If you've purchased a treadmill, then chances are you'd spent a fair bit of money. So why would you want to get anything less than the best from your investment? If you take care of your treadmill, it will serve you well for many years. But if you mistreat it, chances are it will malfunction in a much shorter period of time. Maintaining a treadmill doesn't have to be a lot of hard work, particularly if you follow these simple tips.

It's important that you always use your treadmill on a flat surface. On a level floor, the weight is distributed fairly and equally. If you place it on an uneven surface, one side of the treadmill suffers more strain than the other. Before long the tracking belt and tread belt will start to suffer, which could result in some pretty horrible noises and wear that isn't necessary. The treadmill needs to stay balanced for optimum performance, and distributing the weight evenly is the most important factor for staying balanced.

Keeping your treadmill in good working order is mostly just common sense. The power cord should always stay out of the reach of children, should never be in a place where the dog can chew it, and never be used near water. The belt should be maintained regularly to ensure that the belt and walking belt remain as tight as they need to be. Keep the deck free of any debris and clean it regularly. This helps to reduce the risk of falling, or other injuries to the walker.

Make sure the deck and belt flow smoothly, without friction, to avoid damaging either one or both of these components. Friction between the deck and belt can cause damage to the electronics in the motor, and may make it dangerous for you to walk on your treadmill.

By taking good care of your treadmill, you can feel more comfortable that it will last a long time and be safe for you to use. Eventually your treadmill will break down, you can't expect it to last forever, but sensible and regular care and maintenance will make a big difference to its lifespan.