Treadmill maintenance

Keeping your Treadmill in Tip-Top Shape

After purchasing your treadmill, it is very important that you maintain it correctly although it will not require much maintenance. Basically, you just need to dust it and lubricate the belt on occasion.

In order to extend the life of your treadmill, make sure you dust it routinely because dirt is the main cause of early belt failure. It is important that the deck remain dry and free of dirt and debris. Find a place for your treadmill that doesn't gather much dust. You should dust once a week between the belt and deck to ensure longer lasting life of the machine.

The tread belt should be adjusted properly so that it will not slip. Your treadmill should be easily accessible to belt tracking. When you begin to use your treadmill, the belt could stretch a little, which may require tightening. An Allen wrench should be provided with your treadmill so that you can tighten the belt adjustment screws in a clockwise direction. If the tread belt has loosened during the breaking-in period, a one-quarter turn should be sufficient to tighten it. These belt adjustment screws are generally found at the rear of the treadmill. Be sure to refer to the user's manual before making any adjustments because some belts need looser running than others. When belt tracking is adjusted, make sure that it will run at a low speed. For example, you can try it at three miles per hour.

It’s also important that the belt is correctly aligned. The belt tracking adjustments are minor so don’t turn either side more than a quarter turn. If the belt tracking is incorrect, it could result in roller knocking. Although unusual, a knocking could also mean that there is a faulty roller. The reason for the knocking is normally because the belt puts too much force on the roller while moving side to side. When you have the correct tracking, the load on the belt guides is reduced and the front and rear rollers will be parallel. Just make sure to follow the guidelines in the user's manual so that you can keep the belt tracking properly aligned and prevent over-stretching the belt. Make sure to not over-tighten the belt when you are adjusting the alignment.

Select a location for your treadmill where your floor is level. Use a level to ensure that the treadmill will have the proper placement. Mis-tracking of the belt and squeaking noises often occur because the floor is not even. The rear supports of the treadmills usually contain a level adjustment. Level the floor with your treadmill if you are not able to have your treadmill on even grounds.

Make sure that you keep the power cord away from the treadmill and especially away from the incline mechanism. Also keep the belt and deck dry.

Maintaining your Treadmill