Just like any other machine, the treadmill needs regular maintenance. When it gets broken, the most common repair is the treadmill belt replacement. But the degree of damage may vary for home and commercial use.

Home treadmills used daily have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years. For serious runners, the treadmill’s life is shorter. So if you hope to make your treadmill’s lifespan a little longer, it is important to maintain it properly.

Basic maintenance tips:

- Lubricate your treadmill at least once every year. This is if its usage is only minimal, say 3 to 5 times a week and you’re only using it for walking and jogging.

- Your treadmills should be lubricated more often if you are a serious runner. Depending on the nature of your speed, distance, and inclination, the average maintenance should be every 6 months.

- Only the appropriate lubricant must be used. Every treadmill’s manufacturer has a specific lubricant. However, there are also those that don’t need any lubrication. Make sure to use the correct one or else, contact your dealer.

- Read the user’s manual. This is very important. Proper maintenance and treadmill belt replacement procedure is found in the treadmill’s manual for you to use. Take time to read it and understand.

Proper maintenance of your treadmill equipment has a lot of advantages. In fact, maintenance is always an advantage as it prevents damages from happening soon. If ignored, you will find that a treadmill belt replacement can be very expensive.

Can you tell if your equipment is in top shape? Before a repair or a replacement or parts like the belt is decided, inspection is conducted. Below are some of the common and obvious things done in troubleshooting a treadmill.

- Belt and Deck Inspection - Centering and Tensioning Test - Belt Slip Test - Speed Test - Adjustments of the Belt

There are more parts to look into. If you are not sure about how these things are done, it’s best to call the repair center or customer service to assist you. It may cost you a few bucks but it’s safer and reliable.

Not all repairs need replacement of parts, although a treadmill belt replacement is the common problem in problematic treadmill equipment. Here are some of examples below on repairs between those that need treadmill parts replacement and those that don’t.

Repair of your treadmill needs parts replaced when:

- The running board is broken - The console is faulty - The motor (heart of the treadmill) is the problem - Belt is faulty

Repair of your treadmill do not need parts replaced when:

- The belt is just slipping - The belt is not centered and tensioned properly - The treadmill only needs recalibration

It is recommended that you ask for a routine checkup from the service center. Familiarize the type of replacements and repairs too. This way, you will understand the complexity your treadmill’s problem better and perhaps delay the treadmill belt replacement even further.

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