How Many Years Do Treadmills Last? – Lifespan and How to Maintain Your Treadmill

When was the last time you asked yourself how long you’ve had your treadmill? Do not let the sturdy deck construction of this exercise machine fool you — treadmills don’t last forever.

On average, a treadmill can retain its peak performance for about five years. This is true, especially if you purchased the treadmill new.

Stretched to its peak performance and capacity, a home treadmill has an average life of 10 years. But, you will begin to notice that the treadmill feels “off” by the eight-year mark. If you keep an eye on your mileage, this is equal to roughly 5,000 miles for most people.

Treadmills alongside rowing machines and stationary bikes have dominated home gym and commercial gym setups for a long time.

Related: The Perfect Fitness Home Treadmill Shopping Guide

Being large pieces of exercise equipment, treadmills tend to be neglected. As the year’s pass, problems with the treadmill’s components like the DC motors or AC motors tend to surface.

Read on to learn more about the lifespan of your home treadmill! Also, find out what you can do to give it the proper care when the time comes!

How Long Do Treadmills Last

If you have done your research online, you may have found different claims about a treadmill’s lifespan.

Keep your treadmill on continuous duty, and the longevity shortens even further. In a nutshell, continuous duty means using it almost every day.

This can wear down the treadmill deck’s life and the life of the other treadmill’s components.

How To Tell if a Treadmill Needs Replacement

The price of a treadmill or rowing machine usually ranges from $600 to $2,000. Indeed, the price of your treadmill is likely to be steep despite having been a great investment.

But, all good things come to an end. Wear and tear can’t stretch everything from the treadmill motor’s maximum power to how the deck absorbs shock.

Here are signs that can indicate you need a new treadmill. Heed these signs, and you may be able to avoid multiple repairs, which in turn reduces strain on your budget.

Your Treadmill Feels “Too Slow” – Failing Tread or DC Motor

When your treadmill seems to run slower, it can be due to one of two factors.

Either, the thread no longer adheres to the front cylinder. Or, the motor has deteriorated due to significant workload over the years. A slow treadmill is a sign that the motor is no longer capable of sustained output.

If you have a warranty, you can have this part replaced. If not, the whole treadmill needs replacing.

The Belt of Your Treadmill Slips – Worn Out Belt

The belt of your treadmill is the rubber surface on the deck where you run. On a new treadmill, the belt is wound up to adhere perfectly to the rear and front cylinders.

When the belt becomes stretched, it may reduce friction. Less friction means that the front cylinder will turn without the belt following. This can be very dangerous. In some cases, it can be extremely dangerous.

This is a sign that you need a new treadmill. Otherwise, you may have to pay a hefty amount for parts. The lifetime parts warranty can take care of this if you have it, of course.

The Deck Breaks Or Shows Signs That It Is About To

Some treadmills have decks made of laminated wood. While the life of laminated wood is decent, its relatively thin layers are not immune to wear and tear. When it breaks in the middle of your run, the consequences can be life-threatening.

If the deck of your treadmill shows signs of wear and tear, invest in a new treadmill — one with better quality deck construction. Better quality decks are usually metal or aluminum, being sturdier than laminated wood.

Better quality decks add more years to your treadmill. So, do not hesitate to pay for a treadmill with a better deck.

How To Maintain Your Treadmill (During and Past the Warranty Period)

As mentioned earlier, treadmills are expensive exercise machines. And, the best way to not have to pay for a new one is routine maintenance. Preferably, do this during the warranty period.

Here are some of the ways you can minimize wear and tear on your favorite cardio machine:

• Check belts for signs of wear and tear
• Use a dry cloth to wipe the dust off the decks and the belt
• Lubricate moving parts regularly
• Use the warranty on your treadmill for repairs and maintenance work
• Schedule all maintenance during the warranty period

If you’re uncomfortable or unfamiliar with doing maintenance to your treadmill, contact the manufacturer to find a recommended service company.

Final Thoughts

Unless your treadmill is still under warranty, any damage should help you determine the need for a replacement.

Do not stretch your treadmill beyond its lifespan. If you do, you might pay a high cost to both the repair service and your medical bills for injuries.

If you decide to get a new treadmill, check out our collection of treadmills!

More from Fitness Expo

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Fitness Expo caters to all your exercise needs from treadmills to fitness accessories.
First opened in 1980 by the Rice family, the store continues to offer the top brands and largest selection of exercise equipment for the home or commercial facility making us one of the oldest and most reputable fitness retailers in the country

We have showrooms across Louisiana and Mississippi, but you can also shop on our website from the comfort of your own home.