Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Essentials of a Treadmill Belt Lubricant

By Chloe Adisson

Because the treadmill's belt is the most-used part of the treadmill, it is also the part most prone to wear and damage. To delay damage, you may need to maintain your workout equipment with a treadmill belt lubricant.

If your treadmill's belt breaks down, the cost of replacement can be very expensive. Here are some reasons why you need the treadmill belt lubricant on a regular basis.

- Friction is reduced by lubricants. Your treadmill's belt is in direct contact with the motor inside and often wears out first. The lubricant reduces friction on the surface contacts and delays the damage.

- Preventing damage is much cheaper than having. Replacing your treadmill's belt may cost you hundreds of dollars. Applying a treadmill belt lubricant keeps the belt well maintained and saves you the cost.

- Complications are also minimized with preventive measures. Applying the lubricant not only delays wear and tear, it also eliminates complications. If your belt is not maintained, it can result to other problems especially on the treadmill's deck.

- The belt is one of the important parts. Since the belt is in use all the time, it is usually the first part of the equipment that needs replacement. It is important to always keep it in good condition.

Eventually, the equipment will malfunction if you leave it unattended for a long time. A defective belt makes your treadmill's mechanical operation inefficient and consequently it affects your expected workout performance.

Now that you know what good a treadmill belt lubricant can do for you, it is time to know how and when to you use them. Here are some tips for you:

Regular maintenance

- Lubricating your treadmill at least once a year will be enough if you only use it for walking and light jogging. If you are serious about your workout, make it every 6 months.

- If there are more than one user and how long it is being used each day every week, increase the number of times that you apply lubricant.

Types of belt lubricants

Lubricants come in different types. There's the wax type, powder, granular, and the most common is the silicone. The silicone comes in 2 types - the spray and the liquid. Make sure you know which is recommended.

Precautions

- Unplug the equipment and make sure it is not attached to any power source when applying a lube. A lubricant contains chemicals and can act as conductors.

- Don't use the wrong lubricant. Using the wrong lubricant can damage your motor and other parts instead of maintaining them.

- Take note of the brand and model. Not all treadmills need lubrication. Not all models of the same manufacturer or brand need lubrication. It varies with different models.

- Read the manual. Make certain that you understand the correct lubrication method and other recommendations. Lubricating your treadmill may not be the same with cars.

- Get in touch with the manufacturer or any authorized representative. If you are not sure about lubrication procedures or type to use, contact the dealer or company.

It is best to keep your fitness equipments in proper condition in order to achieve your workout goals. Be cautious about details because applying treadmill belt lubricant requires more knowledge too. - 15438

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