Why travellers are taping suitcase wheels before heading to the airport

Travellers seeking to safeguard their luggage from the wear and tear of airports and busy streets have been adopting an unusual method: taping suitcase wheels before heading to the airport. While the practice may initially seem counterproductive, as wheels are designed for smooth movement, it has gained attention due to the wheels' exposure to dirt, dust, moisture, and rough surfaces during travel.

DK Ghatani, a travel consultant, explains that taping suitcase wheels serves as a temporary protective measure against loose dirt, dust, and grime accumulation, particularly when luggage is dragged through wet or dusty areas. However, the protection is limited, as tape cannot prevent significant impact damage or protect the wheel mechanism from moisture and debris.

Improperly applied tape can also interfere with wheel performance and create uneven contact with the ground, reducing the suitcase's smooth rolling. For a safer approach, basic wheel maintenance, including cleaning the wheels before and after travel, is recommended over relying on tape.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Indian Express - Lifestyle's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.