Living in Ave Maria, your golf cart probably gets used a lot more than you realize. A trip to Publix, dinner, the golf course, visiting neighbors. Those miles add up.
Southwest Florida isn’t exactly an easy environment on a golf cart. After working with carts in this area for years, we recommend a few simple things owners keep an eye on.
Check your tire pressure once a month.
Golf cart tires don’t hold a tremendous amount of air, so being just a few pounds low matters. Low pressure creates extra rolling resistance, reduces range and causes premature tire wear. Don’t just look at them, but rather, put a gauge on them and use the pressure recommended for your particular tire.
If you have lead-acid batteries, check the water.
Florida heat makes this especially important. Water levels should be checked regularly and topped off with distilled water when needed. Don’t overfill them and generally check/fill after the batteries are fully charged. Corrosion around the terminals is another sign that it’s time for some attention.
Don’t ignore your charger.
If your cart suddenly isn’t getting the range it used to, the batteries aren’t always the culprit. Chargers, receptacles and connections can develop problems too. If charging behavior changes, have it checked before automatically assuming you need new batteries.
Look underneath the cart occasionally.
Our combination of humidity, rain and standing water is hard on metal components. Take a quick look for corrosion, loose hardware or anything that simply doesn’t look right. Pay particular attention to suspension and steering components.
Brakes still need maintenance.
Electric doesn’t mean maintenance-free. If the brake pedal feels different, the cart pulls to one side, or you hear grinding, or stopping distance increases, don’t wait for your next scheduled service.
Examine your golf cart after a long period of non-usage.
This is a big one in Southwest Florida. If you’re leaving for several months, don’t simply park the cart in the garage and forget about it. Battery type determines the proper storage procedure, so ask your dealer or service department how your particular cart should be stored.
Golf carts have become part of everyday life in Ave Maria, and most problems we see don’t happen overnight. They start small. Paying attention to a few basic things throughout the year can save you money, extend the life of your cart and, most importantly, help make sure it’s ready when you want to use it.
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