How Long Do Treadmill Belts Last? Tips For Maintaining The Running Belt

The belt is the treadmill part that contacts most with the user. As a result, it may deteriorate over time. So, how long do treadmill belts last? 

Some factors have an impact on the lifespan of the treadmill belt. If you know how to maintain the treadmill belt adequately, it may last for up to 10 years. 

This article will share some causes and signs for a worn-out belt. We also recommend a few tips to maintain the equipment properly.

Let’s follow along to find the answer!

How To Tell If A Treadmill Belt Is Worn Out?

The lifespan of treadmills varies depending on how you use them. For example, the treadmills at the gym work harder than the home-use ones. Hence, the bell on those machines may degrade faster. 

Another cause for the belt to be worn out quickly is the user wearing the wrong shoes or riding a bike on the treadmill. If the runner wears these shoes and uses much force to job simultaneously, there is a higher chance of the belt tearing down. Riding a bike on the treadmill necessitates particular attention to avoid damaging the treadmill belt.

Improper use and care shorten the lifespan of the belt

You should conduct certain tests to determine whether or not the treadmill belt requires maintenance. Remember that keeping your treadmill in good condition guarantees your safety.

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Unplug the treadmill

Disconnect the treadmill from the power outlet. Loosening your equipment can help you better check the belt’s interior and exterior portions, particularly the surfaces.

Get a screwdriver that fits the compression roller’s screws. The belt’s compression roller stays at the back. 

Release the bolts, but don’t overdo them because you don’t need to remove them completely. There should be just enough room within the treadmill belt so that you can put your palm inside and examine the interior.

Check the sides

Check for any evidence of deterioration, especially if the surface isn’t flat. Some pieces may be in the like-new state, whereas others have seen some wear. 

If there is a remarkably smooth section in the zones where you walk the most, you need to replace the belt.

Check for any rips or tears, as well as any deviations from the normal condition. Consider all of this as a warning that the treadmill belt needs to be changed.

Examine the seam

Search for the connector seam of the treadmill belt. In most circumstances, it appears as a diagonal line that’s easy to detect. Examine this region for any signs of damage and tear. If it looks as if it is falling apart, you should fix it.

Alternatively, it might be a safety concern, leading to serious treadmill accidents. 

Also, examine the underside as well for a better checkup. 

Check for any discoloration 

It’s also vital to examine the hue since it might indicate that it’s time to replace the belt. It would be best if you searched for darker regions. For this purpose, a flashlight might be beneficial.

It’s better to toss off the old belt if you’re unsure about this problem. Wear can spread fast, affecting electronic systems and even causing significant injury to the users. 

Allowing it to sit for a lengthier time than required may necessitate extra adjustments, which will cost you some more.

You need to check your belt carefully

Check if the belt gets hot while working

Excessive treadmill use can strain the systems and cause tension between the base and the treadmill belt. 

When jogging, the treadmill belt is susceptible to heat up and then expanding. The treadmill belt may slide as a consequence of the heat.

The heat can affect your training session and the performance of the belt. If your running belt gets hot so often, consider fixing or replacing it. 

The belt may get hot

The belt may get hot

How To Maintain A Treadmill Belt? 

Having a treadmill is similar to having an automobile. If you want your machine to last longer, you need to maintain it on a regular basis.

Here are some tips to lengthen the treadmill belt’s lifetime. 

Lubricate the belt

To lubricate the treadmill belt, you may need to apply 100% silicone. Lubricating the treadmill belt can help ensure that it functions smoothly while you’re walking. 

Make sure the treadmill is off. Also, it would help if you had 100% silicon at hand before you started the lubrication. If there are any extra substances, they might erode the belt.

You can lubricate the treadmill belt in two ways:

You may start by utilizing a lubrication stick with a grip and a sponge wipe on the tip. Raise one side of the treadmill belt and tuck the stick below the belt, padding side down. Then, move to the deck, change sides and repeat the process.

The second approach is to use a spray bottle to add silicon directly to the belt. You may also rub the silicon throughout the walking belt with a cloth.

This video can show you the detailed steps of lubricating the belt.

Center the treadmill belt

After using the treadmill for some time, you need to adjust the belt, just like when you need to realign the tire after a period of using your car. 

Whether it’s because of how your feet contact the surface or because the belt stretches with age, it moves automatically.

An Allen wrench is what you need to center the treadmill belt. Every treadmill gives a bolt head in a few holes at the bottom of the board. You can move the rear rollers that hold your belt in its position if you mess with it.

Twist the bolt gradually to adjust the belt. Once you’ve done, make sure there’s some space on both sides of the belt.

The Bottom Line: How Long Do Treadmill Belts Last?

The treadmill belt can last really long. With proper care, it can accompany you for up to ten years. 

There are some ways to detect the problem of the running belt. Once you find out what is wrong with your equipment, take some steps to fix it. Thanks to the maintenance, your belt can last for longer.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for your interest in the article!

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