​Keep Your Golf Cart on Course - A Guide to Golf Cart Maintenance

Golf carts are a useful and convenient mode of transportation for leisure and for work. Whether you are using your golf cart year-round or seasonally, preventative maintenance is a necessity. Performing regular checks on your cart will help keep expensive repairs at bay and ensure worry-free travels. In this article, we have compiled an extensive list of maintenance items to help you keep your golf cart safe and dependable!

Check the Batteries

Whether you have an electric or gas-powered golf cart, there will be a battery to maintain. Golf cart deep cycle batteries are commonly not maintenance-free and require refilling. To ensure you have the correct fluid level in your golf cart’s batteries, make sure you charge the batteries first using a deep cycle battery-approved charger. Once fully charged, you can check the fluid level. The level should be roughly half an inch above the lead plating. Make sure to always use distilled water when topping off your batteries.

Keep in mind both underfilling and overfilling can reduce a battery's lifespan. If you have an electric golf cart and find that you need to replace a malfunctioning battery, it is recommended that you replace all of them for optimal performance and longevity. The older batteries in the system can cause uneven charge rates, thus reducing the life of the recently replaced batteries.

Check the Steering & Suspension Systems

Maintaining your golf cart’s steering & suspension system is essential to the safety of you and others around you. Start by checking your steering and suspension for excess play and unusual noises. An easy way to check the steering and suspension is to get the cart on a set of jack stands and grab the tire at both the 10:00 & 3:00 and 12:00 & 6:00 o'clock positions and shake the wheel to check for squeaks, clunks, and any looseness. Issues like these will warrant further inspection. Check steering and suspension joints for any worn or broken components. It is important to note that steering components should be lubricated at least once a year. If you don’t want to do these checks yourself, it is worth taking it to a trusted professional for evaluation.

Check the Braking System

Like steering and suspension, maintaining your golf cart’s braking system is paramount for safety. Check brake pads, shoes, lines, and hydraulic components for any signs of excessive wear or malfunctions. Leaking brake lines, worn pads, shoes, drums, & rotors will need to be replaced. Uneven pad/shoe wear and seized components are all issues that need to be addressed and may be indicative of a deeper issue with the braking system. Always take your golf cart to a professional for repairs if you don’t have the correct tools or knowledge to properly perform the job yourself.

Check the Tires & Wheels

While steering, suspension, and brakes are all very important, they won’t be able to perform correctly without a good set of tires. Start by checking your tire pressure. Pressure loss is normal during long storage periods and temperature changes. If your tires have little to no air pressure, it is worth checking for leaks. Inspect the tire for damage or cracking on the tread or sidewalls. Check the valve stem and wheel bead for any signs of leaking. You can use a spray bottle of water and soap to pinpoint leaks. Spray any area of concern and look for excessive bubbling to track down where the leak is located.

(NOTE: If you use your Golf Cart on public roads, make sure your tires are DOT approved for street use.)

If you need replacement tires, wheels, or valve stems for your golf cart, RecStuff.com has you covered!

Check the Lights, Reverse Buzzers, and Mirrors

Lights, reverse buzzers, and mirrors are another set of critical safety features that are quick and easy to inspect. Turn on any exterior lighting and walk around the cart to make sure they are functioning properly. Get an extra set of eyes to check the operation of brake lights when the brake pedal is applied.

With the cart running, engage the reverse gear and make sure the reverse buzzer sounds. The reverse buzzer is there for a reason - to warn others and prevent accidents.

A quick check of the mirrors is always worth taking the time to do. Make sure you can see behind you properly and that all mirrors are present and functioning as they should.

While these checks may seem like common sense, they're often overlooked. It only takes a short amount of time to check these necessary safety items.

Check & Replace Engine Oil and Filter

If your golf cart uses a gasoline engine, maintaining the oil is critical for longevity. Engine oil should be checked at least weekly to verify your oil level is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. The engine oil and filter should be replaced at least once a year depending on how often the cart is used. We recommended referencing your golf cart’s owner’s manual for the correct oil change schedule and fluid specifications.

It is recommended you check your engine air filter at least annually, as well. A dirty or damaged filter will affect engine performance and will need to be replaced. As mentioned, always consult your owner's manual for the correct specifications and capacities prior to performing engine maintenance.

Check & Replace Fuel and Fuel Filter

If you use your golf cart seasonally, make sure you have fresh fuel before the first trip out. Gasoline has a limited shelf life of about six months, so if your cart sits for extended periods, consider using a fuel stabilizer before putting it away in storage.

If your golf cart is struggling to run properly, you may have an issue with your fuel filter. A fuel filter is a cheap and easy maintenance item to replace. To inspect and replace your fuel filter, you may need to remove exterior body panels to gain access. Once you have access, check the condition of the filter. Most fuel filters are clear and allow you to see the filter element itself. If you notice heavy debris or severe discoloration, it is time to replace it. Always consult your owner's manual to make sure you get the correct filter for your golf cart.

1. To replace your fuel filter, start by disconnecting the battery and any spark plug wires to prevent an accidental start during the service.

2. Place a drain pan under the filter to catch any drips that may fall during the replacement process. 

3. Use a pair of hose line clamps to seal off the hoses leading into and out of the fuel filter. From there, loosen the small clamps that hold the hose onto the filter itself with pliers and move them away from the filter.

4. Gently twist the old fuel filter out of each end of the hose and allow any excess fuel inside to drip into the drain pan.

5. Install the new fuel filter into the hose ends in the same direction as the old filter. Move the hose clamps back in place for a proper seal. Then remove the hose line clamps being used to pinch off the fuel lines.

6. Before starting the golf cart, make sure to clean up any spilled fuel. Run the cart and check for any leaks.

Golf carts provide a fun and easy way of getting around, but safety always comes first. With proper maintenance, you can ride worry-free and enjoy the journey. If you're looking for new wheels or tires for your Golf Cart, check out our Turf and Golf Cart category for a wide range of high-quality parts!