The Necessity of Treadmill Maintenance
It is more fun using your treadmill to workout, but treadmill maintenance is a necessity if you want it to last. If you purchased a Sole or Smooth model, there is no doubt that you got a great warranty, but even so, it is up to you to perform small maintenance tasks every-so-often. Here are some treadmill maintenance tips.
Cleaning
Dirt and dust can contribute to premature belt and deck wear. It is advised that you clean between the belt and deck once a week, and clean the exposed areas of the deck on each side of the belt. Also wipe down the entire treadmill once a week. You can clean the outside area with a damp sponge or cloth, and vacuum the area around your treadmill.
You should clean the motor area four times per year. Make sure you unplug the treadmill before removing the cover. You can find the instructions on how to do this in your owner’s manual. Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris around the motor.
Belt Alignment
The belts of the treadmill should run directly down the center of the deck. If you notice that the belts are moving from one side to another, it needs to be aligned. If you ignore this problem it can cause major damage to the treadmill, or worse, could cause injury to the user. Refer to the treadmill manual or guide for belt alignment. Most treadmills have adjustment bolts at the rear of the machine, on each side.
Belt Tension
At the factory, belt tension is pre-adjusted, but new belts stretch. If the belt is loose, it will slip and cause premature wear. On the other hand, if the belt is too tight, it will wear the rollers and the motor. You can tighten the belt using the adjustment bolts, but just to be sure, again refer to the manual.
Lubrication
Some treadmills don’t require lubrication, so it is important to follow your owner’s manual. If you lubricate your machine but it’s not needed, you may cause damage.
Console
Current treadmills usually have a computer controlled electronic console. It can be very sensitive to outages or surges. Make sure your treadmill is protected and connected to a grounded AC outlet, and if you are able to, connect your treadmill to its own circuit.
Before you perform any maintenance, it is important to refer to your owner’s manual and warranty. You don’t want to cause unnecessary damage that may void your warranty. Treadmill maintenance is needed to ensure that your workout is safe and fun.
