Treadmills have become very popular pieces of exercise equipment. Excellent for both the home and the gym, they provide a great way to enjoy walking, jogging, or running while indoors. If the weather outside is too hot or too cold, you can still stick to your daily running regimen with your treadmill. Treadmills are very sturdy and can be purchased at very reasonable prices. But just like any piece of equipment, they get worn down over time and use. If you are an avid treadmill user, you treadmill will require maintenance after about a few years. However, for someone who only uses his or her treadmill occasionally, it may be quite some time before any of the treadmill parts need replacing.
Before you try to replace any of your treadmill’s parts, check your warranty. Manufacturers are aware of the fact that your treadmill parts will need to be replaced after a certain amount of time. Many companies provide longer warranties for two or more years. If your warranty is still good, make good use of it. You will either have to request the new parts and install them yourself or you will have to take the treadmill to a specialty shop. In some cases, the company might tell you to send them the treadmill back so that they can replace the parts. This might not be a good idea for you, however. Such a large item requires high shipping fees. You will not know how long it will take them to replace the parts, and you could be without your main piece of exercise equipment for several weeks. If you have an excellent warranty, the company will usually not require you to send the treadmill to them.
If your warranty has already expired, you will have to search for the replacement parts. Though the company will not replace the parts for you, you can still contact them about the treadmill parts you need. Customer service representative can usually tell you the part number and where to find it. If you have a recently made treadmill model, you will probably be able to order the part from the company. If your model is three or more years old, chances are that the company will not have any more parts available. Your next alternative is so search the Internet. Try to get the part number from the company and then search for it on the Internet. Buying your parts off of the Internet might save you some money as well. There are hundreds of online merchants that specialize in selling and repairing treadmills. You will not have any trouble finding a site that carries the treadmill parts you need.
Now that you know where to look, here is some advice on changing the parts yourself. There are certain parts that will be easier for you to locate and replace yourself. For example, the mat should be fairly easy to replace. You can find it at your company’s website or you can buy a generic name brand mat. There are some parts that should only be replaced by a professional, like the motor. Ask your treadmill company about any stores in your area that can make the necessary repairs. Also, ask a sales clerk in a fitness equipment store where to find a reputable repairman. You could even try your local gym. Ask them where they send their treadmills to get fixed quickly. Just make sure you are not trying to replace parts that will affect the functioning of the treadmill. Messing with these treadmill parts may result in your having to buy a brand new treadmill altogether.
By Tamara C. Jude