ยท Matt Rogers

Golf Cart Maintenance Checklist

When you own a golf cart, it's essential that you keep it well maintained so that you can use it for as long as possible. As is the case with all vehicles, golf carts will degrade over time unless you actively maintain them. You never want to find that your golf cart won't start when you need it to. By utilizing the following checklist of maintenance tips and guidelines, you'll be able to keep your golf cart in prime condition, ensuring its long-term health.

Golf Cart Maintenance Tips for Winter

The type of maintenance required on your golf cart depends primarily on the season. What you need to do during the winter is entirely different than the maintenance that's necessary during the warmer spring and summer months. Winterizing your golf cart is necessary once the fall season is at an end so that it will remain in good condition while in storage. Even when not in use, golf carts can quickly degrade during the wintertime unless you take some precautions.

If you have an electric golf cart, the most important aspect of winterizing the vehicle is to keep the battery in prime condition and make sure that it survives the winter. Before placing your cart in storage, charge the battery to full power, as this reduces the chances that the battery will freeze over the winter. The battery should also be cleaned so as to reduce the buildup of corrosion. This can be accomplished with a simple hosing down of the battery and its racks. Spraying the battery with additional substances such as acid neutralizer and anti-corrosion gel will extend the life of your battery.

Once you're finished winterizing the battery, make sure that your tires are inflated to a PSI level of anywhere from 20-25, as a deflated tire will eventually lead to an instance where the sidewall cracks, which either requires costly repairs or buying an entirely new tire. Since you won't be using the cart while it's in storage, your maintenance requirements are somewhat lessened in comparison to the spring and summer checklist.

Golf Cart Maintenance Tips for Spring and Summer

Once you've taken the golf cart out of winter storage, you'll want to make sure that it's ready for the next golf season. Check the PSI in your tires and inflate to the level mentioned in your owner's manual. You should also take a look at the tires and rims to inspect them for any excessive damage. Next, it's time to inspect the cart's suspension. First, you need to check underneath the cart for any oil leakage, which would be coming from the strut. If you notice any loose or missing hardware in this area, make sure to get it replaced. If the bushings have been worn down, these should be replaced as well.

You should also check the electric components of your golf cart. Make sure that the speed controls work properly and that reverse warning buzzer operates as it should. When you're inspecting the steering, the wheel should never feel loose. If it does, you'll want to get it checked out. The battery should be checked again for any signs of corrosion and the brake pads and cables should be inspected for any excessive wear and tear.

If you have a gas golf cart, the gasoline engine will need to be inspected every six months and certain parts should be replaced occasionally. Replace spark plugs every three years, the fuel and air filters annually, and the drive belt anytime you inspect it and find cracks or missing chunks. If you follow these checklists, you'll extend the life of your cart and avoid costly repairs.