Treadmill Maintenance Guide: What You Actually Need to Do

Buying a treadmill is a great way to make running and walking part of your routine without having to worry about the weather, the time of day or getting to the gym.

One question we get asked quite often, though, is:

"How much maintenance does a treadmill actually need?"

The good news is, for most people, the answer is not much at all.

Modern treadmills are designed to be used regularly without the owner having to carry out complicated servicing or repairs. In fact, if your treadmill develops a fault, you should normally check your warranty before attempting to fix anything yourself. Depending on the issue and the terms of your warranty, repairs or replacement parts may be covered.

That said, there are a few simple things worth keeping an eye on. You don't need to become a treadmill technician, but knowing what looks normal — and what doesn't — can help you spot a potential issue early.

Do Treadmills Need Maintenance?

For the average home treadmill user, there shouldn't be a long list of maintenance jobs to worry about.

You should not normally need to take your treadmill apart, adjust the motor or carry out regular servicing yourself.

The most important thing is simply to look after the treadmill and keep an eye out for anything unusual.

A quick wipe down after a sweaty workout, keeping the area around the machine clean and checking that everything looks and feels normal is usually all that's required from the owner.

If you notice a genuine fault, don't immediately reach for a screwdriver.

Check your warranty first.

Trying to repair or modify a treadmill yourself could potentially cause further damage and, depending on the circumstances, could affect warranty coverage.

If you're unsure, contact the retailer you purchased the treadmill from or the manufacturer for advice.

What Should You Look Out For?

Although you shouldn't need to regularly service your treadmill yourself, it's worth paying attention to how it sounds and feels when you're using it.

You know your treadmill better than anyone because you're the one using it every week.

If something suddenly feels different, it's worth investigating.

Things to look out for include:

• The running belt slipping or stopping unexpectedly
• The belt moving noticeably to one side
• A new or unusual knocking, grinding or squeaking noise
• The treadmill suddenly becoming much louder
• The belt feeling jerky when walking or running
• The treadmill struggling to maintain its normal speed
• Damage, fraying or cracking on the running belt
• The console or display behaving unusually
• A burning smell
• Loose or damaged cables
• Anything else that feels noticeably different from normal

None of these automatically means there's a serious problem. Treadmills can make different noises depending on the model and how they're being used.

However, a sudden change is worth paying attention to.

What If Something Goes Wrong With My Treadmill?

This is probably the most important part of this guide.

If your treadmill develops a fault, don't assume that you need to pay for a repair or start trying to fix it yourself.

Most new treadmills come with a manufacturer's warranty, and depending on the issue, the problem may be covered.

The exact warranty period and what's included will depend on the treadmill, manufacturer and where you purchased it.

If you experience a problem:

1. Stop using the treadmill if necessary

If there's a burning smell, electrical issue, significant mechanical problem or anything that makes the treadmill feel unsafe, stop using it.

2. Check your warranty

Find your order details and warranty information.

The issue may be covered.

3. Contact the retailer or manufacturer

Explain what has happened and provide your treadmill's model and serial number if requested.

They may be able to troubleshoot the problem remotely or arrange a repair or replacement part.

4. Don't start dismantling the machine

Unless you're specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer or an authorised technician, it's generally best not to start taking the treadmill apart yourself.

Keeping Your Treadmill Clean

While you shouldn't need to carry out complicated maintenance, keeping your treadmill clean is a good idea.

Sweat, dust and general household dirt can build up over time, particularly if you use your treadmill regularly.

A quick wipe of the handrails, console and frame after exercising is usually enough.

You can also keep the area around and underneath the treadmill free from dust and clutter.

There's no need to soak the treadmill or spray cleaning products directly onto it. A suitable cloth and the cleaning guidance provided by your treadmill manufacturer are the safest approach.

And remember — a treadmill isn't a car.

You don't need to book it in for an oil change every few months!

What About Lubricating the Treadmill Belt?

This is where things can get a little confusing.

You'll often see advice online telling treadmill owners that they need to regularly lubricate their running belt.

That's not necessarily true for every treadmill.

Different treadmills use different belt and deck systems, and the manufacturer's instructions should always take priority.

Some models may require lubrication at certain intervals, while others are designed not to require it.

So before buying treadmill lubricant or putting anything underneath the belt, check the manual for your specific treadmill.

If the manufacturer says no lubrication is required, leave it alone.

If your treadmill does require lubrication, follow the instructions provided with the machine.

Should I Adjust My Treadmill Belt?

Again, you may come across plenty of guides online explaining how to tighten or adjust a treadmill belt.

Our advice is simple:

Don't adjust it just because you read somewhere that you should.

If your treadmill is running normally, the belt is centred and there are no obvious problems, there's generally no reason to start turning adjustment bolts.

If the belt is slipping, moving significantly to one side or behaving differently, check your warranty and contact the retailer or manufacturer before attempting adjustments yourself.

A small adjustment might solve an issue, but getting it wrong can potentially create another one.

A Simple Treadmill Check

You don't need a complicated maintenance schedule.

Every so often, particularly if you use your treadmill frequently, take a quick look at the machine.

What to check	What you're looking for
Running belt	No obvious tears, fraying or damage
Belt position	Running reasonably centrally
Noise	Nothing suddenly unusual
Movement	Smooth walking and running
Console	Display and buttons working normally
Power cable	No visible damage
Frame	Nothing obviously loose or damaged
Surrounding area	Clean and free from clutter

It only takes a minute or two.

If everything looks and feels normal, get on and enjoy your workout.

How to Make Your Treadmill Last

The best thing you can do for your treadmill isn't necessarily complicated maintenance.

It's simply using it sensibly and looking after it.

Try to:

• Keep the treadmill indoors and away from excessive moisture.
• Keep the area around it reasonably clean.
• Avoid spilling drinks onto the machine.
• Wipe away sweat after workouts.
• Don't overload the treadmill beyond its specified user weight.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Don't ignore obvious faults or unusual changes.

And if something does go wrong, check the warranty before paying for a repair yourself.

When Should I Contact the Manufacturer?

If you're asking yourself whether a problem is "normal", it's probably worth asking.

Contact the retailer or manufacturer if you notice something such as:

• A persistent unusual noise
• Repeated belt slipping
• A damaged running belt
• Electrical problems
• A burning smell
• The treadmill stopping unexpectedly
• The treadmill failing to reach its normal speed
• A display or control problem
• Anything that makes you uncomfortable using the machine

They'll be able to tell you whether it's something simple that can be resolved at home or whether the treadmill needs to be inspected.

If your treadmill is still under warranty, this is particularly important.

Do I Need a Professional to Service My Treadmill?

For most home users, not as part of a routine maintenance schedule.

Your treadmill isn't something you should need to take apart every year just to keep it running.

However, if your manufacturer recommends professional servicing for your particular model, or if the treadmill develops a fault that requires a technician, then professional assistance may be appropriate.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific treadmill.

The Bottom Line

Treadmill maintenance doesn't need to be complicated.

For most people, there's no need to spend your weekends adjusting belts, lubricating components or taking the motor cover off your treadmill.

Use it, keep it clean, and keep an eye on it.

If everything is working as it should, there's usually nothing else you need to do.

And if something does go wrong, check your warranty before attempting a repair or paying someone to fix it. Your treadmill may be covered.

The main thing is simply to notice when something changes.

A treadmill that suddenly sounds different, feels different or isn't performing as it normally does is worth checking out.

Otherwise, stop worrying about maintenance and get back to what you bought the treadmill for in the first place:

walking, running and getting fitter.

More Treadmill Advice

If you're looking for more information before buying or getting the most from your home fitness equipment, take a look at our other guides:

Best Treadmills for Home Gyms

Best Treadmills Buyer’s Guide 2026

Folding Treadmills Guide

Incline vs Flat Treadmills

And if you're looking for a new machine, browse our:

Treadmill Collection

Walking Pad Collection

Home Gym Collection

Quick takeaway

You shouldn't normally need to carry out complicated maintenance on a modern home treadmill.

Keep it clean, check that the belt and machine look normal, and pay attention to anything that suddenly changes.

If you do have a problem, check your warranty and contact the retailer or manufacturer before attempting repairs yourself.