Maintaining your treadmill — no matter how old a model — is a must if you want it to last longer and be a worthwhile investment. In that regard, treadmill oil and paraffin wax can go a long way.
Here’s what you should know about oiling a new treadmill and ensuring it serves you well for years to come.
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Why Is Oiling a Treadmill a Smart Move?
When you buy a treadmill, you’ll probably be advised to lubricate the running deck regularly. By doing so, you’ll reduce the friction between the running belt and the deck. As a result, the treadmill will work smoothly, allowing you to run or walk without a hitch.
In addition, oiling or waxing the deck will ensure the entire treadmill has a longer lifespan. Since the friction between the two most important treadmill parts will be reduced, they’ll be able to serve you longer and remain in excellent condition.
Lastly, this maintenance hack is also great for keeping your treadmill quiet. By minimizing friction and buying a treadmill mat, you can run whenever you want without disturbing your neighbors or family members.
Should You Oil a New Treadmill?
Generally speaking, oiling a treadmill won’t damage it in any way, regardless of its age. In fact, it is something that you should do at least once a month for a treadmill that you use a few times a week.
However, the rules are slightly different for new treadmills. Namely, although most models come pre-lubricated by their manufacturers, many of them sit at warehouses and stores for months on end. Thus, they are in dire need of lubrication as soon as you buy them.
In fact, you need to oil new treadmills at least once a week for the first month. That way, you will preserve them and make sure they don’t get damaged due to a sudden increase in use.
After the first month is up, you should keep oiling the treadmill about once or twice per month. Of course, everything depends on how often you actually use the machine. For example, if you use it every day, it’s best to oil it on a weekly basis. But if you only get it out once or twice a week, monthly oiling will be more than enough.
What Oil Should You Use for Your New Treadmill?
Before you decide on a particular lubricant, it is crucial to check the instruction manual for your particular treadmill. In the maintenance section, you’ll find a detailed explanation for what you should and shouldn’t use on your treadmill.
Generally, silicone oils are compatible with most of the treadmill models available on the market. You can get them in bottles, tubes, or sprays. Although sprays are more convenient to apply, they also dry slightly faster, which is something you should keep in mind when choosing a lubricant. In addition, they are usually a bit more expensive than bottle or tube oils.
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How to Safely Oil Your New Treadmill
If you have purchased your very first treadmill, it’s understandable to be a bit overwhelmed with all the maintenance recommendations. However, as complicated as it may seem, oiling a treadmill is one of the easiest tasks.
Here are the steps you should follow.
- Unplug and turn off the treadmill;
- Access the running deck (in most cases, you will have to loosen the roller screws to get to it, and you should use your model’s instruction manual to do so);
- Apply the oil on the area of the deck where you usually run (use a thin but even layer of oil or spray);
- Lower the treadmill mat back down and tighten the roller screws again if necessary;
- Plug the treadmill in and turn it on;
- Now, you will have to walk for about half an hour to 40 minutes to evenly distribute the lubricant across the deck.
And you’re done! The best part is, you can make oiling a part of your usual running routine and kill two birds with one stone. Repeat these steps at least once a month, and your treadmill will serve you well for years to come.
To Sum Up
Oiling a treadmill is the best way to guarantee a long lifespan and continuous friction-free use. If you have just bought a new treadmill, it is essential to lubricate it once a week for the first month.
After that, you should oil your treadmill on a monthly basis if you use it for less than 10 hours a week. And in case you use it more often, weekly or biweekly oilings are the best way to go.
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