Expert Golf Cart Maintenance Tips
Electric Golf Cart Maintenance
Golf cart battery maintenance is a vital part of an electric golf cart and can be very costly if not maintained properly.
Choosing the Right Golf Cart Battery
A properly maintained battery should last 4 -5 years however, cheaper inexpensive batteries do not last.
Be sure to always purchase top-quality batteries. US Battery or Trojan brand is recommended.
Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Safety
Remove Jewelry
When servicing batteries be sure to remove jewelry (watches and rings). Contact with metal on the battery terminals can be dangerous.
Safety Glasses & Rubber Gloves
The batteries in a golf cart carry enough volts to weld metal together. Always use safety glasses and heavy rubber gloves to check and refill batteries. Battery acid is very corrosive and can be a danger to your health.
Check Electrolyte Water Levels
After the batteries have been fully charged. Check the electrolyte water levels in each cell of each battery regularly (depending on use weekly or monthly) to ensure that the leaded plates in the battery are submerged in water. If the water runs dry, it will shorten the life of the battery and could be a fire hazard.
Refill Electrolyte Water
Use only distilled water to refill, and don’t fill the cell all the way up — add just enough water to cover the plates. Overfilling will cause the acid to overflow out of covers when charging which in turn will cause corrosion of the metal frame and cables. We recommend using a battery water bottle, which prevents spilling and overfilling. These can be purchased from Custom Cart Connection.
Check Battery Connectors
Check connectors to make sure they are tight and if there is any corrosion. If connections are loose or if corrosion is present, contact our service technicians.
Cleaning Golf Cart Batteries
You can use baking soda or Coke to clean acid off the terminals. Dirt, dust, and grass can interfere with the battery connections leaving the cart under-powered. Spilled battery acid has the same effect.
Cleaning the top and sides of the battery along with the cart is important to the long-term life of the cart as well as its day-to-day performance. A hose can be used to do this cleaning, but be sure not to get any of the other electrical components wet. This could cause a short in the system.
Gas Engine Golf Cart Maintenance Checklist
Oil & Air Filter
The oil, air filter element, and spark plug should be changed every 12 months.
Clutches
Clutches are a very important part of the operation of a gas cart and should be checked every 12 months. If they are not performing properly your cart can become sluggish and tend to have a hard time climbing hills.
Mufflers and Exhaust Pipes
If you notice the engine sound has gotten louder or smell exhaust fumes, you could have a cracked muffler or exhaust pipe which should be checked by our service technicians.
Tire Maintenance
Tire maintenance is very important and commonly overlooked.
Check tire pressure monthly and fill it to the manufacturer's recommended pressure(20-22 psi for most tires). An under-inflated tire can cause uneven wear and shorten the life of the tire and also put a strain on the performance of the cart.
Brake Maintenance
The brakes on the cart should be checked and serviced every 6 months. This involves checking, cleaning and adjusting the pads, drums, cables and pedal. Brakes not properly serviced can cause costly repairs and also be a danger to the passengers in the cart.
If you notice your brake pedal is low and/or squeaking, have our service technicians look at them right away.
Rear Differential
The oil level should be checked every 12 months. An oil leak could cause costly repairs.
If you notice oil or excessive dirt on the outside of the differential this is an indication that you could have an oil leak.
Storage Maintenance: Leaving Golf Cart for 6 Months
Follow these steps to prepare your golf cart for 6 months or more of non-use:
- Clean the golf cart thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on it. This will help prevent any damage during storage.
- Check the battery charge level and make sure it is fully charged. If the battery is not fully charged, it may lose its charge over time, which can cause damage to the battery.
- Disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals to prevent any power drain from the battery during storage.
- Check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure level. This will help prevent any flat spots on the tires during storage.
- Apply a coat of wax or protectant to the body and any chrome or metal parts of the golf cart to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Cover the golf cart with a breathable cover or tarp to protect it from dust and debris.
- Store the golf cart in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight. Custom Cart Connection offers seasonal storage solutions. Check out our monthly and 3-month golf cart storage programs.
- Check on the golf cart periodically during storage to ensure it is still in good condition. If you plan on leaving a golf cart for 6 months or more in storage, make arrangements to start the golf cart and let it run for a few minutes periodically to keep the battery charged and prevent any mechanical issues.
By following these expert tips and steps, you can ensure that your golf cart is properly maintained, stored, and protected, allowing you to enjoy your golf cart for years to come.
Whether you are a casual cruiser or a serious enthusiast, keeping your golf cart in top condition is essential for optimal performance and longevity. With a little bit of effort and attention, you can keep your golf cart running smoothly and looking great, so you can focus on what really matters – enjoying Florida!
Start implementing these golf cart maintenance tips today and experience the benefits of a well-maintained golf cart for yourself.