Skateboard wheels turn yellow due to the chemical breakdown of the polyurethane material. This process is accelerated by exposure to sunlight and uv rays.
Skateboard wheels are one of the most important pieces of equipment in a skater’s arsenal. They provide the necessary grip and speed to perform tricks while also enduring countless hours of wear and tear. However, over time, skateboard wheels can turn yellow, which is a common occurrence. This happens due to the breakdown of the polyurethane material that skateboard wheels are made of. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the yellowing of skateboard wheels, how to prevent it, and whether it affects the performance of the wheels. So, let’s dive in and explore the science behind this phenomenon.
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The Science Behind Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but over time they tend to develop a yellowish tint. It’s not uncommon to see die-hard skateboarders with their beloved yellowed wheels. It’s not just a visual change, but it also affects the performance of the skateboard.
Why do skateboard wheels turn yellow? Let’s explore the science behind skateboard wheels.
The Composition Of Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane and come in various durometer levels. Durometer measures the hardness of the wheel. A softer wheel has a lower durometer reading and is better suited for rough surfaces while a harder wheel has a higher durometer and performs better on smooth surfaces.
The Science Behind Yellowing
Skateboard wheels turn yellow due to a chemical reaction known as oxidation. The process occurs when the polyurethane is exposed to uv light or sunlight. The uv rays break down the chemical bonds in the polyurethane, causing it to break down and release free radicals.
The free radicals react with the air and form the yellow color.
Factors That Contribute To Yellowing
Several factors contribute to the quick or slow yellowing of skateboard wheels. It’s essential to keep these factors in mind if you want to prevent yellowing.
- Uv exposure: the more the skateboard wheels are exposed to uv light or sunlight, the quicker they turn yellow.
- Temperature: heat can also speed up the yellowing process.
- Humidity: high humidity rates can slow down the yellowing process as it slows down the oxidation process.
- Quality of polyurethane: the quality of polyurethane used in making the wheels also plays an essential role in the yellowing process.
The Effects Of Yellowing On Skateboard Wheels
Yellowing may look like a mere visual change, but it has both positive and negative impacts on the skateboard’s performance.
- Positive: with time, yellowed wheels become grippy, making them better suited for tricks such as slides and grinds.
- Negative: the yellowing causes the polyurethane to lose its elasticity, making it harder and impacting its shock-absorbing qualities. It makes the skateboard less smooth, and it starts getting vibrations, which make adherence to the ground more difficult.
Yellowing is a natural part of the oxidation process that skateboard wheels undergo. It’s essential to keep in mind the factors that influence yellowing, such as uv exposure, temperature, humidity and quality of polyurethane. Although yellowed wheels may have some positive effects, such as increased grip, their negative effects, such as a decrease in shock-absorbency and smoothness, cannot be ignored.
Reasons Why Skateboard Wheels Turn Yellow
Skateboard wheels can be an extension of one’s own personality, with their vivid colors and unique designs. However, one common issue skateboard enthusiasts face is the discoloration of their skateboard wheels. Skateboard wheels can turn yellow over time, which can be caused by multiple factors.
Exposure To Uv Light
One of the most common reasons why skateboard wheels turn yellow is because of exposure to sunlight. Uv rays from the sun can cause polyurethane to break down, resulting in a yellowish tint. If you regularly leave your skateboard out in the sun or ride in bright daylight, it’s more likely that your wheels will turn yellow quicker.
- Uv light causes the chemical structure of polyurethane to break down and oxidize, leading to a discoloration.
- It’s better to store your skateboard in a cool, dark place to protect it from uv rays when not in use.
Chemical Reactions
Skateboard wheels can also turn yellow due to chemical reactions. For instance, if you ride your skateboard on a rough surface, tiny particles of dust, dirt, and sand can get on the wheels. These particles can react with polyurethane and gradually cause the wheels to turn yellow.
- Cracks or abrasions on the surface of polyurethane wheels can trap dirt and dust, which can cause a chemical reaction leading to discoloration.
- Constant exposure to moisture can also cause wheels to turn yellow due to chemical reactions.
Heat Exposure
Skateboard wheels can also turn yellow due to exposure to heat. When polyurethane is exposed to high temperatures, it can oxidize and cause the wheels to discolor.
- Exposure to heat from the sun or friction produced while riding can cause discoloration.
- To prevent discoloration from heat, try avoiding long rides on hot days and keeping your skateboard out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Skateboarding can be a thrilling experience, but to keep your skateboard looking its best, it’s essential to understand why skateboard wheels turn yellow. Remember to take care of your skateboard by storing it in a cool, dry place, wiping it down after use and avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight.
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Preventing Skateboard Wheels From Turning Yellow
Skateboard wheels come in various colors, but over time, most wheels start to turn yellow. Yellowing occurs due to factors such as uv exposure and dirt buildup. This process is natural and does not affect the performance of the skateboard.
However, if you’re bothered by the appearance of yellowed wheels, here are some tips for preventing and treating yellowed skateboard wheels.
Store Your Skateboard Properly
One of the leading causes of yellowing is sunlight exposure. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, consider storing your skateboard indoors or in a shaded area. This will reduce the skateboard’s exposure to uv light and prevent the wheels from turning yellow.
Clean Your Skateboard Wheels Regularly
Dirt buildup can also lead to yellowing. Therefore, it’s essential to clean your skateboard wheels regularly. Use a cloth or brush to remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that may have accumulated on the wheels. You can do this by taking the wheels off the skateboard and using soap and water to clean them.
Alternatively, use a specialized wheel cleaner to remove stubborn dirt.
Here are some tips for cleaning skateboard wheels:
- Remove the wheels from the board before cleaning
- Use a microfiber cloth or brush to gently clean the wheels
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the wheels
- Rinse thoroughly with water and let the wheels dry completely before reattaching them to the board.
Replace Your Wheels
If your skateboard wheels have already turned yellow, and you’re not satisfied with their appearance, it might be time to replace them. New wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also improve the skateboard’s performance. Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, durometer, and shapes.
Therefore, choose the right wheels according to your riding style, weight, and surface conditions.
Preventing skateboard wheels from turning yellow involves storing them properly and cleaning them regularly. However, if the yellowing is already present, replacing the wheels is the best option. Remember, maintaining your skateboard’s wheels will not only keep them looking good but also ensure that they perform at their best.
Conclusion
After reading this article, we can conclude that the yellowing of skateboard wheels is due to the natural process of oxidation and uv ray exposure. Choosing wheels made of higher-quality materials, such as urethane, can help delay the yellowing process.
Moreover, keeping your skateboard out of direct sunlight and regularly cleaning your wheels can also prevent yellowing. While yellowing does not necessarily indicate a decrease in performance, it can have an impact on the aesthetic appeal of your skateboard. Therefore, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to prolong the life of your skateboard wheels.
Overall, understanding why skateboard wheels turn yellow can help riders better care for their equipment and maintain its appearance for longer, allowing for a more enjoyable and stylish skateboarding experience.
