A few weeks ago, I posted about why walking can be harder on a treadmill’s motor than running, thanks to constant friction and zero “flight phase” time. That post got some great feedback on Linkedin—and one comment from Clark at Treadmill Doctor really stood out:

“Slower speeds don’t move much air with the internal cooling fan, so heat builds up in the motor compartment due to inadequate air movement.”

He’s right—and it’s another non-obvious reason why slow walking can be surprisingly tough on treadmills.

The Heat Factor

Electric motors are tough, but heat is their silent killer. Go above their design temperature often enough, and you’ll get:

• Breakdown of insulation on the motor windings

• Premature bearing wear

• Damage to the motor control board

Once the insulation starts failing, you’re looking at a repair bill—or a replacement.

Fan Speed: The Overlooked Problem

Most treadmill motors are cooled by a small fan mounted to the motor shaft. That means the fan’s cooling power is directly tied to belt speed:

• Running speeds (8–10 mph) = high fan RPM = strong airflow

• Walking speeds (2–3 mph) = low fan RPM = minimal airflow

So at walking speeds, the fan barely moves enough air to keep the motor cool. Combine that with the continuous load from walking friction (see Part 1), and the motor compartment can get very warm.

Poor Maintenance Makes It Worse

If the belt isn’t properly lubricated:

• The motor works harder to move it

• Amp draw increases

• Heat builds up even faster

• And at slow fan speeds, that heat has nowhere to go

How to Fight Heat Damage

1. Lubricate your deck regularly — less friction means less heat.

2. Keep vents clear — dust and hair kill airflow.

3. Break up long slow-walk sessions — give the motor a chance to cool.

4. Service proactively — don’t wait for a burning smell.

Bottom Line

Running may pound the frame and corrode electronics, but slow walking can quietly cook your motor from the inside out. Less airflow + constant drag = more heat, more wear, shorter lifespan.

And here’s the kicker: cheaper home treadmills are especially vulnerable to this problem. Smaller motors, smaller fans, and less robust components make them far more likely to fail under the exact conditions we’ve been talking about.

That’s where I’ll pick things up in Part 3: Why Cheap Home Treadmills Suffer Most from Walking Heat Stress — stay tuned!

Don’t Let Friction and Heat Win — Lube It Right

The best way to fight motor-killing friction? Proper lubrication.

At Huff-n-Puff Fitness Repair, we’ve tested every lube you can imagine, and we only trust what we use ourselves in the field every day:

✅ 100% pure silicone
✅ Zero odor, zero additives
✅ Industrial-grade 500cSt viscosity
✅ Available in larger sizes for gyms and smaller kits for home users

If you’re walking on your treadmill more than you’re running, it’s time to treat it right.

👉 Click here to get Huff-n-Puff’s treadmill lube and keep your treadmill running strong.