Owning a treadmill is a great way to get fit without having to leave your home.
However, if your treadmill isn't properly lubricated, it can quickly become a pain (literally).
In this article, we will discuss how to lubricate a treadmill and why it's necessary.
We'll also provide tips on when you should do it and what kind of lubricant to use.
So, whether you're a new treadmill owner or you've had one for years, read on for all the info you need!
Why You Should Lubricate Your Treadmill
Treadmills are a great way to get a workout in, whether you're looking to improve your cardiovascular health or lose a few pounds.
However, like any piece of exercise equipment, treadmills require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
One important step is to lubricate the belt and deck regularly.
Doing so will help to reduce friction and wear, prolonging the life of your treadmill. Lubricating your treadmill is also important for your safety.
A slippery belt can cause you to lose your footing, leading to an unexpected fall.
By keeping the treadmill well-lubricated, you can help to avoid this potential hazard. So next time you dust off your treadmill, be sure to give it a good coat of lubricant!
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Treadmills Need Lubrication Like Cars Need Oil
As with most things in life, regular maintenance is key to keeping your treadmill in good working order. One of the most important things you can do for your treadmill is to lubricate it regularly.
Moving parts create friction, and friction breaks down the material. There’s no way around it —you need to lubricate your treadmill.
Not only will this prolong the life of your machine, but it will also make it run more smoothly and quietly.
If you don't lubricate your treadmill, you may start to hear some unpleasant squeaking noises coming from the belt. This will undoubtedly lead to more wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your treadmill.
When to Lubricate Your Treadmill
As anyone who has ever used a treadmill knows, it can be a great way to get some exercise.
However, treadmills can also be quite finicky, and if they're not properly maintained, they can quickly break down.
One important aspect of treadmill maintenance is keeping the belt lubricated.
Most treadmill manufacturers recommend lubricating the belt every six months or so, but if you use your treadmill frequently, you may need to lubricate it more often.
You can purchase special treadmill lubricants from most sporting goods stores, or you can use a silicone-based lubricant.
Once you have the lubricant, simply apply it to the underside of the belt and let it dry for a few hours before using the treadmill again.
If you use your machine frequently (several times a week or more), you may need to do this more often.
If you live in a dusty environment, you may also need to lubricate more frequently to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the belt and deck.
However, you should make sure that the treadmill is clean and free of dust and dirt before adding lubricant to it. You can check your treadmill's owner's manual for specific recommendations.
What Type of Lubricant Should You Use?
Treadmills are a great way to stay fit from the comfort of your own home, but they require some basic maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
One important, and often overlooked aspect of owning a treadmill is belt maintenance.
As you now know, this involves lubrication, which helps to reduce friction and wear and can extend the life of your treadmill. When choosing a lubricant, it's important to use one that is designed specifically for treadmills.
You don’t want to use anything that wasn’t designed specifically for treadmills. When it comes to lubricating your treadmill, you'll want to use a quality product.
Some common options include silicone-based and paraffin-based lubricants, which you can find online or from a local sports and fitness equipment provider.
Silicone-based lubricants tend to be more durable and can last longer before needing to be reapplied. However, they can also be more difficult to clean up if they spill.
Paraffin-based lubricants are less durable but are easier to clean up if they spill.
No matter which type of lubricant you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply it sparingly.
You don't want to use too much, as this can cause more damage than good. A little goes a long way when it comes to treadmill belt maintenance, so don't overdo it!
How to Tell When Your Treadmill Needs Lubricant
Over time, your treadmill belt will start to show signs of wear and tear. If you notice that the belt is starting to slip or make noise, it's probably time to lubricate it.
In some cases, you may notice the edges of your treadmill belt are beginning to fray, or that the whole thing just makes more noise than it used to.
It’s important to be mindful of this, as neglecting to lubricate your treadmill can lead to expensive damage —which may not be covered under your warranty.
Lucky for you, most treadmills come with a lubrication kit, which includes a small bottle of lubricant and an applicator.
For best results, apply the lubricant to the underside of the belt, taking care to avoid getting any on the motor or other moving parts.
Once you've applied the lubricant, run the treadmill for a few minutes to distribute it evenly. You should lubricate your treadmill every few months to keep it running smoothly.
An easy way to check if your treadmill needs lubricant is by loosening the belt tensioners until you can slide your hand underneath the belt.
If you see and feel lubrication underneath the belt, you are good to go. But if it feels dry underneath, it's time to add some lubricant.
How to Lubricate Your Treadmill
Keeping your treadmill in tip-top shape requires some basic maintenance, including lubricating the belt.
Most treadmills come with wax or silicone-based lubricant that you can apply to the belt.
You'll need to do this every six months to a year, or more often if you use your treadmill frequently. Here's a step-by-step guide to lubricating your treadmill.
Unplug the Treadmill:
One of the most important things you can do is to regularly lubricate the walking belt.
This helps to reduce friction and prevent the belt from prematurely wearing out.
However, before you lubricate your treadmill, there's one important step you need to take: unplugging it from the power source.
Lubricating the belt while the treadmill is turned on can damage the motor, and be dangerous for you working on it, so it's always best to err on the side of caution and unplug the machine first.
Place a Towel Underneath the Treadmill:
Before you begin lubricating your treadmill belt, it's important to place a towel underneath the machine.
This will help to catch any excess lubricant and prevent it from dripping onto the floor. In addition, the towel will help to protect your floor from scratches.
Lubricating your treadmill belt regularly is essential for maintaining the machine in good working condition.
The lubricant helps to reduce friction between the belt and the deck, which can extend the life of the belt and make it easier for the machine to operate smoothly.
When applying the lubricant, be sure to use a light hand and evenly distribute it across the length of the belt.
The towel is essential, as treadmill lubricant can damage floors and create stains that are nearly impossible to get out of carpets. Once you're finished, wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
Loosen the Belt Tensioners:
Not all treadmills will require you to loosen the belt tensioners.
If you can get your hand underneath the belt without loosening it, you may not need to touch the tensioners at all.
If the edges of your treadmill overlap with the edges of the belts though, you will likely need to loosen it before moving forward.
The belt tensioners can usually be found on either side of the belt, at the end of the treadmill. They may be simple Allen-key/hex-key bolts that you turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
When loosening the belt, it's crucial to turn the screws in precise movements, keeping count of how many turns you make for each, so that you can re-tighten the belt back to where it was once you’re finished lubricating.
Apply a Thin Layer of Lubricant:
Once the belt is loose enough to get your hand and lubricant bottle under, you can proceed to lubricate the treadmill. Simply apply a thin line or two of lubricant to the underside of the belt.
Start on one side and reach across to the middle, applying lubricant as you pull you're out.
Then move to the other side of the treadmill and do the same thing from the opposite side. Lubricating your treadmill belt is an important part of regular maintenance.
A lubricated belt will run more smoothly and quietly, and it will also help to prolong the life of the belt.
Most manufacturers recommend applying a thin layer of lubricant to the underside of the belt once every six months.
When lubricating the belt, be sure to use a treadmill-specific lubricant; other lubricants can damage the belt.
Plug Your Treadmill Back in:
Applying lubricant to your treadmill is an important part of maintaining the machine and keeping it running smoothly.
Once you’ve applied lubricant to the underside of your treadmill, plug it back in and turn it on.
As it runs, you can help spread the lubricant evenly by walking on it from the center and toward the outsides of the belt.
Wipe Up Any Excess Lubricant:
Lubricating your treadmill is an important part of keeping it in good working condition.
However, it’s also important to wipe up any excess lubricant when you’re finished.
Otherwise, dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the treadmill, making it more difficult to clean and potentially damaging the machine.
Clumps of grease mixed with dirt and dust can get into the moving parts of your treadmill and cause extensive damage.
Fortunately, wiping up excess lubricant is easy to do.
Just grab a clean cloth and give the treadmill a once-over, paying special attention to the areas where you applied lubricant. In no time at all, your treadmill will be clean and ready for another workout.
Do You Have to Use a Treadmill-Specific Lubricant?
Yes, you do. Some people may be wondering if they can use the tried-and-true, all-around lubricant, WD-40 on their treadmill.
While WD-40 is commonly used as a lubricant for metal parts, it is not the best choice for use on a treadmill.
Treadmills require a lubricant that will not break down under high temperatures and friction, and WD-40 does not meet this criterion.
In addition, WD-40 can damage the tread belt over time. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using WD-40 on your treadmill.
Instead, opt for a lubricant that is specifically designed for use on treadmills. These products will help to keep your treadmill running smoothly and prevent damage to the belt and other components.
What Happens If I Don’t Lubricate My Treadmill?
Over time, the parts of your treadmill will start to wear down and may eventually break if they are not properly lubricated.
The most common problem is that the belt will start to slip, making it difficult to run at a consistent pace.
In addition, the drive motor may overheat and eventually fail. Without proper lubrication, your treadmill will not be able to operate as efficiently and will require more repairs in the long run.
As a result, it is important to regularly lubricate your treadmill to keep it running smoothly.
Conclusion
Lubricating your treadmill is an important part of regular maintenance.
By lubricating the belt and other moving parts, you can help to extend the life of your treadmill and keep it running smoothly.
Be sure to use a treadmill-specific lubricant to avoid damage to the machine.
When you’re finished applying lubricant, wipe up any excess with a clean cloth. With just a little bit of care, you can keep your treadmill running smoothly for a long time.
