4 Tips for Keeping your Golf Cart in Top Shape
If you own a golf cart, you belong to a select group of people who enjoy the benefits of owning one. There is a lot to love about a golf cart, but you need to ensure your golf cart is always in top shape so it can serve you how you expect it to. Here are some tips that will help keep your golf cart in pristine condition.
Change The Oil Frequently
Although electric golf carts are very popular, there is still a sizable number of combustion-engine golf carts around. If you own one such golf cart, you should change its oil regularly. The motor in such a golf cart is very expensive, and its efficiency and lifespan will be reduced if you do not change its oil frequently.
Experts recommend you change the oil and filter every six months or every 125 hours of running. This is the change frequency that works best to preserve its longevity without increasing the cost of this maintenance drastically.
Additionally, golf cart owners should be aware of the color of the oil they put in their golf carts. Doing so will make it easier to detect leaks if they happen.
Keep An Eye on The Battery
If you own an electric golf cart, you need to pay close attention to its battery. Taking care of your battery will require that you do a few things:
- Charge it fully after each use
- Keep the connection clean, dry and tight
- Water the batteries if you use a wet-cell battery. Do check the instructions though as most electric golf carts now come with dry cell batteries
- Keep the battery charged and charge it fully every 1.5 to 2 months if you live in hotter climates
There is a lot more you need to know about keeping your electric golf cart’s battery in top shape. You can get all your battery questions answered by visiting the link which has a lot more information regarding what you need to know about these batteries.
Check the Tire Pressure
Golf cart owners should check the tire pressure of their cart’s wheels every month. The recommended pressure will depend on individual tire types, so check the manual to know the ideal pressure.
The sidewalls of the tires will wear out faster if the pressure drops significantly. Additionally, the cart will lose more energy due to friction. For electric carts, you will notice the range is reduced as more energy is wasted. The battery and motor will also have to work harder which will reduce their longevity.
You will notice the rides getting harsher and too uncomfortable if the golf cart’s wheels are overfilled. Additionally, the center of the tread will wear faster due to the reduced contact surface with the road.
Lastly, the tires in both electric and gas-powered gas carts should be kept at optimal pressure to avoid cracks if you plan on keeping the cart in storage for long.
Do Regular Brake Inspections
Although a golf cart typically has lower speed and less momentum than a car, you do not want its brakes to fail when you are at top speed. The brakes should be able to gently bring the cart to a stop at low speeds and abruptly in emergencies.
For these reasons, it is important to perform comprehensive checks regularly to avoid issues. You can check whether the brakes have enough stopping power by engaging them when at speed. You will need a professional inspection for other checks, such as if the brake shoe anchors are still in place.
Keeping your golf cart in top shape will ensure it performs as expected and lasts as long as possible. Fortunately, most regular checks and inspections are easy to complete and maintenance easy to do, but you will need the help of a mechanic for more complicated tasks.
