DIY Gas Golf Cart Service

No longer confined to the green, Golf carts have become very popular amongst non-golfers these days. They’re being used for landscaping, event management, and even to travel across campuses and neighborhoods. With a wide cross-section of people now using buggies, we at Dever Golf Car Sales wanted to help you take care of your electric golf cart. Following a few basic golf cart maintenance steps will help keep your cart in great shape for years to come. Read on to learn more or come on by our dealerships in Lexington and Louisville, KY, and talk to our friendly staff. While you’re there, you can check out our inventory for some of the best golf carts on the market!

Engine

Golf carts have an ‘on demand’ engine; this basically means that your engine will only work when you step on the gas pedal and will shut off the moment you take your foot off. This feature works to save gas, as well as reduce noise levels and emissions. As part of your golf cart service, regularly check fuel levels and fix any leaks to keep the engine in good shape. The battery cables should be tightly connected and unfrayed. 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

In your golf cart there’s a wire that acts as a magnet when carrying an electric current; this is the solenoid. It’s an important part that’s responsible for starting the engine. You’ll need a voltmeter to check the solenoid; it checks the voltage of a circuit and then moves a pointer across a scale. In short, the voltmeter will show you how much electricity is flowing from the ignition to the engine. If you get a weak result, it means you’ll have weak start-ups that destroy the battery over time. Checking the solenoid every two months should be part of your DIY golf cart service. 

Brakes

When you check the brake pedals, the pivots should be able to move freely and the springs should be clean and well-lubricated. Check the internal components by removing the drum (the big part the wheel is attached to). The shoes should have at least 1mm of material and an even wear pattern. Use a brake cleaner on the bracket system and springs. If you hear any squeaking during this part of your golf cart service, clean the drum properly. Squeaking sounds are only normal during the rains. If there’s any grinding, it’s either a part problem or the shoes have worn down; replace whatever is causing the problem.

Tires

Often ignored during DIY golf cart maintenance, are the tires. Tires are the main buffer between your cart and the road. Take proper care of your tires by never over-inflating them as that can lower traction by reducing the amount of contact made with the road. It also reduces the tire’s lifespan. Under-inflated tires have to work harder to move, which increases fuel consumption. Only inflate the tire to the recommended level. Check the tread to ensure that it’s not completely worn out. Such tires can blow up, sometimes leading to injury by causing loss of control.

Lights & Mirrors

If your golf cart is street legal, you have to get proper lights and mirrors installed on your vehicles. Make sure the turn signals, headlights and brake lights are functioning, and replace any burnt out bulb or socket. If the lights aren’t working, you may have to perform a golf cart repair by replacing the 12-volt fuse. You probably use your cart in areas with little to no traffic so you may think of forgoing mirrors but it's illegal to drive without functioning mirrors. Take care of the side mirrors and wing mirrors on the windshield, and make sure there are no obstructions and that all thumbscrews are tight.

We hope you’ll use these DIY golf cart service tips to keep your buggy in good shape. If you’d like to get your cart some professional service, bring it down to Dever Golf Car Sales in Lexington and Louisville, KY, and we’ll have it ready as good as new for you! We’re here for all your golf cart needs!