Many longboarders love the fresh, clean look of white wheels. However, it’s a common sight to see those once-pristine wheels develop an undesirable yellow tint over time. But what causes this change? And more importantly, does it affect your ride?
The primary reason longboard wheels turn yellow is the degradation of urethane due to exposure to sunlight and the absorption of dirt and grime. Let’s dive deeper into the factors that contribute to this yellowing and explore if it truly matters.
The Science Behind Yellowing Wheels
Yellowed longboard wheels compared to new white wheels
It’s a common observation among longboarders that their white wheels eventually start to take on a yellowish hue. While it might be an aesthetic concern for some, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes. The yellowing doesn’t necessarily signal a problem with the wheels themselves, especially if they still roll smoothly.
Urethane Degradation and UV Exposure
The main culprit behind yellowing is the urethane material itself. Urethane, the material most longboard wheels are made of, is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Over time, exposure to these rays causes the urethane to break down and degrade. This degradation process alters the chemical structure of the urethane, causing it to revert to its natural, beige-yellowish color.
It’s interesting to note that urethane in its raw form isn’t actually bright white. Wheel manufacturers often bleach the urethane during production to achieve that desired white look. As the bleaching agent wears off and the urethane degrades, the base color starts to show through.
The Impact of Dirt, Oils, and Grime
Beyond sun exposure, the environment you ride in also plays a role in yellowing. Longboard wheels are constantly rolling over various surfaces, picking up dirt, oils, wax, and other materials. These substances are absorbed into the urethane, leaving an unattractive yellow residue.
Think of it like a sponge absorbing liquids. Over time, the urethane soaks up these materials, causing a change in the color. Unfortunately, there’s no way to entirely prevent this, as long as you’re riding your longboard regularly.
Can You Avoid Yellowing?
Ricta Clouds longboard wheels showing yellowing over time
The short answer is no, you can’t completely prevent your longboard wheels from yellowing. It’s a natural process due to the nature of the urethane and the conditions they are exposed to. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the effects:
- Choose Quality Wheels: Higher-quality wheels, often made with better urethane formulas, tend to resist yellowing better than cheaper options. Investing in quality wheels from reputable brands may prolong the time before yellowing becomes noticeable.
- Consider Colored Wheels: If you’re particularly bothered by yellowing, consider choosing colored wheels instead of white. Black wheels are a popular choice that won’t show yellowing. Wheels in other colors will also hide the yellowing effect.
- Regular Cleaning: While cleaning won’t completely prevent yellowing, it can help remove surface dirt and grime that contribute to the discoloration. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean your wheels regularly. However, be aware that over-cleaning might affect the urethane compound and the wheel’s performance.
- Minimize Sunlight Exposure: Store your longboard indoors or in a shaded area when not in use to reduce prolonged exposure to sunlight. This can slow down the urethane degradation process.
It’s worth noting that, while some skaters are meticulous about cleaning their wheels, many seasoned riders view the yellowing as a natural sign of use and don’t worry about it too much.
Does Yellowing Affect Performance?
The good news is that yellowing of your longboard wheels is primarily an aesthetic issue and does not typically impact the performance or safety of your board. It’s a sign that your wheels are being used and that’s what they’re designed for. While severely degraded urethane may lose some of its performance characteristics, the typical yellowing does not significantly affect your ride.
However, if you’re experiencing a change in the way your board rides, such as reduced grip or increased vibration, it’s more likely due to other factors like worn bearings, flat spots on your wheels, or the urethane material breaking down.
Conclusion
Yellowing longboard wheels are a common and unavoidable result of urethane degradation from sunlight exposure and the absorption of dirt and grime. While you can’t completely stop it from happening, you can slow down the process by choosing quality wheels, keeping them clean and storing your board out of direct sunlight. Ultimately, the yellowing is generally an aesthetic concern rather than a performance issue. Remember that your longboard is meant to be ridden, so don’t let the yellowing of your wheels detract from your enjoyment of the ride.
If you’re looking for the best wheels for your board check out our guide to choosing longboard wheels.
By: LongBoards Guide Editorial Team
