Luggage wheels are essential for being able to easily transport your belongings from one place to another. The problem is that when they break, they can also be one of the most frustrating parts of your luggage. Nothing is worse than having your wheels break right in the middle of the airport.
The wheels of bags are one of their weak points, which makes them prone to breaking. When a suitcase wheel breaks, it’s unusable until it’s fixed, and replacing them is a big hassle. That’s why how to prevent luggage wheels from breaking is such an essential concern for travelers.
Taking proper care of luggage wheels will prevent them from breaking. There are also a few key ways to prevent luggage wheels from breaking. We will explore each of these in more depth below.
How to Prevent Luggage Wheels From Breaking: Precautions
While it’s impossible to completely avoid luggage wheels breaking, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk. By following the tips below, you can help keep your wheels in good condition and reduce the likelihood of them breaking.
1. Invest In High-Quality Luggage
It is crucial to purchase luggage of high quality to ensure the wheels of your luggage do not break. This might seem like an obvious solution, but it’s often overlooked. Cheap luggage is more likely to have weak wheels that are more susceptible to breaking.
If you’re looking for high-quality luggage, be sure to check the reviews before you buy. And, if you can, try to find a suitcase with a warranty. That way, in case something goes wrong, you’ll be covered. This is especially important for travelers who are frequently on the go.
2. Avoid Overpacking Your Suitcase
Preventing your suitcase wheels from breaking can also be achieved by not overpacking them. Packing everything but the kitchen sink into your suitcase might be tempting, but this will put unnecessary strain on the wheels. This can cause them to snap off or become damaged beyond repair.
Instead, try to pack light. Only bring the items that you actually need. And, if possible, distribute the weight evenly throughout the suitcase. This will take some of the pressure off of the wheels and help to prevent them from breaking.
3. Use a Wheel Cover
If you’re worried about your luggage wheels breaking, you can use a wheel cover. This is a small piece of fabric or plastic that goes over the wheels. It’s designed to protect them from getting scuffed or damaged. Wheel covers are especially helpful if you’re traveling on an airplane.
They can prevent your luggage from getting damaged during the baggage handling process. And they’re relatively inexpensive, so they’re a great way to safeguard your investment. You’ll also avoid losing your wheels if they break with the cover.
4. Store Your Luggage Properly
When you’re not using your luggage, it’s essential to store it properly. Don’t just leave it out in the open, where it can be bumped or knocked around. This can damage the wheels and make them more likely to break.
Instead, try to store your suitcase in a closet or on a high shelf. And, if possible, put it in a dust cover to keep it clean and protected. Also, be sure to empty your suitcase after each trip. This will prevent damage to or jamming of the wheels.
5. Check the Wheels Regularly
Keep your luggage wheels in good condition by checking them regularly. Take a close look at the wheels and make sure that they’re not cracked or damaged in any way. If you notice any problems, take action right away to fix them.
It’s also a good idea to lubricate the wheels on a regular basis. This will help to keep them rolling smoothly and prevent them from becoming damaged. Plus, it’s a good way to extend the life of your luggage wheels.
6. Be Careful When You’re Rolling Your Suitcase
Another common cause of broken luggage wheels is being too rough with them while transporting your suitcase. Be careful not to hit any curb or bumps too hard when rolling your bag. When possible, avoid dragging your suitcase on the ground.
If you’re careful with your luggage, you can help to prevent the wheels from becoming damaged or broken. This is especially important if you’re traveling with expensive or fragile items.
What Causes Luggage Wheels Break Faster?
Luggage wheels are often one of the first things to break on a piece of luggage, leaving travelers struggling to carry their bags. There are a few reasons why luggage wheels are so prone to breaking.
Listed below are ten common causes of luggage wheels breaking:
1. Improper Packing: Overloading your luggage or packing it improperly can put too much strain on the wheels and cause them to snap off. Be sure to evenly distribute the weight of your belongings in your luggage and avoid overpacking.
2. Rough Handling: Baggage handlers at the airport often throw luggage. This can cause the wheels to come loose or snap off completely. Besides, we tend to be less careful with our luggage when traveling, so the wheels get damaged.
3. Poor Quality: Some luggage wheels are simply made with poor-quality materials that are more prone to breaking. If you’re concerned about the quality of your luggage, be sure to do some research before you make a purchase.
4. Falling Down: If you drop your luggage or it falls off a baggage carousel, the impact can cause the wheels to break. It is important to choose well-designed and sturdy luggage to avoid this problem.
5. Worn Out: Over time, even the best quality luggage will start to wear down. This is especially true for the wheels, which can become cracked or damaged from all the use. To prolong your luggage’s life, ensure you inspect the wheels regularly and replace them when necessary.
6. Sortation System: If your luggage goes through an automated baggage system, it can be hit by heavy metal bars or other luggage, causing the wheels to break. This is more common with cheaper luggage that is not as durable. Wheels can suffer severe damage and even break as a result.
7. Poor Weather Conditions: Extreme cold or heat can cause the materials in your luggage to contract or expand, which can put stress that could break them. If you’re traveling in extreme weather conditions, purchase luggage that can withstand extreme weather.
8. Curbs and Steps: When maneuvering your luggage, it’s easy to catch a wheel on a curb or step. This can cause the wheel to become damaged or snap off. Whenever you handle your luggage, be mindful of steps and curbs so that you do not cause this.
9. Animal Attacks: If you’re traveling with pets, they may try to attack your luggage in an attempt to get to the food inside. There is a risk of the wheels breaking or becoming damaged because of this. Choose luggage that is resistant to pets to avoid this problem.
10. Poorly Constructed Roads: If you’re traveling in an area with poorly constructed roads, the bumps and potholes can stress and break the wheels. It is crucial to choose luggage that is designed to withstand rough travel conditions.
So now that we know, some of the reasons why luggage wheels break, let’s explore how to prevent it.
How Do You Replace a Broken Luggage Wheel?
If you’re unlucky enough to break a wheel on your luggage, don’t worry – it’s not the end of the world. Replacing a broken luggage wheel is a relatively easy repair that can be completed in just a few minutes.
It is first necessary to remove the old wheel. This can be done by unscrewing the axle nut with a wrench or pliers. It is simply a matter of pulling the wheel off the axle after removing the nut. After removing the bearing, you should reassemble the axle by pressing it back into place.
The new wheel should then be attached to the axle. You can use a standard nut if your wheel doesn’t come with a nut. Once the new wheel is in place, tighten the nut until it is snug. Don’t over-tighten the wheel, as this could damage it or make it difficult to turn.
How to Stop Suitcase Wheels From Squeaking?
One common problem with suitcase wheels is that they can start to squeak. This can be incredibly annoying, especially if you’re trying to travel quietly. If the wheels on your luggage are beginning to squeak, don’t worry – there are a few easy ways to fix the problem.
It is crucial to identify the source of the noise in the first instance. The noise may be coming from the wheels themselves, there are a few possible causes. As a first possibility, the wheels may be dry and need lubrication. Another possibility is that trash has become caught in the wheel bearings.
A little lubrication is usually all that is needed. If the wheels are particularly dirty, they may need to be cleaned before any lubricant is applied. For example, you try lubricating them with a small amount of WD-40 or petroleum jelly.
A bar of soap can also be rubbed on the wheels this will help to lubricate them and should stop the squeaking. If the wheels are still squeaking after they’re clean, it may be a good idea to tighten any loose screws that may be present. Your luggage will roll smoothly if you put in a little effort.
How Do You Reinforce Luggage Wheels?
If your suitcase wheels are starting to show wear, it’s necessary to take steps to reinforce them. Otherwise, you may end up with a broken wheel, which can be both inconvenient and dangerous.
A rubber or plastic wheel cover is one of the simplest ways to reinforce your luggage wheels. These covers fit snugly over the existing wheels, providing an extra layer of protection. Clear packing tape can also be used to secure the wheels. This will help to prevent them from coming loose and falling off.
The wheels can also be bonded to the luggage with strong adhesive. This method is more permanent, but it will also make it more difficult to replace the wheels if they eventually wear out. You can quickly reinforce your luggage wheels and keep them in good condition for a long time with a little bit of effort.
Do Airlines Compensate for Damaged Luggage Wheels?
Travelers are often concerned about what will happen if their luggage is damaged during a flight. While it is true that airlines are required to compensate passengers for any damages to their bags, the extent of this compensation can vary depending on the airline and the nature of the damage.
In most cases, if a bag is lost or delayed, the airline will reimburse the passenger for the cost of the bag and its contents. The airline may only be liable for repair or replacement costs if a backpack is damaged.
This means that if your luggage wheels are damaged in transit, you may only be able to get them repaired or replaced by the airline rather than receive a full refund. You must follow the airline’s claim procedure for damaged luggage wheels.
You will need to provide evidence of the damage, like photos or a repair estimate. After your claim has been approved, you should receive compensation for the costs associated with repairing or replacing your luggage wheels. Ensure you are familiar with your airline’s policy regarding damaged luggage before traveling.
Do Spinner Luggage Wheels Break Easily?
It’s a common question among travelers, and there’s no easy answer. While spinner luggage wheels are more susceptible to breakage than traditional ones, several factors can affect their durability. For example, the quality of the material and the way the luggage is used can both play a role in how long the wheels last.
With proper care, spinner luggage wheels can provide years of trouble-free use. When used on uneven surfaces or subjected to rough treatment, they may not last as long. So, if you’re planning to use your luggage on rougher terrain, it’s a good idea to choose a bag with durable wheels.
Is It Necessary to Protect Luggage Wheels from Damage?
If you want to keep your luggage wheels safe, you should always take steps to protect them. As mentioned above, damage can occur more easily than you might think, and it can be inconvenient and expensive to repair or replace.
When you avoid damage to your luggage wheels in the first place, your journey will be much smoother. As a bonus, protecting your luggage will help it last longer, saving you money over time.
Now that you know how to prevent luggage wheels from breaking, you can keep your suitcase rolling smoothly for many miles to come. You can keep your luggage in top condition with a little effort and enjoy worry-free travel.