Your Official Golf Cart Maintenance Checklist
It's not just kids who deserve their own toys, what about adults? Unfortunately, with adult toys, they can come with more of a hefty price tag. Hence why it is important that you take good care of all your possessions.
Golf carts are of no exception to the rule. Make sure that you are well versed in how to keep your golf cart in spick and span condition all through those winter months and up until the summer season.
This article includes a thorough golf cart maintenance checklist which any keen golfer should follow to ensure a smooth experience on the green and driving between each of the holes. Don’t forget that golf carts are open to the elements, so if you cannot store yours in a garage, you will need to find somewhere else that is sheltered to keep it away from exposure. Failing this, you can purchase quality golf cart covers that can be essential to help protect both its exterior and the interior from potential damage caused by exposure to the elements.
Read on to find out what you need to do to keep your golf carting wheels in prime condition all through the year.
Golf Cart Battery Maintenance
In the winter especially if you have an electric golf cart, you will need to pay special attention to the battery.
With golf cart batteries it is important to make sure that you monitor them and keep them in the best condition if you are planning to store your golf cart over the winter months. Or even if you aren't using it as frequently.
With an electric golf buggy, the primary reason for engine failure will usually have something to do with the battery. So take the following steps to preserve the battery’s life, on a regular basis:
Before putting your cart away for the winter charge up the battery completely so that it doesn't run down or become flat from being inactive.
Clean the battery with an anti-corrosive spray and also use an acid neutralizer over the battery to prevent any danger if there was to be a bit of spillage.
You can buy acid neutralizer from the store but a homemade solution of baking soda and water can be just as effective. The ratio is one cup of baking soda to one gallon of water.
Make sure to wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves and eye goggles when cleaning or using acid neutralizer on your battery.
Keeping the battery clean and free from dirt or build-up of corrosion is a sure-fire way to keep your battery in top condition.
You can use a standard hose and a towel for manual cleaning which should do most of the debris or dirt. If it is stubborn or not easily washing away then use hot water and a hot towel for the harder to clean spots.
Golf Cart Tires
In the winter, before you store your golf cart away, make sure your golf tires are inflated to a pressure of about 20-25 psi.
This is to protect your golf cart tires from any major deflation over the winter period.
When you get the golf cart out for the new season, if the tires aren't inflated enough they may be susceptible to a popped tire as soon as you try to drive it any mid-range distance.
Severely deflated tires can also be a problem in terms of handling and covering ground safely, so ensure you pump up those tires properly before thinking about leaving the golf cart without the correct tire pressure.
In the summer months, it is important to check your tire pressure frequently.
If your golf cart's alignment is off then that can also significantly affect your range of movement and your ability to move around the course.
Alignment is crucial for long-lasting tires and your golf carts maneuverability. If your cart can be used on the road, purchase tires that are durable and street legal.
Lubrication of the Golf Cart
Lubrication is essential in the overall maintenance of your golf cart. This is because it helps facilitate not only battery management, but the steering calibration as well.
Depending on the type of model you have will deem how often you will need to check various lubrication points.
However, it is important not to neglect this practice as it will affect how smoothly you can drive your golf cart and how well the battery is maintained.
Check your rear axle differentiation for oil within and check with your finger to see if you can draw any oil. If the oil is leaking at all, fill the hole with a grease gun.
To help with your steering, ensure that the steering wheel rack and pinion are greased every year.
At this time it is helpful to check whether all the bolts and nuts around the steering console are tight enough.
You can inspect for wear and tear and tighten the bolts if required.
Golf Cart Brakes
Golf cart brakes are something that needs to be checked every few months, due to golf carts being able to reach speeds of 20-25 mph.
If your brakes aren't functioning properly then this could lead to accidents or even injuries.
Every three to four months check your brake shoes, brake fluid, drums, and cables to make sure that they are all up to scratch and working how they should be.
If your brakes sound squeaky or are making an excessive amount of noise then it is best to get them checked out.
It is recommended that you get your brakes serviced every year.
Golf Cart Maintenance Checklist: Where Can I Find Out More?
That's all there is to it when it comes to your golf cart maintenance checklist!
By making these small check-ups and doing a bit of maintenance on your golf cart, you can be teeing off on your favorite par 3 without a care in the world.
Golf can be a relaxing and enjoying pastime for many people who like the fresh air and the outdoors. Don't overcomplicate it by falling behind on your golf cart maintenance!
If you liked this article and want to read more on the topics of sports or family, why not check out our previous blog posts?