Gas Golf Cart DIY Maintenance

Golf carts have gone beyond their original use on golf courses and are now used by people for landscaping, event management and even to travel across neighborhoods and campuses. With this growth in popularity, more and more Americans own golf carts. These machines are less hassle than a car or scooter and quite easy to maintain. With just a few maintenance steps, you can ensure your gas golf cart lasts you for years to come.

To help with that we at Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports have compiled the following guide. If you’re still in the market for a reliable golf cart, visit our locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, North Carolina. If your golf cart is giving you any trouble, bring it down to our service department and our technicians will fix it in no time! We also serve the areas of Clayton and Cary.

Engine

Your gas golf cart has an ‘on demand’ engine. This means that the engine will only work if you step on the gas pedal and will shut off the moment you take your foot off. This helps save gas, reduce noise levels and reduce 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 moisture, dry it out. Also check the air filter and spark plugs. Inspect the fuel lines and fix any cracks or leaks you find.

Solenoid

The wire in your gas golf cart that acts as a magnet when carrying an electric current is the solenoid. It’s a crucial part that’s responsible for starting your engine. You’ll need a voltmeter to check the solenoid; a voltmeter checks the voltage of a circuit and moves a pointer across a scale. In short, it’ll show you the amount of electricity flowing from the ignition to the engine. A weak result means you’ll have weak start-ups, which will destroy your battery over time. Ideally, you should check the solenoid every two months to make sure it’s working properly

Brakes

When you examine the brake pedal, ensure the pivots can move freely and the springs are clean and well-lubricated. To check the internal components, remove the big part that the wheel is attached to (also called the drum). 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 could mean that one of the part or the shoes have worn down. Replace the problematic component.

Tires

Tires are the main buffer between your gas golf cart and the road so you shouldn't ignore them during your regular gas golf cart maintenance. 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. Check your owner’s manual to know the recommended levels. Also check the tread regularly to ensure it’s not worn out. Such tires can blow up, sometimes leading to injury by causing loss of control.

Lights & Mirrors

If your gas golf cart is street legal, you can’t ignore the lights and mirrors. You may think that because you drive your cart in little to no traffic areas, you don’t need these parts. However, it can be illegal to drive around without proper lights and mirrors. Ensure your turn signals, headlights and brake lights are all functioning. Replace any burnt out bulbs or sockets. If the lights don't work, you may have to replace the 12-volt fuse. Take care of the side mirrors and wing mirrors on the windshield, by making sure there are no obstructions and that all thumbscrews are tight.

For any additional information or to fix a problem you can’t handle, bring your gas golf cart down to Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports in Raleigh and Wilmington, North Carolina. If you’re looking for golf carts for sale in Cary or Clayton, get in touch with us today!