The official start of Summer is right around the corner, or what Southerners call “hot as all get-out”—where it’s “not the heat but the humidity” and probably “90 degrees in the shade.” If you own a golf car, you may be wondering how to care for it in extreme temperatures, and how to extend its life throughout the hot months of the summer. Here’s how we recommend caring for your golf car in the summer.
#1: Take Care of Your Golf Car Battery
The battery is the lifesource of your golf car. If your battery functions poorly, you can expect your golf car to function poorly, too. Whether your golf car is gas or electric-powered, you need to properly take care of your battery in order to prolong the life of your car. In the summer, one of the issues we run into with golf car batteries is low water levels.
Golf car batteries contain sulfuric acid and electrolytes. These components are what submerge the plates in order to create energy. After recharging, it’s normal for your battery’s water level to lower. The issue we see in the summer, however, is low water levels even when the battery is not discharged––which can be harmful to your golf car. If it’s hotter than usual outside, we recommend watering your battery more often to prevent frequent evaporation.
Here’s a quick guide to watering your battery:
Fill your golf car’s battery cells, or water fill holes, with distilled water—not tap water – 1/8” BELOW the bottom of the neck of the cell. Do not overfill the batteries as this can lead to battery acid overflowing onto your floor during charging.
#2: Check on Your Tires
Regardless of the time of year, it’s important that you perform regular maintenance on your golf car’s tires. You need to keep the air pressure in your tires at the factory recommended level. This level will be dependent on the type of golf car you own, so when in doubt, always consult your owner’s manual for exact measurements. Or give us a call! We’d be happy to help!
Low tire pressure and extreme heat do not mix, and driving with low tire pressure puts you and others on the road in danger. Make a habit of checking your tire pressure before you go anywhere!
#3: Protect Your Paint
Just like humans peel after too much sun exposure, the same can happen to your golf car. Too much sun exposure can result in faded, chipped paint—and that is just not a good look! Washing and waxing your golf car can help prevent sun damage and protect the paint.
Wash off any dirt and grime, and then apply your wax in a thin layer to protect from the sun’s damaging rays. When your golf car isn’t in use, we recommend storing it somewhere shady like under a tree or inside of your garage. Anyone at Diamond Golf Cars would be happy to help you pick out the right cover for your golf car—so it looks good as new for as long as possible.
If you’re in the market for a golf car, summer is the perfect time to start the conversation! Just make sure you follow these simple tips to ensure your golf car lives a long life. Call Diamond Golf Cars today, and we’ll get you ready for summer!