Golf Cart Motor Maintenance and Care Tips

Golf carts are great for a sunny day on the green when you want to get quickly from shot to shot, but dealing with a slow or dead golf cart motor is always a pain. Whether your cart is electric or gas powered, it's a good idea to keep it in tip-top shape for the field and that starts the caring for the motor. Having to get your cart serviced and repaired is expensive, so knowing what to do in order to keep it running smoothly is important.

General Golf Cart Maintenance

1. Understand the Cart

Make sure you thoroughly read the manual that came with cart to ensure that you have a basic understanding of how to take care of the vehicle, and it may include some upkeep recommendations such as when to change the battery.

2. Make a Schedule

It's normally a good idea to start keeping a schedule or checklist on when to check certain things on the cart itself.

3. Clean the Cart

Cleaning the cart is always a good idea. Dirt and debris can get inside the steering wheel, pedals, and even affect the engine.

4. Check the Internet

It's a good idea to look on the internet for other resources and helpful hints. Some online forums are dedicated to helping cart owners maintain their vehicles.

Electric Golf Carts

1. Examine the Battery

Do an extra special job examining the battery of your electric golf cart to make sure it's free of dirt and anything else that could get in the way.

2. Check Water Levels

The electrolyte water levels in the golf cart should be checked at least every week. Make sure to only use distilled water as chemicals and contaminants can damage the battery.

3. Check Cable Connections

It's a good idea to look at the cable connections on the battery for anything that is corroded, and dirt or debris.

4. Clean the Terminals

Cleaning the terminals is also very important, while wearing gloves, use a solution of baking soda and water to get out anything that is blocking the flow of electricity.

5. Check the Charger

Regularly checking your charger is also a good idea. Normally your cart should read 15 to 20 amps while charging. Anything below that could indicate an issue with your charger.

Gas Golf Carts

1. Check the Solenoid

One of the most important components of a gas golf cart is the solenoid which runs from the ignition to the engine itself. You will need a voltmeter to make sure the solenoid is working. Using the red lead of the voltmeter clip it to the smaller solenoid terminal and put the black lead to the terminal that leads electricity to the ground. While turning the key in the ignition press on the gas pedal at the same. If the voltmeter shows a current is passing through, but if you don’t hear a snap or clicking sound from the solenoid, there is a good possibility that the solenoid needs to be replaced.

2. Check the Spark Plugs

Take a look at your spark plugs to ensure that they are clean and spaced properly.

With these tips, you'll be able to make sure your golf cart stays in the best shape possible. It may be a good idea to go through your checklist every week to make sure you've checked over your golf cart for everything it needs in order to be ready for the field.