Treadmill lubrication: How to lubricate your treadmill

Prevent wear & tear 🧴
How to lubricate your treadmill

A treadmill is a great investment in your health, whether your goal is to get fitter, lose weight, or simply stay more active in daily life. But just like any fitness equipment, proper maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly for years. One of the most important maintenance tasks? Lubricating your treadmill.

In this detailed blog, we'll cover:
#1 Why lubricating your treadmill is important
#2 How often you should do it
#3 How to do it safely and correctly
#4 What type of lubricant you should use
#5 What to absolutely avoid

Why lubricate your treadmill?

As you use your treadmill, the belt is constantly exposed to friction. Over time, this can lead to: increased resistance, faster wear on the motor and components, higher energy consumption, and more noise (squeaking or grinding). With the tips in this blog, you can avoid all of that and enjoy your treadmill for much longer.

By lubricating your treadmill regularly with silicone oil or a specialized treadmill lubricant, you reduce friction. The belt glides more smoothly over the deck, which results in:

🔇 Quieter operation
⚙️ Less strain on the motor
🛠️ Reduced wear on components
⏳ Extended lifespan of your treadmill

How often should you lubricate?

How often you need to lubricate depends on how often you use the treadmill. Here's a general guideline:

Usage per week Lubrication Frequency
Less than 3 hours Every 5 months
4 to 7 hours Every 2 months
More than 7 hours Every month
❗ Note:

This is a general rule of thumb. Always check if the belt actually feels dry before lubricating.

How to check if lubrication is needed

Before lubricating, first make sure your treadmill actually needs it. Using too much oil can be harmful as well.

Here’s how to check:
  1. Turn off the treadmill and unplug it.
  2. Lift the treadmill belt slightly from one side (no tools needed).
  3. Feel the underside of the running surface with your hand.
  4. If it feels dry – it's time to lubricate.
  5. If it feels moist or oily – you can wait a bit longer.

What type of lubricant should you use?

Always use 100% silicone oil or a lubricant specifically made for treadmills. Other types of oil (like WD-40, penetrating oil, or vegetable oil) can damage the belt and deck.

Our treadmills come with the right lubricant included. If you don’t have any, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out.

📋 Step-by-step guide:
How to lubricate your treadmill safely

  1. Turn off and unplug the treadmill.
  2. Lift one side of the belt slightly.
  3. Apply about 5 ml of silicone oil.
  4. Repeat on the other side.
  5. Turn the treadmill back on and let it run for 5 minutes to distribute the oil evenly.
❗ Important:

Do not use more than 10 ml per session (about 5 ml per side). Using too much oil can cause leakage and damage.

Not sure if you're doing it right?

Check out our video tutorial where we show exactly how to lubricate your treadmill. It's suitable for all our models:

🚫 What not to do:

Do not loosen the belt
You can damage the belt tension or cause misalignment
Do not use too much oil
This can cause leaks and damage your floor
Do not use the wrong lubricant
Only use silicone oil

Conclusion:
Maintain your treadmill the right way

Lubricating your treadmill is a quick and easy task that delivers big benefits. You prevent damage, extend the lifespan of your machine, and ensure a smoother, quieter workout. Whether you run daily or just occasionally, a well-lubricated treadmill always performs better.

Still looking for a great home treadmill? Check out our range of models on our website. Whether you're looking for a walking treadmill or a running treadmill, Sportconic has you covered!

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