Nothing can rival the sense of safety and ease of having your treadmill.
It might not be the most thrilling way to get your workout in, but there is a comforting thought in knowing you have a dependable, sheltered space to run, whether it is day or night.
Of course, this assumes your treadmill is functioning correctly.
There is hardly anything more disheartening than hopping onto your treadmill only to find it is not running smoothly or, even worse, not working.
A treadmill requires consistent upkeep to ensure it functions optimally and lasts as long as possible. One of the simplest tasks you can perform is lubricating the treadmill belt. Let’s delve into all the essential details of how to do this.
Why You Should Lubricate Your Treadmill Belt
Lubricating your treadmill belt is a must-do task to extend your treadmill’s life.
Always check your owner’s manual if you need clarification on the proper lubrication for your treadmill. However, most treadmill lubes are water-based silicone. Avoid using petroleum-based products like WD-40.
Applying treadmill lubricant reduces friction between the belt and the walking deck. Neglecting this can lead to damage and premature wear of the belt and deck, causing significant problems for your treadmill.
Skipping maintenance puts extra stress on your treadmill and can impact its performance. So, keep that lubrication routine going for a smoother treadmill experience.
Knowing When to Lubricate Your Treadmill Belt
Determining when to oil your treadmill belt relies on the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually spanning 25 to 180 hours of usage. Your specific model’s manual provides the ideal frequency.
Applying less lubricant is advised more often rather than dousing it infrequently.
Lift the belt’s edges and sense the area between it and the deck to check if it is time for oiling. It should feel slippery from the lubricant beneath.
If it is not slick, it is time for lubrication. Do not just check the edges; focus on the centre too. Heat can make lubrication evaporate faster in high-use zones, leaving dry spots. Keep your treadmill running smoothly.
Things to Know About Lubricating a Treadmill
- Inadequate lubrication spells trouble for your treadmill, leading to belt, motor, and roller damage.
- To ensure a smooth treadmill experience, use dedicated treadmill lubricant – to avoid substitutes like WD-40, which can harm some materials.
- Proper lubrication allows the belt to glide effortlessly over the rollers, reducing friction.
Remember, the proper lubricant is the key!
How To Lubricate Your Treadmill Belt
- Begin by powering down and unplugging your treadmill. Safety first.
- Now, reach beneath the belt and search for any residue or debris. You might have to loosen the belt for better access.
- Take a cloth and ensure the area beneath the treadmill belt is spotless before proceeding.
- Next, get your lubricant ready. Start on one side, approximately a foot away from the housing, and apply the lubricant under the belt, covering about a quarter of the belt’s width from that side. Apply it in a graceful “S” or zig-zag pattern towards the deck’s end.
- Repeat the process on the opposite side, using roughly half a bottle of lubricant.
- Once the lubricant is evenly spread under the belt, re-tighten it if you have loosened it, and plug your treadmill back in.
- Please switch it on and set it to around three mph for approximately 5 minutes. This will help the lubricant distribute evenly.
Customer suggestion
Begin by drawing 15 millilitres of lubricant into an oral syringe. Now, set the treadmill’s belt in motion at a gentle 0.5 mph.
Carefully slide the syringe beneath one side of the moving belt, ensuring you do not touch the belt with your fingers.
Gently release the 15 millilitres of lubricant beneath the rotating belt. Repeat this process on the other side of the belt so that a total of 30 millilitres, or 1 ounce, of lubricant, has been evenly distributed.
It is worth noting that some oral syringes designed for children hold only 10 millilitres, so you will need to apply 1 ½ syringe-fulls to each side of the belt.
What Can I Use To Lubricate My Treadmill Belt
You should always use a specific lubricant made for treadmills, never something like WD-40 or any oil. Using the wrong lubricant can harm your treadmill’s belt.
Many treadmill makers recommend using 100% silicone, which you can find as a spray or liquid. Some brands even include a bottle of it when you buy their treadmills. Many brands also have their lubricants available.
There is a common misunderstanding that Teflon is suitable for lubricating treadmill belts. Teflon is not entirely silicone, so better choices for your treadmill’s belt might exist.
When in doubt, it is a good idea to check your treadmill’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
Easier With An Applicator
Optimal treadmill lubricants are 100% silicone and available in various container types. Select a tube with an extended or specialised nozzle to easily slide beneath the belt.
If your belt is appropriately tensioned, you can raise it by about 3 inches and insert the tube nozzle.
This significantly simplifies the task compared to loosening or removing the belt to access the bare deck directly.
Regular lubrication is vital, ideally every 40 hours or three months. Neglecting this can lead to the belt drying out and becoming brittle, eventually breaking down.
Can I Use Any Lubricant For My Treadmill
Is any old lubricant suitable for your treadmill’s belt? In short, no. Avoid products like WD-40; they could harm your equipment.
Most manufacturers include lubricant with your purchase and sell it separately on their website. If you wish to explore other options, consider a 100% silicone lubricant.
Always consult your owner’s manual beforehand to ensure you choose the right product.
In simpler terms, you cannot use just any lubricant on your treadmill. Stick to what the manufacturer recommends to avoid damage.
They usually provide the proper lubricant or sell it separately. If you want an alternative, go for 100% silicone lubricant, but always check your owner’s manual first.
FAQs
Conclusion
To maintain your fitness equipment, whether it is free weights or high-end machines like treadmills, proper care is crucial for their durability.
Keeping the belt clean and well-lubricated for treadmills is critical to extending its life, along with the rollers and motor. As time passes, the lubricant naturally dries up.
Neglecting this can lead to significant damage, potentially forcing you to invest in a new treadmill earlier than expected.
Lubricating your treadmill is a simple and cost-effective process, taking about 10 minutes, especially once you get the hang of it.
Regularly check the belt’s condition, wipe it down after each use, and follow these steps every three months to ensure your home gym’s treadmill lasts for years.
