Spring has sprung, and if you’ve been waiting for the weather to warm up so you can enjoy your golf car––now’s the time! Whether you’re heading out to the golf course for a few swings, or going for a joy ride around your neighborhood, follow these steps to make sure your golf car is in tip top shape for spring and summer cruising.
Check Your Batteries
Before you can get your golf car back on the golf course or out on the street, it’s important that you check the health of your batteries. Take a look and check thoroughly for any signs of corrosion, or white crusty material around the terminals and cables. If you do notice signs of corrosion, you can safely clean your connections with a pinch of baking soda mixed with water.
If your golf car has some difficulty starting up, or is moving slowly, you might need a new battery altogether. The batteries are an essential part of your golf car—the moment these stop working, everything else will quit, too.
Check Your Battery’s Water Level
Routine maintenance of your golf car’s batteries will extend the life of your golf car, no doubt, but there are certainly things you can check yourself. Here are a few tips on the proper way to water your golf car’s battery:
- Don’t overwater or underwater your golf car battery.
- Don’t put water in batteries that need to be recharged. Wait until your batteries are fully charged before watering them or checking their water levels.
- Always use distilled water––NOT tap water. Chloride, nickel, nitrates, copper and other chemicals in tap water can wear down your battery.
- If you live in a hot climate, dry air can evaporate the water in your golf car battery faster than usual. Make sure you keep your water levels steady.
Check Out Other Parts of Your Golf Car
After you’ve taken proper care of your battery, it’s time to focus on other important parts of your golf car.
Tires––If your tires aren’t properly filled, you’ll get less out of your golf car. If you drive mostly on streets, make sure you purchase street-legal tires with tread instead of turf. Turf tires wear out more quickly and don’t function as well on wet roads.
Steering––If your steering wheel feels loose, tighten it yourself or have a professional check it out.
Brakes––Checking your brakes requires a good deal of background knowledge. Have a professional check your brakes for you if you notice any squeaking or lack of resistance.
Buzzer––Your buzzer is an important safety feature that lets others know when you’re backing up—which is extra important for smaller, less obvious vehicles like golf cars. If you don’t hear it, get it fixed immediately.
What If I Own a Gas-Powered Golf Car?
If you own a gas-powered golf car, much of the advice above still applies to you. However, here are a few extra tips for gas-powered golf car owners:
- Change your oil regularly.
- Clean and replace spark plugs and air filters.
- Replace the drive belt if you notice cracks.
Golf Car Insurance
Insurance is an important part of any vehicle ownership. If you cancelled your insurance during the off-season, make sure you renew it before spring arrives to ensure that your golf car is protected from accidents or damages.
Do you need to speak to a golf car expert? Call Diamond Golf Cars today!