DIY Maintenance For Gas Golf Carts

Now that golf carts are being used in a number of different industries (like landscaping, campus security, event management, etc.) a growing number of Americans have started to purchase buggies. These vehicles are pretty easy to care for and don’t require as much maintenance as your bigger vehicles. However, following some basic maintenance steps will let you use your golf cart for a longer time.

To help you take good care of your gas buggy at home, we at The Sports Center have compiled the following guide. For any additional help, talk to our friendly staff at our dealership in Perry, Georgia. If you’re looking for professional service for your golf cart or if you want to purchase a new one, visit our location to see some of the best models on the market.

Engine

With a gas golf cart, you get an “on-demand” engine. This basically means the engine starts only when you step on the gas pedal and shuts off as soon as you take your foot off. This helps to keep noise levels down, reduce emissions and save gas. Regularly check your fuel levels and fix any leaks to keep your engine running smoothly. The battery cables shouldn’t be frayed and should be tightly connected. If the distributor cap has any moisture, dry it out completely. Check the spark plugs and the air filter. Also, inspect the fuel lines and fix any cracks or leaks.

Solenoid

The golf cart solenoid is a wire that acts as a magnet when an electric current is passed through it. It’s an essential component that’s responsible for starting the engine. To check it, you’ll need a voltmeter, with which you can check how much electricity is flowing from the ignition to the engine. The voltmeter will move a pointer across a scale to show the amount of electricity.  A weak result means you’ll have weak start-ups, which destroy your battery over time. You should ideally check the solenoid every two months to make sure it’s working properly.

Brakes

When you examine the golf cart brake pedal, ensure the pivots can move freely and the springs are clean and well-lubricated. The drum is the big part that the wheel is attached to; remove it and check the internal components. The shoes must have at least 1mm of material and should be wearing out evenly. Clean the bracket system and springs with a brake cleaner. Squeaking sounds in the rain are normal, but if there’s any other squeaking, clean the drum properly. If there’s any grinding, there’s a problem with some part that needs to be replaced.

Tires

Tires are often ignored during DIY maintenance but remember that they’re the main buffer between your golf cart and the road so they should be well-maintained. Over-inflating your tires can reduce the amount of contact made with the road, thereby reducing traction and lowering the tire's life. Under-inflated tires always have to work harder to get the job done, which increases fuel consumption. Always inflate the tires to the recommended level. Check the tread to ensure it’s not too low or completely bald, as that can lead to a blowup.

Lights & Mirrors

If your golf cart is street legal, then you can’t ignore the lights and mirrors on it.  Ensure all the turn signals, headlights and brake lights all function well. Any burnt out bulb or socket will have to be replaced. If the lights don’t work, you may have to replace the 12-volt fuse. If you drive your golf cart in areas with little to no traffic so you may think mirrors aren’t important but it’s illegal to drive without functioning mirrors. Make sure there are side and wing mirrors and there are no obstructions in front of them.

We hope you find this information helpful! For additional help, come and take to our professional staff at The Sports Center in Perry, Georgia. If you’ve got a problem with your golf cart that you can’t fix, let our professional technicians whip it into great shape for you! We welcome all our patrons from Macon and Columbus. We’re here for all your golf cart needs!