Gas Golf Cart DIY Maintenance
With golf carts being put to use in landscaping, event management, and even traveling across campuses or neighborhoods, buggies are now used by a wide cross-section of people. Their growing popularity means that more and more Americans now own a golf cart. While it’s pretty easy to care for these machines, following some basic maintenance steps will work out for you in the long run
At Richmond Equipment we know you want your vehicles to last you a long, long time. To help with that, we’ve listed out some ways that you can take care of your gas golf cart at home. Read on to learn more or come to our dealership in Richmond 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
Your gas golf cart uses an ‘on-demand’ engine, which means the engine works only when you step on the gas pedal and shuts off the moment you take your foot off. This saves gas, keeps noise levels down and reduces emissions. To keep the engine in good shape, you should check fuel levels and fix any leaks. Ensure that the battery cables are not frayed and are tightly connected. 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
The solenoid in your gas golf cart is the wire that acts as a magnet when carrying an electric current. It’s a crucial part that’s responsible for starting your engine. To check the solenoid, you’ll need to get a voltmeter, which checks the voltage of a circuit and then moves a pointer across a scale. In short, a voltmeter shows you how much electricity is flowing from the ignition to the engine. A weak result means you’ll have weak start-ups, which destroy your battery over time. You should ideally check the solenoid every two months to make sure it’s working properly.
Brakes
Examine your brake pedal and ensure that the pivots move freely and the springs are clean and well-lubricated. Remove the drum (the big part the wheel is attached to) and check the internal components. 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 there’s any squeaking, clean the drum properly (remember squeaking sounds in the rain are usually normal). If there’s any grinding, it’s either a part problem or the shoes have worn down; replace whatever is causing the problem.
Tires
Though often ignored during maintenance, tires are the main buffer between your gas golf cart and the road so they should be taken care of. If you over-inflate your tires, it lowers traction by reducing the amount of contact made with the road, and it lowers the tire’s life. Under-inflated tires are going to work harder to move, thereby increasing fuel consumption. Always inflate the tires to the recommended level. Also check the tread to ensure it’s not too low or completely bald. Such tires can blow up, sometimes leading to injury by causing loss of control.
Lights & Mirrors
If you’re riding a street legal gas golf cart, you can’t ignore the lights and mirrors on your vehicle. Ensure your turn signals, headlights and brake lights are all functioning. Replace any burnt-out bulb or socket. If the lights don't work, you may have to replace the 12-volt fuse. You probably drive your golf cart in areas with little to no traffic so you may think mirrors aren’t important but it’s illegal to drive without functioning mirrors. Take care of the side mirrors and wing mirrors on the windshield, make sure there are no obstructions and that all thumbscrews are tight.
We hope these tips help you keep your gas golf cart in great shape for years to come! Despite care, machines still need professional servicing at regular intervals. If you’ve got a problem with your golf cart that you can’t fix, let our professional technicians whip it into great shape for you! For all your golf cart needs, head to Richmond Equipment. We proudly serve all our friends from Houston and Rosenberg, TX.