluminum trucks or composites like carbon fiber also increase overall durability.

Therefore, no skateboard truck has an exact lifespan, but with proper care and maintenance any rider should be able to make them last for more than one season of jumps, grinds, slides and tricks.