Why Are Travellers Taping Their Suitcase Wheels & How You Can Do It Too?

Travel hacks can certainly make trips much easier and smoother. Social media is full of such hacks that can make your journeys easier, but a bizarre trend is going viral these days. Travellers are now taping their suitcase wheels for a very specific reason. Keep reading to know the reason behind the hack and how you can tape your suitcase wheels before your next trip.

Why Are Travellers Taping Their Suitcase Wheels?

Suitcases are our most loyal companions during a journey. They carry all our stuff, roll across dirty roads, bacteria-laden crowded terminals and even wet pavements. And when we check into a hotel, some of us even directly put a suitcase on the bed without caring about the bacteria we may be transferring to a place where we are going to sleep through its wheels. This is why many travellers are choosing to tape their wheels.

But how does this travel hack help? DK Ghatani, Travel Consultant and CEO of Sikkim Expeditions, shared with The Indian Express that putting tape over suitcase wheels is a temporary protective measure. It can significantly help prevent dirt, dust and grime from accumulating on the surface of the wheels. Plus, taping the wheels can also provide a thin barrier against scratches and scuffing, which can slow down the wheels’ wear and tear.

Also Read: What Are Destination Dupes, A Gen Z Travel Hack That Can Help You Plan A Budget-Friendly Trip?

How To Tape Suitcase Wheels?

But this travel hack brings us to our next question. Wheels are generally designed to move freely so that we can easily roll our suitcases. Won’t tape affect their performance and slow us down? According to DK Ghatani, as shared with The Indian Express, improperly applied tape can interfere with wheel performance. If the tape is too thick, loose or extends beyond the wheel surface, then it can affect the balance of the suitcase. Adhesive residue from the tape can also make the wheels harder to rotate.

So, how can you properly tape the suitcase wheels?

• Clean the wheels first and choose a heavy-duty electrical tape or strong vinyl tape.
• Stretch and wrap the tape smoothly around the outer circle of the wheel.
• Do not tape the centre pin or sides where the wheel spins, or it won’t move.
• Cut the tape with scissors and press the end down flat so that it won’t get stuck or catch on anything.
• You can peel the tape off when your trip is over.

Taping your suitcase wheels is not a long-term solution. But it may help protect them from dirt and damage.

Also Read: Spending 100 Days A Year In The Air, Redditor Shares Genius Travel Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

So, tell us, will you be trying this hack on your next journey?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ AKKI JOHN