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If you've owned a golf cart for any length of time, the impulse to customize it is natural. The easiest way to personalize a cart is by upgrading to custom golf cart wheels. There's certainly no shortage of golf cart rims and tires to choose from. Here's a quick introductory guide to the rich world of custom golf cart wheels.

Popular Types and Styles Available

As far as custom golf cart rims go, you'll generally have the choice between steel and aluminum. Rims or wheels can feature a chrome, polished or machined finish. Rim diameters typically range from 8 to 14 inches. Popular tire tread options include smooth, knobby and all-terrain to name just a few.

The Specifications You'll Encounter

Standard golf cart wheels are listed as 18 x 8.50-8. This means that the tires are 18 inches in diameter and mounted on 8-inch rims. When it comes to lug configurations, the "4 on 4" setup is the most common. This means that there are four lugs arranged in a square pattern.

Course Restrictions Worth Knowing About

Before you spring for a set of custom rims and tires, you should research course restrictions where you play most. Many courses ban knobby tires meant to negotiate muddy ground. Others ban certain "flashy" rims due to aesthetic factors. Run potential wheel upgrades by the management of your local club before you buy.

Common Installation Considerations

Golf carts require lift kits to install tires larger than a certain size. For instance, Yamaha carts can accept up to 20-inch tires without alteration. A 5-inch lift kit will allow a Yamaha cart to accept up to 22-inch tires. It's important to note that larger tires will require special "negative offset" rims to avoid rubbing up against the cart's body.

General Price Ranges You'll Encounter

If you'd like to take a moderate step up from stock wheels and rubber, a set of 10-inch rims and tires can be had for as little as $500. Larger 14-inch wheels with matching tires can cost less than $700. Buying tires and wheels as a set will greatly reduce the total pricetag.

The Best Cart Gear for the Lowest Prices Possible

Nowadays, cart owners don't have to break the bank when upgrading their wheels and tires. There are plenty of third-party parts vendors out there that can help you to make wise purchases and save you a bundle at the same time.

Gasoline-powered, E-Z-GO golf carts are equipped with an internal combustion engine similar to the motor installed in passenger automobiles. A golf cart must undergo regular maintenance like vehicles powered by traditional engines. E-Z-GO recommends that owners change the engine oil every 125 hours of operation or a minimum of twice a year. To keep your cart in the best condition possible, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual as well as the tips provided in this guide on how to change golf cart oil.

Tools and Materials

Before beginning the process, you will need to gather some tools and materials. Essential items include:

• Lint-free rag
• Wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• 10W-30 grade motor oil
• Replacement oil filter
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

How to Change Golf Cart Oil

It is easier to change the oil when the engine is warm. As a safety precaution, wear heavy work gloves. Put on eye protection to avoid splashing oil in your eyes.

1. Park the golf cart on a level surface. Start the engine, and allow it to warm up. Once the engine is warm, apply the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the ignition key.
2. Use the lint-free cloth to clean off the engine oil cap along with the area surrounding it. This will help prevent debris from inadvertently entering the engine when the cap is removed. Put the cap aside in a safe location.
3. Place the drain pan under the oil filter. The filter is installed within a triangular-shaped housing, which is attached to the engine by three bolts.
4. Use the wrench to remove the retaining bolts. Pull the filter out of the engine. Set the rubber O-ring off to the side. Let the oil drain into the pan.
5. Wipe the area surrounding the oil filter mounting point with the lint-free rag. Replace golf cart oil filter with a correctly sized new one using the O-ring to seal it. In some cases, you may be able to clean the oil filter with engine degreaser or compressed air. When using a degreaser, allow the filter to air dry before reinstallation. If you use compressed air, do not exceed 30 pounds per square inch, and keep the nozzle at least 3 inches away from the filter.
6. After sliding the oil filter into place, reinstall the three retaining bolts with a wrench.
7. Insert the funnel into the filler cap opening. Pour small amounts of 10W-30 grade motor oil into the funnel. Stop periodically to check the fluid level on the engine oil dipstick. It has two lines. The bottom line indicates the minimum amount required for safe engine operation. The top line just below the letter “F” indicates the full mark. Pour oil into the engine until the level is between the two lines.
8. Remove the funnel, reinstall the cap and wipe away any spilled oil.

When you change the oil and replace golf cart oil filter as recommended, you will prolong the service life of your cart.

Due to their low top speeds and mechanic simplicity, golf carts seem like they wouldn't require much maintenance. The truth is that they need as much TLC as any other vehicle especially if they're driven hard in all kinds of conditions. If you've ever wondered how to clean golf cart brakes or how to adjust golf cart brakes, this quick guide will answer those questions and more.

How to Clean Golf Cart Brakes

To clean your cart's brakes, you'll need to elevate the axle you're working on with a standard floor jack. Remove the wheels and the brake drums from the studs. Next, take an aerosol brake parts cleaner and blast the entire area free of dust and rust from the shoes. Finally, use a clean rag soaked in WD-40 to wipe away accumulated grime.

How to Adjust Golf Cart Brakes

Older carts have an adjusting screw or bolt on the backside of the drum. Turn it so that the screw presses the shoes against the drum. Spin the wheel by hand as you go and back off when you feel resistance. Newer carts have self-adjusting shoes with springs that should be cleaned with a solvent and lubricated to ensure smooth braking action.

How to Replace Golf Cart Brakes

Eventually, a cart's brakes will wear down to the point where they can't operate properly. To replace old shoes or drums, you'll need to remove the brake drums and the two shoes on each wheel hub. Spray down the whole wheel hub assembly with brake cleaner before proceeding. Slap the new shoes into their pistons and replace the drum.

Long-Term Golf Cart Brake Maintenance Tips

Ultimately, proper tire inflation is one of the best ways to get the most life out of your golf cart's brakes. Keep those tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure to avoid uneven wear. Furthermore, you should lubricate the moving parts in the suspension on a yearly basis. Last but not least, address symptoms of brake problems like squealing or locking immediately as they arise.

The Keys to Golf Cart Brake Health

Ultimately, golf cart brakes aren't complicated or hard to maintain. Awareness, attention to detail and prudent brake parts purchases will save you loads of time and money in the long run. Buy quality parts when necessary, do the job right when repairs are required and the brakes should last forever under normal circumstances.

In some climates, you may not be able to play golf year-round. As a result, you will have to store your golf cart. It is important that you perform proper maintenance to ensure that it is ready for the next season before placing it in storage. This also prolongs the cart’s service life. Along with instructions provided in your owner’s manual, consider the tips contained in this guide on how to winterize a golf cart.

1. Thoroughly clean the golf cart with soap and water as well as a degreaser or other recommended cleaning products to remove dirt and grime. If not cleaned now, it will be harder to remove later.
2. Inspect the brakes. Check the cart for damage or other issues like loose nuts, bolts and screws. Make any necessary repairs before placing the cart in storage.
3. Verify that the tires are properly inflated. The recommend inflation level is on the tire’s sidewall and in the owner’s manual. Replace worn or damaged tires.
4. Tune up the engine if you own a gas-powered golf cart. The steps include:
1. Replacing the fuel and air filters
2. Changing the oil and filter
3. Removing the old spark plug, pouring a half-ounce of clean oil in the hole and installing a new plug
4. Draining the fuel tank and running the engine until it stops in order to remove gas from the system as old gas can gum up the fuel lines.
5. Checking and topping off other fluids
5. Disconnect the battery cables. Clean the terminal connections, and coat them with anti-corrosion gel. If present, remove the battery caps and check the water level inside each cell. Add distilled water as necessary.
6. Park the golf cart, and set the transmission switch to neutral. If the cart has a tow/maintenance switch under the seat, set it to the tow position. Release the parking brake to relieve pressure on the cable. Block the tires with bricks or wood chocks.
7. If possible, store your golf cart in an enclosed garage or climate-controlled storage unit. This will help protect it from the elements. If this is not an option and the vehicle must remain outside, invest in a high-quality cart cover.

Taking the proper steps outlined in your owner’s manual as well as these tips on how to winterize a golf cart will ensure that you are ready for a round when the new season arrives.

Golf is one of the most relaxing sports in the world. It is a way to get away from all of the pressure and stress of daily life while working on a worthwhile hobby. Many golfers can agree that the use of a golf cart during a round is the way to go. Eliminating the strain of walking 18 holes makes golf an easier game on the body that can be played well into old age. Golf cart technology has advanced to the point where golf courses and individuals no longer have to rely on gas powered motors. Lithium powered golf carts are the way of the future. E-Z-Go golf carts now offers the Elite Lithium model that is changing the golf cart industry. Here are just a few of the many advantages of lithium powered golf carts.

Batteries that do not require maintenance

As most golf courses know, traditional golf cart batteries can require quite a bit of maintenance. However, with lithium ion golf cart batteries, you do not need to water your batteries, clean the terminal posts, and check for power holding on a regular basis. Your golf course will be able to save countless hours of maintenance work by using lithium ion golf cart batteries. Your staff will be overjoyed at the new found freedom they have to devote to other important golf issues on the course.

Your golf carts will be lighter

One of the heaviest parts of a golf cart is the clunky battery underneath the seat. On days that are wetter than most, this extra weight can cause the tires of a golf cart to dig into fairways and other areas. When switching over to lithium ion batteries, your golf carts will weigh hundreds of pounds less due to the removal of lead acid. The turf is one of your most valuable assets on your course. Having lighter carts will help you protect your fairways while giving your golfers a much more rewarding golf experience.

A battery that doesn't quit

One of the biggest detriments to a golf course is any down time. Most golfers are very busy businessmen who need to get out onto the course as quickly as possible. When your carts are down for service, this can cause hold ups that will give your course a bad reputation. Samsung SDI lithium batteries are controlled by a battery management system that ensures performance day in and day out. Efficiency, the state of charge, temperature, and the health of the battery are all easy to access. The same lithium ion technology that is being used in these golf carts has also been tested in electric cars, power tools, scooters, and other electronic devices.

Get the power you need

In mountain golf courses especially, one of the biggest complaints of golfers is the lack of power that golf carts have during hill climbs. With lithium technology, you will be able to give your golfers the power they want and need. No longer will you have carts that are struggling to get up those steeper hills on your course. This will also speed up play which will allow you to book more groups each day.

Become an eco-friendly golf course

Battery recycling can be pretty damaging to the environment. However, with lithium ion batteries, you will be able to spend less time in the recycling process and more time driving on the course. Batteries are always going to be more eco-friendly than the gas powered alternative. This zero-emissions option will be a great way to market your course as a forward thinking course that is protecting the natural environment.

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.

Golf Cart Cleaning Tips

It is advisable to give your cart a good rinse constantly. You should give it a thorough cleaning that includes even the batteries. Water will not affect the vehicle if it is turned off. The only thing that you should avoid is the dashboard area or where there are any electronics. Some corrosion is likely to occur on the battery terminals when it is used continuously. You can get rid of this by getting them wet and adding a bit of baking soda. A toothbrush may come in handy if you want to scrub the corrosion off.

Golf Cart Brake Maintenance

The brakes are one of the most important components of the cart. You can place a jack at the bottom rear end of the car and lift it up to check if they are okay. You can remove the wheels after making sure that it is supported. You can easily check the thickness of the pads after doing this. You can use a blower to blow out any dust that has settled on the brakes.

Screws and Bolts

It might be time to check visible screws and bolts if the golf cart starts to sound squeaky or gives off a funny noise. You should go over them and make sure that they are tight.

DIY Gas Golf Cart Tips

A gas golf cart works like a typical car. You are likely to face some of the issues that you get with your car. It’s a good idea to pull the dip stick and check oil every so often. We also recommend inspection the air filter to be sure its clean. We usually recommend once a year to go ahead and change the oil and filter.

Golf Cart Spark Plug Service

You may have a hard time starting the cart if the spark plugs are not clean. It is also good to make sure that they are spaced apart well. The wires could get fried if they come into contact.

Electric Golf Carts Batteries

Winter is not the season for golf. Most people leave their carts in their garages. It is important that you keep them charged during the cold season. It is Important to note that lead acid batteries need to be stored when they are charged. It is possible to cause serious damage to the batteries if they are stored for a long time without charging. One of the effects is that the batteries might not be able to charge normally. The battery level could be very low that it is not able to activate charging.

A solution to this is to find another cart that has a battery with the same voltage as yours. You can then connect the two with jumper cables and then connect the charger. This will fool the charger into thinking that the battery pack is charged and allows charging to resume. It is important to be cautious when doing this because you might damage the electronics with too much power.

DIY Golf Cart Charger Tips

The issue lies with the battery whenever you feel like your golf cart is not performing well most of the time. The golf cart might be taking too long to charge to full capacity in some cases. You should try and check the state of your charger from time to time. The current should range between 15 and 20 amps when the cart is charging. The charger might have an issue if it does not fall within this range.

Owning an E-Z-GO has never been more affordable!

E-Z-GO has partnered with Sheffield Financial to provide fixed, straight, installment loans for purchases of E-Z-GO vehicles. Sheffield offerings valid through May 31st include:

• • 0% interest rate for 48 months
• • 1.99% interest rate for 36 months
• • 5.99% interest rate for 60 months ($4,000 Min)

This is a cool video demonstrating some of the new and great features for the 2017 Yamaha QuieTech Golf Car. Stop by the showroom to test drive yourself. We have them in stock!