Golf Cart Maintenance Guide
Golf carts are highly versatile vehicles that can be used for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re leisurely cruising around the course or doing something much more tedious like transporting supplies, you’ll be glad to have a golf cart on your side. No matter how you use your golf cart, it’s important that you keep it well maintained so that it doesn’t fall into disrepair. However, if you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry!
Beech Creek Golf Carts is here to help you get started with this brief guide. If you have any questions, give us a call or visit our dealership in Cincinnati, OH, to chat with our knowledgeable and courteous staff.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
One of the best ways to keep your golf cart functional is to know how it works, and your owner’s manual will have all that information. It’s a very handy resource to have! You don’t have to read it cover-to-cover, but keep the manual handy so that you can readily access it when the need arises. The manual will generally recommend tips that will suit your particular model and will also suggest when to service your golf cart and what products or parts to use.
Battery Inspection
Your battery is crucial for your golf cart to run, so you want to take good care of it. You should regularly check the battery cables to confirm that they’re tightly connected and not fraying. If you notice any corrosion on the battery terminals, take the time to clear it by using a mixture of baking soda and water. This has the added benefit of improving the performance of your golf cart.
Before you begin, shut all of the vent caps and cover the electric parts. Make a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of hot water. Use an old toothbrush to apply this mixture to the terminals. When you’re finished, wash off the baking soda, spray it with cool water, and wipe the battery until it’s completely dry.
Tires
The tires are another critical part of your golf cart. If you find that they’re over-inflated, you’ll experience reduced contact with the surface that results in less traction. On the other hand, under-inflated tires can also cause problems. They’ll need to work harder to move, which increases fuel consumption. Always make sure that your golf cart tires are inflated to the level that’s recommended for your specific model. You should also pay attention to the tread. It shouldn’t be too low or totally bald as these are the two issues that can cause tires to blow.
Brakes
Well-maintained brakes play an important role in keeping you safe when you ride your golf cart. If you’ve noticed that your brakes are beginning to make a noise or that they aren’t stopping as quickly, you’ll want to inspect them. Check the brake pad thickness and make sure that your braking fluid levels are sufficient. The shoes should have at least 1 mm of material along with an even pattern. If there’s any squeaking, you’ll have to clean the drum. Keep in mind that squeaking sounds during the rain are often normal. Any grinding noise is a bigger problem that will need to be addressed by a professional.
Engine
Gas golf carts are equipped with on-demand engines, which means that the engine only works when you step on the gas pedal. It also turns off as soon as you take your foot off the pedal. This helps save gas while reducing noise levels and emissions, too. To keep the engine in good shape, remember to check the fluids regularly and fill them to the recommended levels.
Keep it Clean
As a general rule, clean debris and dirt off the cart as often as you can. They can affect the steering, pedals, and even the engine. Also, consider investing in a cover to protect it from the elements when it’s not in use. You might also use wax to keep the paint from fading and a fabric or leather protector for the seats, depending on the material they’re made from.
We hope that this golf cart maintenance guide has been helpful. For more information or to explore our wide selection of golf carts for sale, stop by Beech Creek Golf Carts in Cincinnati, Ohio. We’re confident that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for! We proudly serve all those in Dayton, OH, and Lexington, KY.