Lubricating the deck of a treadmill is a critical part of its maintenance. When it comes to selecting a lubricant product, there are basically two choices, silicone or paraffin wax. The one you use depends on the design of the machine and the material composition of the belt. The operator's manual for the treadmill should clearly indicate the best lubricant option for your model. If you are unsure, there is one trick that can point you in the right direction.
Why Lubricate the Deck?
The purpose of lubricating a treadmill is to reduce the friction between the belt and deck. When the treadmill is running, the belt turns and friction builds as it rub against the base of the machine. A lubricant will coat the belt so it slides instead of rubs. This doesn't eliminate the friction, it just changes it. The deck now rubs against the film of the lubricant. Over time, the friction will cause the film to wear away. By reapplying the lubricant, you fill in the worn areas.
How to Know Which Lubricant to Use
Reading the treadmill documentation is the most effective way to select a lubricant. If that is not an option, lean down next to the deck and turn over a piece of the belt. If you see a fabric backing on the underside of the belt, you will need a wax lubricant. If you see something that looks more like twine or nylon, use a silicone product. Using a silicone lube on a belt with a fabric backing may cause damage.
Silicone Lubricants
Silicone is a water-soluble oil that usually comes in a spray or squirt bottle. As long as you do not see fabric on the underside of the belt, silicone oil is probably the choice for your treadmill. Spraying silicone on a fabric back, however, will cause stretching and damage the belt over time. Application will depend on the product. Read the directions with the lube kit for proper application.
Paraffin Wax
Wax lubricants are used for a cotton or fabric-backed belt. Paraffin wax products come in many forms. You may use granule, bead or even liquid wax. After applying the lube, the heat from the belt will melt the wax and create a protective film on the underside of the belt. Application will vary by product. In most cases, you squirt the wax under the belt and then turn on the treadmill. As you walk on the deck, the heat from the friction melts the wax. Your body weight helps distribute the lubrication evenly over the underside of the belt.
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