How Long Does a Treadmill Last?

How long does a treadmill last? While they don’t last forever, you can undoubtedly increase your treadmill lifespan. I’ve looked at the contributing factors and things you can do to help it last longer.

A treadmill is a great piece of cardio equipment for people who are looking to stay in shape and exercise from the comfort of their own homes. Treadmills make an excellent investment, with a lifespan lasting years if looked after correctly.

So, how long does a treadmill last? Let’s take a look at the ways you can extend your treadmill’s lifespan.

How Long Does a Treadmill Last? A treadmill lasts 7-12 years, with an average of 10 years considered a good treadmill lifespan. This is only an educated guess, with the frequency of use, maintenance routine, and treadmill quality all contributing factors.

4 Factors That Influence the Lifestyle of a Treadmill

Before we look at how to recognize signs of wear and tear and things you can do to help, it’s useful to learn the factors that influence the treadmill’s lifespan.

1. Treadmill Quality

Not all treadmills are the same. Differences in build quality, motor size, and added features all contribute to the treadmill lifespan regardless of your maintenance schedule.

Budget treadmills are often designed for recreational running meaning they aren’t usually suitable for high-level running at bigger speeds. High-end treadmills tend to have sturdier constructions that can withstand repeated impact better.

Of course, there are some brand outliers, but this is mostly the pattern they follow.

2. Frequency of Use

The more you use the treadmill, the more impact the treadmill has to take. More wear and tear will in turn reduce the lifespan of your treadmill compared to if you’re using it infrequently.If you don’t use your treadmill frequently, be careful not to let dust and dirt build up which can also reduce the lifespan.

3. Maintenance Schedule

Taking good care of your treadmill can help to extend its lifespan. Use simple maintenance tips and make them part of your daily routine. I’ll go into more specifics regarding the correct maintenance below.

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4. Treadmill Location

Make sure to consider where you place your treadmill at home. Leaving it in a garage full of dust and dirt increases the chances of unwanted build-up on the treadmill frame.

Placing your treadmill in a clean space is a better choice. Other factors such as temperature should be taken into account.

Tips From the Champ

If you’re looking for an under-desk treadmill offering great value for money, the ProForm L6 Treadmill is the perfect choice. The 47″ L x 18″ W Running deck uses ProForms ProShox cushioning technology and folds down to the floor, allowing convenient storage. It supports up to 250 pounds of max uses capacity and uses a 1.6 CHP motor that goes from 0-8 mph.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

3 Top Signs of Wear and Tear

Even when taking all the above factors into account, your treadmill will inevitably still show signs of wear and tear. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Changes in Speed

If your treadmill belt seems to be operating at a slower speed than normal, the belt tread may be worn down meaning it isn’t gripping the rollers properly. Remove the belt and check the tread. If it’s worn down, a simple belt replacement may fix the issue.

If the tread is fine, you may need a new motor which is a much bigger issue. Check if the treadmill is under warranty before deciding if to replace it.

2. Unusual Noises

When operating the treadmill, unusual noises may be a sign that something is wrong. A straining sound may indicate problems with the motor. A rattling sound may indicate a loose or broken component.

3. Structural Differences

If your deck responds differently to impact, it may be a sign that it’s about to break. Changes in structural integrity will only get worse and possibly lead to other components breaking.Make sure to check your deck each time you exercise and stop exercising if you feel any differences.

3 Ways to Extend a Treadmill’s Lifespan

You can’t help using the treadmill, but you can do certain things to extend its lifespan. Let’s take a look at them in more detail.

1. Clean it Regularly

After each use, use a dry cloth to wipe dust and dirt off the treadmill components. Focus on the treadmill deck and belt areas, and clean any moisture build-up such as sweat when exercising.

Make sure to check the inside of the machine as well for any unnecessary build-up to keep it running smoothly.

2. Lubricate it Regularly

Each moving part on your treadmill needs lubrication regularly. This helps to minimize friction which can lead to parts not working efficiently or getting damaged due to repeated wear and tear.

Check the user manual to find out which parts of your treadmill need regular lubrication.

3. Use the Warranty

Most treadmills come with a manufacturer warranty that covers various components for a specified period. Take note of the warranty and contact the manufacturer within the warranty time.

Also, make sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty terms and conditions when purchasing.

Treadmill We Recommend – Proform City L6

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It supports up to 250 pounds of max uses capacity and uses a 1.6 CHP motor that goes from 0-8 mph.

ProForm City L6 Treadmill instagram — Photo by @elitefitnessnz

At the front, the monitor features a 5″ LCD screen, quick-press buttons, and integrated speakers. ProForm offers a free 30-day iFit membership with access to thousands of live and on-demand trainer-led workouts.

FAQ

Do Treadmills Wear Out?

Like anything, treadmills will naturally wear out with repeated use. Whilst the materials are designed to withstand wear and tear, they don’t last forever. Factors such as frequency of use, maintenance schedule, and build quality can influence the lifespan.

Is It Worth Repairing a Treadmill?

Usually, treadmills are often worth repairing rather than replacing. It depends on how you use the treadmill and what components are damaged or broken. If it’s something simple like a belt replacement it won’t cost much. Full deck replacements cost a lot more so bear this in mind.

How Often Should a Treadmill Be Serviced?

As a rule of thumb, look to get your treadmill serviced every 12 months. If you use it much more frequently, this could be done every 6-9 months. Make sure to do your regular maintenance schedule alongside this.

Conclusion

Treadmills can last 7-12 years, with a 10-year average considered a good lifespan. Signs of wear and tear to look out for include a difference in belt speed, unusual noise, and noticeable differences in the frame stability. Performing regular maintenance and placing your treadmill in the correct environment can help to extend its lifespan. Clean the treadmill regularly, lubricate the necessary joints, and check the manufacturer’s warranty.