If you are in the market for a treadmill, of course you will want to look at each treadmill’s motor, stability, weight limit, and other special features and compare them. Cost will also be an important factor when deciding which treadmill to purchase. However, one area that you should not overlook and forget to compare is the treadmill warranty.
All treadmill warranties are not the same - and for good reason. All treadmills are not the same. A manufacturer is not going to put a long-term warranty on a product it feels is inferior or that won’t stand up to the test of time. If you are looking at a treadmill that comes with a short warranty like 90 days or one year, the manufacturer generally assumes the treadmill will need repairs after this time. That is why the warranty is not for a longer period of time. Why invest your money in a product that the manufacturer isn’t comfortable insuring for the long haul?
Bypassing treadmills with short warranties will help weed out the inferior products from quality treadmills. Look for machines that have a minimum three to five year warranty on the motor and parts. However, keep in mind that even those strong warranties can be beat. There are some companies that stand by their machines for a lifetime! These reputable companies cover their treadmill frames and motors for life.
Another thing that you should keep in mind when comparing treadmill warranties is what exactly the warranty covers. Yes, part replacement is a necessary part of a good warranty, but are you required to replace the parts yourself? Would you know how? Look for treadmill warranties that not only have part replacement, but in-home servicing as well. In-home servicing means someone who is educated on servicing treadmills will come out to your home and actually replace the part on your treadmill for you.
Before you purchase a treadmill make sure you understand what its warranty does and doesn’t cover - and know how long the coverage is good for. Be sure to read the small print and look for any hidden costs or loopholes in the coverage.
Having a treadmill break down can be a big hassle. Not only does it slow down your exercise program, but finding a way to get the equipment repaired can be daunting. That is why having a quality warranty on your exercise equipment is crucial. If you are torn between two or three different models, let the treadmill warranty decide for you. Compare them and go with the exercise equipment that the manufacturer stands behind over the long haul.