Just like an automobile, your golf cart needs regular maintenance to help it last and to ensure it is safe to use. It is always recommended that you hire a professional for golf cart maintenance. Here are seven maintenance steps that are important to the overall function, safety, and longevity of your golf cart.
1. Adjust and Clean the Brakes
One of the steps that is essential during golf cart maintenance is adjusting and cleaning the brakes. Golf carts are not always driven over paved roads. They can be driven over sand, dirt, or grass. All of these elements can get stuck in or around the brakes, making them less effective or squeaky. Cleaning the brakes helps to remove all the residue from them. Additionally, the brakes may need to be adjusted or tightened to ensure they function properly. During this step, a professional will also examine the brakes and let you know if they are approaching the end of their lifespan.
2. Top Off Fluids
Another step that is completed during a maintenance appointment for your golf cart is that the fluid levels are inspected and topped off as needed. Just like an automobile, your golf cart has a lot of different fluids, including oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. A professional will check the fluid levels in your vehicle, and, if needed, top them off.
3. Check the Front-End Bearings
Golf carts have front-end bearings, also known as front wheel bearings. These bearings help to ensure the steering wheel turns the tires on your golf cart. The bearings can start to wear out as they age or are used. If your steering wheel is shaking or if your wheels have a slow response time to you turning the steering wheel, yours may be wearing out. During a golf cart maintenance appointment, a professional will examine your front-end bearings and determine what condition they are in. If they are starting to fail or wear out, you will need to schedule an appointment to have the bearings replaced.
4. Load Test Batteries
Another important element that takes place during a maintenance appointment for your golf cart is that the battery is load tested. This is a test to see if your battery is holding a charge and how much of a charge it is holding. When your battery is brand new, it holds a 100% charge, but as it ages, that number can decrease. When it reaches 60% or lower, it is time to replace the battery, according to Batteries Plus.
5. Inspect the Tires
The tires on your golf cart should always be inspected during a service or maintenance appointment. The amount of tread on the tire and the condition of the tire are carefully looked at to determine if your tires are in good condition or if they need to be replaced. If they are in good condition, then air is added to the tires just to ensure that the pressure is ideal.
6. Test the Electrical System
During a golf cart maintenance appointment, the electrical system of your golf cart is inspected and tested. Wires can start to age or fray, and fuses can burn out. A professional will ensure that all of these parts are in good condition, helping to minimize the chances of you having problems in the near future with your golf cart’s electrical system.
7. Tighten Loose Bolts Throughout the Cart
The last step that is completed when your golf cart is being maintained is tightening loose bolts. According to Golf Storage Guide, on average, a standard golf cart is 36 inches wide, 96 inches long, and 72 inches high. A professional will go over every inch of your golf cart, tightening bolts that may have loosened due to age or use. It is also recommended that you complete this step on your own every three months. Go over the bolts on your golf cart and tighten any that may feel loose.
In our experience, most golf carts should be professionally maintained every six to 12 months or after every 100 to 200 hours of use. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the manufacturer’s recommendation for maintenance for your golf cart. If you are in need of golf cart maintenance services, we can help you properly maintain and care for your gas or electric golf carts. Call Matt’s Custom Golf Carts today to schedule a maintenance appointment.