How Long Should A Treadmill Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to what the manufacturers say, the average life of a treadmill is about

10 years

. However, if you take care of your treadmill properly and lubricate the belt regularly, you can make it last longer. Nevertheless, some of the parts might still fail, and it does not mean that you need a new machine.

Is a treadmill worth fixing?

Maintenance services ensure that treadmills continue to run smoothly and quietly.

If they do break, fixing them is relatively affordable

(compared with replacing a treadmill). The cost of maintenance and repair is generally low, depending on the number and type of parts need that to be replaced.

Can treadmills wear out?

Whether you have purchased a great treadmills for home or a lesser quality model,

the belt will eventually wear out

. You should check your belt for signs of wear at least once every three months. To check for wear, run your hand along the belt’s underside.

How do you tell if a treadmill is worn out?

Run your hand along the underside and top to check for signs of excessive wear. This may come in the form of

discoloration or extreme smoothness

. Discoloration for most treadmill belts will seem dark, almost black. And if some areas are too smooth, then it may be a sign that you need a treadmill belt replacement.

How often do treadmills need maintenance?

Under normal use, you should lubricate the device

every three months, or every 130 miles

. If you use your treadmill more intensely, check more often to determine if maintenance is necessary. Don’t wait until you hear squeaking or some other sound that would indicate unwanted friction.

What happens if you don’t lubricate a treadmill?

If you don’t lubricate your treadmill,

you risk your treadmill getting damaged

. For example, you could wear out your belt, deck and drive motor. Skipping the lubrication will put more stress on your treadmill and interfere with its performance.

How long does a treadmill belt last?

How long should my belt last? Generally,

a 1-ply running belt will last 300-500 hours

of use depending on the way it is maintained. This is approximately 3-5 years for the average user. A 2-ply belt will last much longer 5-10 years.

How do I know if my treadmill motor is bad?

Why treadmill stops suddenly?

Treadmills require lubrication to limit the amount of friction between the platform and belt.

When the friction increases to a certain point, the machine is automatically set to power off

. This may be the cause for the machine to stop working suddenly. Try lubricating the belt.

How do I maintain my treadmill at home?

  1. #1 Set Your Treadmill On A Level Surface. …
  2. #2 Wipe Down Machine (After Each Use) …
  3. #3 Clean Under Belt (Monthly) …
  4. #4 Clean Around Motor (Monthly) …
  5. #5 Lubricate Belt (As Needed) …
  6. #6 Tighten Belt (As Needed) …
  7. #7 Adjust Belt (As Needed) …
  8. #8 Replace Belt (As Needed)

Can I replace my treadmill belt?

You might find the treadmill belt worn out in less than a year, which would lead you to consider if you could replace it. And, luckily,

you can and should replace the treadmill belt

.

What does a slipping treadmill belt feel like?

Can you flip a treadmill deck?

Little bit of good news- most treadmill decks come with two useable surfaces so

you can flip the deck over

and reinstall it with the new walking belt.

Why does my treadmill feel bumpy?

A group of people are walking on a treadmill. If your treadmill is plagued by a jerking or slipping motion, you likely have either

too much loose tread or your running belt is not properly centered

. When either of these things occur, the belt will feel choppy and unbalanced.

Should I unplug my treadmill when not in use?

Plus, more good operating and safety tips

The short answer to this without going into a lot of detail about electricity and how it’s used by a treadmill is

ALWAYS unplug your treadmill after each use

.

Why does my treadmill stop after 20 minutes?

If your machine stops after 20 minutes,

it could be due to an automatic shutdown feature programmed for most treadmills

. If you run it excessively, the motor tends to heat up, causing a fire outbreak. The shutdown feature acts as a safety barrier to protect your treadmill from such risks.

Why is there black dust behind my treadmill?

Some black dust is normal as long as your machine is working normally.

When your machine is new, its belt may shed some harmless dust during use

. If you have worn new shoes while using the treadmill, the black dust may also include bits of rubber from the soles of your shoes, which erode slightly as you exercise.

How do I know if my treadmill belt is tight?

On the side of the machine, lift up the walking belt as far as you can from the middle of the deck. It should lift up three or four inches. If it lifts up higher than this, it’s too loose.

If it doesn’t reach three inches

, it’s too tight.

How much does it cost to replace a treadmill motor?

Authentic treadmill motors can cost anywhere from $200 to $300, which is not inclusive of the repair fee. Expect to spend

$500 or more

on a new motor and replacement costs. Treadmill belts might be easier to install, but do not attempt to replace the motor if you have no experience in this field.

What is the best lubricant for treadmills?

Most fitness equipment manufacturers recommend using

100 percent silicone

to lubricate the walking belt on a treadmill. Silicone is available in a spray and a liquid.

Can I use wd40 to lubricate my treadmill?

Answer: Treadmills require a 100% silicone and this product is mixture. Using the wrong type of oil or lubricant on your treadmill may cause serious damage to the belt, motor and other moving parts.

Avoid using household oils and lubricants such as WD-40, silicone spray or oil to lubricate your treadmill

.

Should I oil my treadmill belt?

Proper belt lubrication will help keep you treadmill in optimum condition and reduce needed repairs over time. We recommend you lubricate your treadmill

once every three month

using one ounce of lube per each application.

What does a bad treadmill motor sound like?

If you hear a treadmill belt noise, make sure it is properly adjusted; loose or tight treadmill belts can cause the machine to malfunction. A misaligned belt can create

squeaking, screeching and whining noises

— and a treadmill belt squeal during your workout can catch you off guard.

Can you be too heavy for a treadmill?

Many factors go into the true weight bearing capacity of a treadmill.

Lower-end treadmills generally specify a weight limit between 200 and 300 lbs

. Higher-end models generally provide a more forgiving weight limit between 300 and 500 lbs.

Can a treadmill motor be repaired?

Treadmill motors usually have a plastic fan, which may get broken. That is easy to replace,

it is usually fixed in its place by a Seeger ring, or just snap-fit

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.