All vehicles need routine maintenance check-ups to keep them running smoothly. Golf carts are no exception. The following will explore some of the reasons you should consider having your golf cart serviced every so often. This information applies to both gas golf carts and electric golf carts. If you are experiencing an issue not mentioned below, consider taking your cart to the manufacturer or a mechanic to ensure that everything is in tip-top shape and your cart is safe to drive.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that golf carts can be dangerous if driven in poor repair, just like other vehicles. If there is a reason your cart feels unsafe to drive, do not take it on the road. Reach out to a professional instead.
Gas Golf Carts
If you have a golf cart powered by gas, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as the months and years pass. Certain parts of this type of vehicle can wear out over time, making the cart unsafe for driving. In addition to the information below, you should note any visual signs of wear or any changes in how the cart maneuvers.
Tires
You need to be checking the tires of your golf cart regularly. They should be kept inflated around 20 psi, and occasionally tires need to be rotated or replaced. Pay special attention to uneven wearing on the tires as this can indicate work is needed.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are necessary for your engine to function optimally. Some of the signs of worn-out spark plugs include stalling, running rough, starting slow, or bucking. Ideally, you want to be replacing the spark plugs on your vehicle once a year.
Belts
Golf cart belts need to be checked annually for wear. The belt is needed for several aspects of your cart, including the power steering. Get this checked out in addition to your annual visit if you notice a squealing or chirping noise.
Battery
When it comes to your golf cart’s battery, you’re going to want to take a peek at it every so often. You’re looking for any signs of corrosion. You’ll also want to give it a clean if that’s needed.
Oil Levels
Just like with your other motor vehicles, checking the oil level on your golf cart is crucial. The oil filters probably need to be changed once every year, but if you’re someone who constantly uses the cart, you might want to bump that up to twice a year.
Electric Golf Carts
In addition to the above golf cart maintenance elements, when you have an electric golf cart, you want to pay attention to a few more things. The battery needs to be checked every month for signs of corrosion. You’ll also want to check the battery every three days or so if you’re using the cart a lot to make sure water levels are ideal. If they’re not, you can use distilled water to fill it up to the correct point. When it comes to maintaining an electric golf cart battery, you want to make sure that you’re not overcharging the battery or letting it run all the way out. Over time this can shorten the battery life of your vehicle.
If You’re Looking For A Golf Cart
Using the above information, you can see what type of maintenance it takes to properly care for golf carts of both the gas and electric variety. If you’re still unsure which type of cart suits you and your needs (on the golf course or off of it), visit website for a breakdown of the pros and cons of each. If you’re buying used, make sure to ask whether the routine maintenance described above has been kept up to date and when the last servicing occurred.
Extreme Temperatures
If you’ve got a golf cart in either extremely hot or frigid temperatures, there might be additional maintenance you need to do. Pay special attention to the air pressure in your tires, as the temperature of the air can influence this. You’re also going to want to keep a closer eye on your battery as overheating in warmer climates and draining quickly in the cold can be a concern. This is true not only of your golf cart battery but all the batteries in your life.
The above information should have provided you with an understanding of the basics of golf cart maintenance. Of course, if your golf cart is misbehaving in a way not mentioned above, take it into the shop. It’s better to be safe than sorry.