Treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment to own, because they are suitable for all fitness levels and help people to lose weight and get in shape in the privacy of their own home. Treadmills can be pricey, so it’s important to apply cleaning and maintenance techniques to keep them running properly.
Before you begin to do any maintenance on your machine, it’s important to read the owner’s manual that came with it. Read it several times to familiarize yourself with the important information and maintenance instructions that it contains. Following these guidelines is important because failure to do so may void the warranty. If you’ve lost the manual or bought a used machine that didn’t come with one, contact the manufacturer to obtain a copy. Here are some extra tips to help maintain your treadmill.
Cleaning
Keeping your treadmill free of dirt and dust will go a long way in preserving your machine. This is particularly true of the belt. The biggest reason for a belt to stop functioning properly is due to dirt being allowed to accumulate on it. You should clean your treadmill once a week, using a damp, not wet, cloth and non phosphate cleaner. Be sure to wipe down all the parts and use a vacuum to remove dirt between the frame and the belt.
Adjust and Align the Belt
Adjust the tread belt to make sure it remains at the proper level of tension. Belts are subject to stretching, so periodic adjustments will be necessary. You can do this by using the Allen wrench that came with the machine. If you don’t have one, they can be purchased at your local hardware store. Look for the adjustment screws at the back of the machine. Using the Allen wrench, make a ¼, clockwise turn. While making your adjustments, it is advisable to let the belt run slowly at 3mph. While you are making your belt adjustments, make sure that it is aligned properly. A sign of poor belt alignment is a knocking sound that the machine makes when in use. This sound is usually the result of defective rollers, but can also signal misalignment of the belt. The important thing to remember is to avoid over tightening the belt.
Level Floor Surface
If you notice your machine squeaks when in use, it could be due to the fact that the surface that it’s on is not level. If the room your machine is in does not have a level floor surface, adjust the level of the machine itself, with the rear supports.
Power Cord
Make sure the power cord is away from the machine and is in a space where it won’t be tripped over. Also ensure that it is grounded by using an AC outlet. This will help prevent computerized consoles from crashing due to power surges.
Blown Fuses
If you suspect that you have a blown fuse, don’t try to replace it yourself. Treadmills require special fuses and can be tricky to replace. It is better to call the dealer and get a technician to come and replace the fuse.
