Golf carts are incredibly versatile, providing transportation for resorts, theme parks, events, campuses, factories, and even farms. You can also drive them around your neighborhood or use them to explore nature and haul equipment. One of the greatest aspects of golf cart functionality is tire quality, which significantly contributes to comfort, safety, and the overall driving experience.
The market has countless golf cart tire options, and knowing where to begin can seem complicated if you’re shopping for the first time. But don’t worry—here’s a comprehensive checklist for your next tire purchase.
Dimensions of Your Golf Cart Tires
The size of your golf cart tires will determine their maneuverability and overall performance. So, ensure you choose similar dimensions to your current tire size or those recommended by the manufacturer.
The following metrics will guide you on what tire sizes to choose.
Tire Size | Height | Width |
205/50-10 | / 18” Tall | / 8” Wide |
205/65-10 | / 20.5” Tall | / 8” Wide |
205/30-12 | / 17” Tall | / 8” Wide |
215/30-12 | / 17.1” Tall | / 8.5” Wide |
215/35-12 | / 17.9” Tall | / 8.5” Wide |
215/40-12 | / 18.5” Tall | / 8.5” Wide |
215/50-12 | / 20.5” Tall | / 8.5” Wide |
205/30-14 | / 19” Tall | / 8” Wide |
The sizing of street cart tires matches vehicle tire labels. Let’s break down what these numbers mean, taking the example of 215/50-12:
- The first number (215) is the tire’s approximate width in millimeters
- The second number (50) represents the aspect ratio (ratio of sidewall to width)
- The third number represents the dimensions of the wheel mounted to the tire
- To find the tire ratio, divide the first and second number
Ordinarily, stock E-Z-GO carts can fit 20’’ tires without a lift kit, unlike G Series Yamaha and stock Club Car tires that rub at 19’’. Additionally, newer Yamaha DRIVE golf carts can fit 20’’ without rubbing.
Conversely, standard golf cart tire sizing adopts three numbers. Here’s what the formula means, taking 22×10-12 as an example:
- The first number (22) represents the tire diameter
- The second number (10) represents the tire width
- The third number (12) represents the wheel size
Tread Pattern
You can choose from vast tread patterns depending on your intended usage. Options include:
- Smooth and Straight Ribbed: These tires feature a smooth tread and straight ribbed design. They’re well-suited for traversing easy terrains like grass without causing damage.
- Saw-tooth: Characterized by jagged tracks that offer optimal traction and durability without compromising terrain integrity.
- Turf: This rounded shoulder tire design minimizes turf damage, making it ideal for grassy surfaces.
- Sand tread: These tires feature a distinct “paddle” or indented pattern to maximize traction on shifting sands, making them ideal for desert or beach settings.
- Knobby: These versatile tread patterns are ideal for customized carts and off-road adventures. Each knob is designed for specific conditions, making them effective in muddy or challenging terrains.
- All-terrain: This versatile, yard-friendly choice offers balanced support for mild, off-road use without the aggressiveness of knobby or sand treads.
Load Capacity
The tires’ load capacity is the maximum weight your cart can handle. This attribute determines its overall handling and durability. So, check your load capacity to determine a tire that can handle the weight.
Enhanced Traction
Golf carts traverse damp, wet, and occasionally hilly terrain. So, choose a well-spaced, grooved product with enhanced traction capabilities on slippery surfaces.
Price and Warranty
You don’t want to overspend. But don’t make the mistake of purchasing low-quality, cheap products. This decision could increase your expenses in the long run as you’ll need frequent replacements.
Terms to Know When Tire Buying
Here are a few terms we recommend you brush up on before you buy a new set of tires:
Low Profile: Low profile tires generally accommodate bigger wheels and have skinnier sidewalls.
All Terrain: All terrain tires are similar to offroad tires. They have a deeper, more rugged tread.
Ply: A tire’s ply or load rating speaks to the thickness of the rubber or the load that can be carried.
Radial: Radial tires have cord plies that run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Many street tires are radial.
Tread Depth: The vertical measurement between the top of the tread rubber to the bottom of the deepest groove is the tread depth.
Buying Tires for Different Situations
Sometimes, certain situations or locations call for a different type of tire. Here are a few guidelines based on where you’re driving:
Golf Course
The best tires for a golf course are soft tires with a shallow tread, so they won’t tear up the course.
Street
If you use your golf car mostly for driving on pavement, you should opt for a radial tire. Radial tires have cord piles that are arranged at 90 degrees to the direction of travel.
Offroad
For the adventurous, offroad lovers, it’s best to choose tires with thicker tread to be able to handle the roughness of gravel and dirt trails.
Reach Out to Golf Cart Experts for More
You need the right set of golf cart tires to ensure optimal safety, longevity, and performance. That’s why Diamond Golf Cars is here to help you choose the right ones for your vehicle. Talk to us today for expert guidance.