Why experts recommend putting tape over your suitcase wheels before travelling

    A suitcase is one of the most important items we take on our travels. With this experts’ trick, you can avoid problems and unpleasant experiences when setting off on your next journey.

    Applying tape also helps prevent the wheels from losing their grip.
    Applying tape also helps prevent the wheels from losing their grip.

    The weekend or a bank holiday is approaching, and we are finishing off organising the things we want to take with us to switch off from our daily routine. One of the main tools that helps us organise our trip is undoubtedly the suitcase, which accompanies us to that unforgettable destination.

    With the aim of protecting and taking care of this valuable item, there are various recommendations and methods that can also help keep it in better condition. One of these, which has recently gone viral, is using adhesive tape on the wheels. This trick helps reduce the noise made by the wheels.

    By protecting the rolling surface, we can avoid headaches and extend the life of our luggage, preventing unnecessary expenses.

    As well as protecting the material from which the wheels are made, it improves their movement over difficult surfaces. The explanation is that the hard plastic of the wheels creates a loud noise when it comes into contact with various surfaces, such as rough tarmac, paving stones or airport floors.

    Over time, wheels become worn and accumulate dust and dirt.
    Over time, wheels become worn and accumulate dust and dirt.

    Applying tape to the luggage wheels makes them behave like pneumatic rubber, helping to absorb vibrations, almost completely reducing the irritating noise they make when rolling. The tape also helps protect the wheels from wear and tear.

    Virtually eliminates noise and protects the wheels

    This very inexpensive trick extends the life of the wheels, whose wear can be accelerated by constant friction against rough surfaces, the presence of small stones or abrasion when rolling over materials such as tarmac.

    Although you might think that any type of tape could be useful, the answer is that only some types perform the function and adhere properly. The most recommended is the American type, known as “duct tape”.

    Applying tape to the wheels also improves their traction and grip: it provides better grip on certain surfaces, such as smooth or wet floors, preventing the suitcase from skidding or running the risk of veering to one side; this is particularly common in airports, especially when you are in a hurry.

    Avoid problems and unpleasant experiences

    It also helps extend the life of the suitcase while reducing the possibility that one or more wheels could break or come loose during a journey. Also bear in mind that if the tape comes loose or peels away, it is easily fixed by simply applying a new layer of adhesive tape.

    Airport floors are often slippery and suitcases can tend to tip over.
    Airport floors are often slippery and suitcases can tend to tip over.

    Although you might think that any type of tape could be useful, the answer is that only some types perform the function and adhere properly. The most recommended is the American type, known as “duct tape” because of its high strength, resistance to liquids (water) and thickness.

    The most recommended tape options

    Another good alternative is self-fusing silicone tape: it adheres easily to itself, creating a flexible and highly durable rubber-like layer. It also has the advantage of leaving no sticky residue on the wheels.

    It is important to avoid tapes such as masking tape, as it tears with friction and water. Ordinary black electrical tape is not recommended either: it is too thin and tends to come off the wheels when exposed to heat or when the ambient temperature rises.

    Additional general suggestions

    It is advisable to clean the surface of the wheels thoroughly before using this technique, particularly to remove any dust that may have accumulated. A dry cloth is a good option for this; it is important to make sure the tape adheres properly.

    Once the wheels are clean, the tape should be applied to the rolling surface and pressed down firmly to prevent “bubbles or air pockets” from forming. It is very important not to overdo the thickness of the tape layers; if there is too much material, it could become stuck.

    At the end of the journey, check the condition of the wheels: after several days of use, the tape may become covered in dust or simply come loose; it is best to remove it with the help of a little alcohol. Over time, this simple technique can result in financial savings, as replacing one or more wheels can mean an unexpected expense.