Contractor Tips Blog

Jun
24

How Long Will My Golf Cart Last?

Posted in Golf Carts

If you are considering buying a new golf cart, you may wonder how long you can expect your purchase to last. While components can wear out, the vehicle itself can last for many decades. Both gas and electric golf carts have similar longevity expectations when it comes to their frames, but engines and other components can vary. Here are some factors that can impact whether your new golf cart is still running 30 years from now or needs replacement 7-10 years down the road.

Frame Material

Differing brands and models of golf carts may use steel or aluminum frames. Aluminum does not rust and can last much longer than steel but has other limitations. Steel can handle more weight and may be better for rougher terrain. Good paint can help protect steel from rusting and extend the life of golf carts with these types of frames.

Preventive Maintenance

Like any vehicle, a golf cart is an investment that is best protected by preventive maintenance. Tune-ups, brake service, battery care, new paint and other maintenance can help extend the life of your golf cart.

Type and Frequency of Use

It should be expected that a golf cart used for commercial purposes on a daily basis will wear out quicker than those used less frequently for recreational use. Heavier loads, rougher terrain and higher speeds will all impact the longevity of the vehicle.

For most people, a well-maintained golf cart used for recreational or private purposes can last for 30-40 years. However, it is common for owners to trade in their models after several years to upgrade to a newer vehicle. To learn more on how to make your golf cart last as long as possible, talk to your local golf cart dealer.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Apr
16

5 Reasons to Choose an Electric Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Both gas and electric gas carts can be excellent choices for personal transportation. Whether you need a golf cart for enjoying your favorite sport or for a quick and easy way to get from point A to point B, it is important to choose a model that will best suit your needs. For many people, an electric golf cart has more benefits and is the right choice. Here are five reasons to consider electric for your next golf cart.

  1. Great prices. Electric golf carts can be easier on the budget than gas-powered models. There are economical options that are affordable and cheap to maintain.
  2. Eco-friendly. Electric is the green option when it comes to golf carts. No fuel is needed, just batteries to power the engine. Electric motors run cleaner and do not have the emissions of a gas-powered engine, making it a better choice for protecting the environment.
  3. Easy maintenance. When it comes to routine maintenance, electric golf carts are simple. The batteries are the main items you need to maintain, but there are fewer engine maintenance requirements.
  4. Quiet. Electric motors are almost silent. If you want a stealth golf cart for personal transportation, electric is the way to go.
  5. No smell or filling the tank. Electric golf carts do not have fumes, so they can be used indoors. They also do not need to be filled with fuel – just keep your battery charged and you are ready to hit the golf course.

There are benefits to gas-powered golf carts, but for many, electric is a great option. Visit your local golf cart dealer to learn more about the different models available to find the best one for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Mar
31

Old Golf Cart – Repair, Recondition or Replace?

Posted in Golf Carts

Golf carts can provide personal transportation for many years. However, like any vehicle, they will eventually begin to have problems as they get older. If you have an older golf cart that is starting to wear out, you may not be sure whether it is better to continue spending money on repairs or if it is time to consider replacement. Weighing out the pros and cons can help you decide whether you should repair issues as they arise, invest in a complete reconditioning or opt for a replacement.

Repairs

Simple battery replacements or new tires are cost effective golf cart repairs that can be expected as your golf cart gets older. However, when bigger problems arise with the motor or other major systems, it may need an overhaul or be more cost effective to replace the vehicle.

Reconditioning

If your golf cart is in good physical condition but has many miles under the hood, a reconditioning may be the best option. Talk to your local golf cart dealer about reconditioning your vehicle and weigh the cost versus replacement.

Replacement

When repair or reconditioning is too expensive, replacement may be a better option. Most dealers have both new and used models to choose from for almost any budget. Many people buy golf carts and only lightly use them before they decide to upgrade or sell them back to the dealer. You can often get a lightly used golf cart for about the same price as reconditioning your old cart.

Not sure what is the best option for you? Bring in your old cart to your local dealer for a quote on repairs, reconditioning or trade-in value against a replacement.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Feb
17

DIY Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Golf Cart Running All Season

Posted in Golf Carts

The last thing you want when you are on the 18th hole or on a backwoods trail is for your golf cart to leave you stranded. Just like any vehicle, your golf cart needs maintenance to keep it running in tip-top condition. Preventive maintenance can help ensure you don’t end up with a dead battery or tire problem when you are outside enjoying your day. Here are some DIY tips and tricks to keep up on golf cart repairs and maintenance to make your vehicle run great all season.

  • Battery maintenance. If you have an electric golf cart, battery maintenance is essential. Without a well-charged battery, your day out on the course could be cut short. Make sure to fully charge after each use and keep your batteries full of water for longer life.
  • Check your tires. Like a car or truck, you want to make sure your tires are in good shape before each outing. While a flat tire or low tread is not as dangerous as on a road vehicle, it still is important to replace them when needed.
  • Keep up with tune-ups. Gas-powered and electric models both need tune-ups. Gas-powered carts need oil changes and similar tune-ups to your car. Electric motors are simpler, but still need maintenance. Check with your local golf cart dealer for tune-up kits you can perform at home, or bring your cart in for routine tune-ups at your dealer.

With a little maintenance on your golf cart, you can avoid having to tow your golf cart off the course or out of the woods. Keep up with preventive care to make your golf cart last all season with no troubles during your outings.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Jan
23

When Is a Good Time to Get a Golf Cart Tune Up?

Posted in Golf Carts

Like any vehicle, golf carts need regular maintenance to keep them in good running condition and to extend the life of the motor. Tune-ups are important, and should be done at least once a year. But is there a better time of year to do a tune-up? Yes and no, depending on how often and when you use your golf cart.

Seasonal Use

Golf carts are used for many activities beyond golf. Many times, this is a seasonal use. If you use your golf cart for a true golfing-mobile, you may only use it in the summer in some climates. For those who have a golf cart for hunting excursions, it may be primarily in the fall. When you only use your golf cart for part of the year, it is best to tune-up at the end of the season before you put it away for storage.

Year-Round Use

If you use your golf cart year-round for personal transportation, golfing or for your business, you can schedule your annual tune-up whenever it is convenient. It doesn’t matter the season, so long as you keep on top of the maintenance. Your local golf cart dealer can perform your tune-up, brake check, oil changes (if needed) and other maintenance for you to save you the trouble of trying to do it all yourself.

Gas and electric golf carts need different types of maintenance and tune-ups, so it is important to check your owner’s manual or talk with your local dealer about a maintenance checklist for your cart. The time of year you get your golf cart maintenance and repairs done is not as important as ensuring it does get completed every year.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Jul
21

Extend the Life of Your Golf Cart Battery

Posted in Golf Carts

If you have an electric golf cart, caring for the battery is vital to getting the most out of your investment. Not only is it the sole source of energy for your cart, replacing the battery can be expensive. Knowing how to properly charge for your battery can make it last longer and perform better. Here are some tips to care for your golf cart battery to extend the life and get the most out of your money.

  • Understand the limits of your battery. A golf cart battery is under much more strain than a typical vehicle battery. It is not recharged as you go, so when the juice runs out, it is completely dead. Plan your excursions around the typical battery life so it does not become completely drained or leave you stranded. Completely discharging a battery or even to below 80% can affect the life span.
  • Recharge completely. After each use, recharge the battery to full capacity. This is extremely important to improve the battery life so you get the most out of your investment. Even if you only use it for a short period, recharge after use.
  • Use a single outlet for charging. Do not plug your battery charger into an outlet that is being used for another electrical appliance. This can disturb the electrical flow to the battery.

Charging your battery the correct way is one way to get the most out of it and your golf cart. It also will need to be regularly cleaned and water added according to the manufacturer or dealer recommendations. Call your local golf cart dealer to learn more about maintaining your entire golf cart, including battery maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
Top Dog Golf Carts
55055 Hammond Industrial Dr
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 887-7433

Jan
28

Maintenance for Your Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Like any motorized vehicle, golf carts require routine maintenance to extend the lifetime of the vehicles. Both electric and gas-powered models will need some service performed, although maintenance can be expected to be lower than a car or truck that you use for regular transportation. Staying on top of your maintenance can ensure you will get the most out of your investment into your golf cart. 

Electric Golf Cart Maintenance

For electric carts, maintenance of the batteries is the most important factor. The batteries on these vehicles are expensive to replace, so following the correct charging instructions for your cart is crucial, as well as keeping water levels maintained. A well-maintained golf cart battery can last up to six years, where poorly maintained batteries can die in only a year or two of use. You will also need to perform routine maintenance on the brake system of your golf cart.

Gas-Powered Golf Cart Maintenance

Gas-powered golf carts will need similar maintenance to most vehicles, including oil and filter changes, air filter changes, brake service and spark plug replacement. If you are mechanically inclined, you can do much of this maintenance yourself, or you can bring your cart to your local golf cart dealer for service. For golf carts, most maintenance is based on the hours used instead of the miles driven, so keeping track of hours of use is important. Hour meters are available for golf cart motors to help you keep track of when your motor needs maintenance.

Talk to your local golf cart dealer about what maintenance should be performed on your model of golf cart and how often. Staying on top of maintenance can help your cart last for many years and protect your investment.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Jan
6

Protect Your Investment with Golf Cart Maintenance

Posted in Golf Carts

Just like any vehicle, your golf or utility cart needs regular routine maintenance to keep it running great. Whether your cart is used every day for your business or only on occasion for recreation, you still need to keep up on servicing the engine. Although golf carts are smaller and simpler than a car or truck, they still require many of the same maintenance services. Some of the maintenance that should be done includes:

  • Oil changes. Just like any vehicle, your golf cart will need oil and filter changes to keep the engine properly lubricated.
  • Battery replacement. Especially on electrical carts, battery maintenance and replacement should be done according to the manufacturer recommendations. Don’t wait to be left stranded with a dead battery out on the course or in the woods before you replace that old battery.
  • Tires and brakes. Have your tires and brakes inspected at least annually for safety, especially for golf carts that have been customized to be street legal.
  • Tune-ups. Make sure you stay on track with your regular engine tune-ups to ensure all your components are functioning properly and all fluids are kept at the right levels. An ounce of prevention is always worth the proverbial pound of cure.

Not sure what your golf cart’s maintenance requirements are? Check your owner’s manual or call your local golf cart retail and service center. Your local golf cart store can give you the standard maintenance expectations for different golf cart models and when they should be performed. To ensure the maintenance is done correctly and meets your vehicle warranty standards, bring your cart to a service center that specializes in golf cart maintenance and repairs.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Apr
8

Maintaining Your Electric Golf Cart

Posted in Golf Carts

Just like any vehicle, golf carts need regular maintenance to perform at their best. If you own an electric golf cart for personal recreation or for your business, keeping your cart on a regular maintenance schedule will prolong the life and performance of your investment. Some maintenance can easily be done by the owner, while other routine services are best done at a professional golf cart service company.

Basic Golf Cart Maintenance

There are a few basic services that your golf cart will need. For electric carts, battery maintenance is essential, along with normal motor, brake and tire services. Although all makes and models may have different requirements, here are some of the minimum service requirements for most electric golf carts:

  • Batteries. Battery terminals should be checked and cleaned often to stop corrosion. Heavily used golf carts may need their terminals cleaned every week. Batteries should be tested at least once a year, more often for heavier use.
  • Tires. Tire pressure and signs of wear should be checked regularly. Low pressure can lead to premature replacement. Alignment should also be checked about twice a year.
  • Brakes and motor. Like any vehicle, your golf cart needs regularly lubrication and replacement of parts as needed for both the brakes and motor. This is best performed by your local golf cart service company as noted in your operational manual for your make and model.

By keeping up on your regular routine maintenance, your golf cart can last for many years. Plan to bring your cart in for service at least once a year for light use, bi-annually for heavy or commercial use.

Posted on behalf of:
Action Specialty Carts
1891 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 888-0892

Nov
21

Golf Cart Service and Repairs

Posted in Golf Carts

One of the most important things to determine when looking to buy or rent a golf cart or utility vehicle is to select a firm that is a full service golf cart distributer.  This is important because after the cart is delivered, it is going to need periodic repairs and regular maintenance, as recommended by the manufacturer.  It is important to select a firm that will provide periodic golf cart service and repair promptly, economically and views the relationship between the company and the customer as a long-term business partnership. 

The full service golf cart distributor will have a dedicated service department staffed by factory-trained technicians that are highly skilled.  They will have the ability to work on both electric golf carts and utility vehicles as well as gas powered golf carts and utility vehicles.  Popular manufactures include Yamaha, E-Z-Go and Club Car, so it is important that the repair facility have the parts and expertise to work on these manufacturers.  

While regularly scheduled manufacturer recommended service, tune-ups and check ups eliminates many issues, common issues include battery replacement, battery problems, including recharging problems and electrical shorts.  In addition, they will be able to provide more extensive services, including complete overhauls and reconditioning.  The full service golf cart distributor will also have the dedicated trucks and trailers to pick up the golf cart or utility vehicle and deliver it to their repair facility as well as return it when the work is complete.  All work will be performed to the highest standards and will be fairly priced.

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts 

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