Treadmills run continuously, often for long periods at a stretch. This is why it is important to lubricate each and every part of the treadmill, especially the ball bearings as it can get jammed with use. Thus, to keep your treadmill working in proper condition, it is best to use a lubricant after periodic intervals.
The lubricant will ensure that there is no friction between the belts and the bearings of your treadmill. There are a lot of lubricants available in the market which can be used for your treadmills.
WD 40 is a popular lubricant which is used on different types of machinery. But can you really use it for lubricating your treadmill?
Can You Lubricate Treadmill With WD40?
The short answer to can you lubricate your treadmill with Wd40 is, no, you cannot. To understand more about why you need to use a specific type of lubricant for your treadmill, let us dive into first what goes into making a lubricant.
Most lubricants are made from silicone or a mixture of them. Silicone is a synthetic substance which is found in many household items.
Lubricating is one of the many uses silicone has. Most manufacturers of fitness equipment recommend to their customers that they use lubricating products which has 100% silicone in it. A majority of the lubricants found in the market do no contain just silicone.
They have a mixture of silicon, paraffin and other lubricants which enable the liquid to be viscous and smooth. Wd 40 is a lubricant which not only has silicone in it but also other substances. It is not 100% silicon and using it on your treadmill would damage the rubber belt, the motor and other moving parts of it.
Why you should use only pure silicon for your treadmill
Your treadmill needs proper lubrication from time to time in order to function properly. The lubricant helps the motor to stop overworking and also helps to keep the belt running smoothly. Most treadmill manufacturers advise customers to use pure silicon for lubrication and nothing else. Some treadmills are maintenance free, which means that users do not have to use any kind of lubrication on them.
Also, using the wrong type of lubricant or oil can seriously damage your treadmill. The other substances present with Silicone can break down rubber and also corrode metals over a period of time. This is why most treadmills come with a warning to not use any kind of lubricant on it other than silicone.
Silicone is available in liquid and spray form and you can buy 100% pure silicone from the market. Pure silicon lasts for a long time and does not break down. It also does not affect the treadmill in any way. That is why pure silicon can be used on just about any machinery or equipment without the fear of causing damage to working parts.
Is it necessary to lubricate your treadmill
Most treadmills these days come as maintenance less. This basically means that the user does not have to bother about maintain the treadmill on their own and it can run perfectly without any interference. The lubrication used in the factory during the manufacturing process tends to run for quite a long amount of time.
Sometimes, due to overuse, treadmills might require lubrication in order to reduce the friction between the belt and the platform. If there is too much friction between them, the treadmill might altogether stop working. Sometimes, there can be visible telltale signs of damage on your treadmill like frayed edges, discoloration, tears, etc.
However, if you feel that your treadmill belt is not working properly or making noise, you can use a simple silicon spray to get the job done. This will not harm your treadmill or internal parts and components in any way and will ensure the longevity of your device also gets extended.
There are a lot of pure silicon sprays available in the market. You can also get one from your local garage or repair shop. Choosing the right kind of lubricant for your treadmill can go a long way in determining how well it runs over time. Always remember that when it comes to lubricating your treadmill, 100% pure silicone is your best bet and your best friend.
