How to Repair a Golf Cart
By Bill Herrfeldt
Just like a car or a lawn mower, a golf cart will need to be repaired from time to time. If you take a moment to diagnose the problem, maybe you can fix it yourself rather than pay someone else to do it for you. The majority of golf-cart problems involve the battery if it is electric, the engine if it is gas-operated--or the tires. Learn to diagnose these problems and you'll have your cart in running order sooner.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Check the battery terminals, if your golf cart won't start. Because golf carts go over rough terrain, cables can become disconnected or accumulate a lot of dirt. Make sure the battery terminals are connected, and clean them if they're dirty.
If the car runs on gasoline, make sure the starter motor doesn't need to be cleaned or replaced. And if the spark plugs are worn or dirty from carbon, oil or other pollutants, they also must be replaced. Your neighborhood auto supply store has replacements that are easy to install.
Check to see if your cart battery is low on water. Also check for leaking battery acid. If the battery is low on water, fill it with distilled water so the plates are completely covered. If the battery is leaking, carefully remove it and replace it. If the battery is leaking, handle it carefully. Acid is very toxic.
Make sure the tires on your cart aren't the culprit. If you have a problem getting the cart moving on wet grass or mud, the treads may be low and the tires may need to be replaced. If you have a flat tire, and your tires have inner tubes, they often can be repaired with a patching kit. Keep your tires inflated, according to manufacturer's specifications, and check them often. Tires with too much air in them wear out more quickly.
Tips & Warnings
If you own a gasoline-powered cart, you must be familiar with gasoline motors to diagnose and fix problems. Otherwise, you'll need a mechanic to make repairs.
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
