If you are the proud owner of a treadmill, you should know that frequent use will require proper maintenance and care practices. Having a treadmill will indeed spare you from gym trips and memberships, but as a responsible home gym owner, you may want to learn about things like how to oil a treadmill if you’re going to make sure your machine stays on top conditions that are.
Nowadays, adopting a healthy lifestyle is vital. Having your treadmill at home is a smart move; even better when your treadmill happens to be in your living room, and it motivates you to work out. But you also want to ensure your machine will not encounter any problems. In a few words, knowing how to oil a treadmill is an essential part of your treadmill’s maintenance.
As you can tell by now, regular oiling is the key to keeping your treadmill working and looking new for longer. However, if you are new to treadmill oil and you have no clue how to go about it, it might seem a bit confusing. But do not panic; continue reading as we share everything you need to know about how to oil a treadmill the right way.
How to Oil a Treadmill FAQ’s
What is treadmill oil/lubricant?
Treadmill lubricant is a liquid used to keep treadmill belts running smoothly. Proper use of treadmill lubricant can significantly increase the lifespan of a treadmill belt as treadmill belts can cost more than $100 to replace.
Why is it important to oil a treadmill?
If you wish to prologue the treadmill belt’s life, make for a smoother running action, keep the noise down and prevent excessive wear on other parts of the treadmill, you’ll want to make sure to oil your treadmill.
Lubricating your treadmill walking belt regularly helps prevent wear and tear to the belt from excessive friction. Most treadmill manufacturers recommend lubricating the belt once every six to 12 months, depending on how often you use your machine. Using the wrong treadmill belt lubricant can damage your walking belt more than protect it.
Is it hard to oil a treadmill?
Oiling your treadmill is not complicated or time-consuming, and it’s worth it. Lubricating a treadmill is a relatively simple task. But similar to most projects, it’s good to prepare before you start applying a lubricant.
Can you use WD 40 to lubricate a treadmill?
Treadmills require 100% silicone, and this product is a mixture. Using the wrong type of oil or lubricant on your treadmill may cause severe 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.
What oil do you use to lubricate a treadmill?
The type of oil used to lubricate treadmills varies from model to model but typically includes a synthetic, petroleum-free compound. These oils contain a paraffin wax-based or silicone-based belt lube.
- Silicone: Silicone is a synthetic substance that is found in many products. Lubrication is just one of many uses for silicone. 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.
How do I know if my treadmill needs lubricant?
The basic rule to follow is that you should touch your deck surface under the walking belt and feel a slightly waxy or oily coat of lube on the deck.
Some treadmill models have a lube counter, which is a handy counter that will keep track of and let you know when your treadmill belt needs lubricating. If your running machine doesn’t have this feature, you’ll have to whip out a calculator and work out how many hours the treadmill has been used.
How much oil should I use to lubricate my treadmill?
Experts recommend you lubricate your treadmill once every three months using one ounce of lube per application.
How do you fix a squeaky treadmill?
Treadmills can sometimes produce a squeaking sound during a running session. The best way to fix the problem is to turn off and unplug the device, clean the motor, lubricate the surface and the pivot points, and decrease the distance between the board and belt to avoid friction.
Do treadmill belts need to be lubricated?
Not all treadmill belts require lubrication. Some models are coated with a high-performance lubricant at the factory. Many Icon Health and Fitness brands, including NordicTrack, ProForm, and Weslo, pre-lubricate the walking belt.
Most treadmill manufacturers recommend lubricants to use on the walking belt. Consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer of your treadmill brand to find out what is recommended.
How to Oil a Treadmill
- Start by shutting off and unplugging your treadmill. This is to avoid injury and keep you safe.
- Reach under the belt and feel for lubrication and dirt/debris. You may need to loosen your treadmill
belt some to reach underneath it. Loosen the bolts at the rear of the treadmill to loosen the belt. - Take a clean cloth and remove any dust and debris under the belt. Use a material to wipe under the treadmill belt to ensure clean before lubricating.
- Lubricate under the belt using your silicone oil. Grab the lubricant, and starting on one side about a foot away from the hood, disburse the lubricant under the belt about a quarter of the way to the center of the belt from one side. Dispense in an “S” or zig-zag pattern towards the end of the deck.
- You’ll then do the same thing on the other side, using about ½ of a bottle of lubricant on each
side. - Make sure the belt is centered and tighten the belt again. Once you’re finished placing the lubricant under the belt, retighten the belt if you loosened it and
plug it back in. - Turn the treadmill on and let it run at about three mph for about 5 minutes so that the lubricant can be
evenly distributed.
Treadmill Oil Top Picks
1. Treadmill Belt Lubricant 100% Silicone
What We Like
- Non-Toxic
- Odorless Formula
- Safe Applicator
What We Don’t Like
- A Bit Watery
This lubricant was specially made to take the stress and mess out of treadmill maintenance.
Simply insert the custom-created applicator beneath the treadmill and squeeze for effortless lubrication – all without loosening or removing any components.
Apply your new lubricant regularly for effective treadmill maintenance that can be completed in a matter of seconds.
Check Latest Price2. 100% Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant
What We Like
- Flow Control
- Immediately Effective
- Multiple Uses
What We Don’t Like
- Some Users find it too Watery
Protect your equipment by reducing friction between the belt and deck. Regular lubrication reduces noise, extends both belt and motor life, eliminates belt hesitation, and makes your workouts safer and more enjoyable.
This lubricant is formulated for a wide range of modern treadmills. Works great for home and heavy-duty commercial treadmills, most elliptical equipment, and other exercise equipment.
The tube size was selected to match the lubricant viscosity for ideal flow control.
Check Latest Price3. Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant
What We Like
- Liquid Base
- Easy to Apply
- Silicone
What We Don’t Like
- Too Thin
Two pack of 4oz EZ-Squeeze bottle with a precision twist top simplifies the application process for your belt/deck; whether you call it lube, grease, oil, liquid, spray, or gel, this no odor product is the most accessible treadmill lubricant to apply.
Proper treadmill lubrication reduces noise, eliminates treadmill belt hesitation, and significantly extends the life of your treadmill motor.
This lubricant makes your treadmill quieter and helps reduce the need for maintenance/repairs.
Check Latest PriceAdditional Tips on How to Oil a Treadmill
- It would be best to lubricate your treadmill deck where the belt runs every 150 miles or so. You can do this by turning the belt bolts near the head of the treadmill with an Allen key to loosen the belt.
- Drop an ounce or 28 grams of silicone wax or oil onto the belt deck by lifting the belt itself and placing your lubrication nozzle underneath. It would be best to place the nozzle as close as possible to the middle of the treadmill underneath the belt to allow it to spread without damaging the upper side of the belt.
- You’ll need to squirt a little of the lube in 5 or 6 places down the whole length of your treadmill to make sure you cover the entire underside of the belt. If you miss a section, it may cause your belt to become juddery, as there will be more friction in some places than others. Always ensure you’ve covered the whole area from the center to the edge of the belt, avoiding getting any on the top side.
- This keeps the belt running smoothly and won’t wear away the belt surface, making your run smoother and maintaining your belt for longer. NEVER use lubricant on the top of your belt where you run. This can make the belt slippery and unsafe. It’s also advisable that you check your user’s manual. Some more modern treadmills are self-lubricating, so you wouldn’t have to do this.
What are the benefits of How to Oil a Treadmill
The benefits of oiling a treadmill are many. First, it keeps the tread belt lubricated and running smoothly, which reduces wear and tear. Second, it helps keep the motor running cooler and reduces the risk of a fire. Third, it helps keep the moving parts of the treadmill well-lubricated and functioning properly. Finally, it can help increase the lifespan of your treadmill.
How to Choose the Best Lubricant for your Treadmill
When it comes to choosing the best lubricant for your treadmill, there are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind. The first is the type of surface your treadmill has. If your treadmill has a metal belt, you’ll want to use a silicone-based lubricant, as oil-based lubricants can damage the belt. If your treadmill has a plastic belt, you can use either silicone- or oil-based lubricants.
The second factor to consider is the climate you live in. If you live in a warm climate, you’ll want to use a lighter weight lubricant, as thicker lubricants can gum up in warm weather. If you live in a cold climate, you can use a thicker lubricant, as it won’t get as gummy in cold weather.
The third factor to consider is how often you use your treadmill. If you use it frequently, you’ll want to use a higher-quality lubricant that will last longer before needing to be replaced. If you use it less often, you can use a lower-quality lubricant that will need to be replaced more frequently.
No matter what type of lubricant you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how often to apply it and how much to use. Applying too much or too little lubricant can damage your treadmill.
With these factors in mind, you should be able to choose the best lubricant for your treadmill. Remember to reapply it regularly to keep your treadmill running smoothly.
Commom Questions About The Most Expensive Treadmill
Can you put too much lubricant on a treadmill?
Yes, you can put too much lubricant on a treadmill. When applying lubricant, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Excess lubricant can cause a treadmill to slip or move more than desired. It can also increase the buildup of dust and dirt on the belt and other components.
Where do you lube a treadmill?
Lubricating a treadmill is important to help the belt move smoothly and extend its life. It’s best to use a silicone-based lubricant, which can be sprayed or rubbed onto the belt. Be sure to avoid getting any lubricant on the motor, as it could cause damage. You’ll need to lubricate your treadmill every few months, or more often if it’s used frequently.
What is the Best Lubricant for Your Treadmill?
The best lubricant for your treadmill is a silicone-based lubricant. It is important to use a lubricant on your treadmill because it will help to keep the moving parts running smoothly and extend the life of your machine. You should lubricate your treadmill every six months or so, depending on how often you use it.
If you are using your treadmill frequently, you may need to lubricate it more often. If you notice that the belt is starting to make noise or is slipping, it is probably time to lubricate the treadmill. You can buy silicone-based lubricant at most sporting goods stores or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package when applying the lubricant.
Applying too much or too little lubricant can cause problems. Too much lubricant can make the treadmill belt slippery, which can be dangerous. Too little lubricant can cause the moving parts to wear out quickly. When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of using less lubricant rather than more.
Once you have applied the silicone-based lubricant, run the treadmill at a slow speed for a few minutes to spread the lubricant evenly over the belt and deck. Then, increase the speed and use the treadmill as usual.
What is a good Treadmill lubricant alternative?
A good Treadmill lubricant alternative is WD-40. It is a light oil that penetrates metal well and displaces moisture. It also has a low viscosity which makes it less likely to attract dirt and dust. It can be used on all types of treadmills.
