A quality golf cart cover reduces spring maintenance.

A quality golf cart storage cover should protect the entire cart from top to bottom. It should be properly vented to allow moisture and condensation to evaporate. If moisture is allowed to build up under the cover, the cover can do more damage than good by holding moisture in, where it will eventually damage your golf cart. With an effective venting system, however, the moisture has a chance to escape before causing any damage.

A quality golf cart cover should be water repellent to protect against rain, snow, and other weather damage. It should also include a UV protectant coating to keep the sun’s harsh rays from breaking down the cover’s fibers.

With the right golf cart cover, you should never have to worry about cleaning or drying out your golf cart after long-term storage. Just perform the regular spring maintenance, and you’re on your way!

Follow these steps to clean your golf cart and protect the finish.

Step 1    If possible, park your golf cart in the shade and in an area that allows the water to run off onto a permeable surface, such as a gravel driveway, patch of dirt, or grassy area. This prevents any chemical pollutants from running directly into the storm drain, where they make their way untreated into nearby lakes and streams.

Step 2    Remove any equipment from the cart that could be damaged if it gets wet. Take out the floor mats and clean the floorboards with a broom or shop vac. Scrub the floor as needed and rinse with water. Let dry.

Step 3    If you have removable seat covers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wash and dry your covers. Wipe down the vinyl seats with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner if needed. Wipe down the dash, steering wheel, and any interior plastic parts with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.

Step 4    Next comes the body of your cart. Fill two buckets—one with an all-purpose golf cart solution diluted in water and the other with clean water. A soft sponge will do; however, to avoid scratching your cart’s finish, you may want to use a sheepskin wash mitt. This is your best bet to avoid catching dirt or grit and grinding it deeper into your cart’s finish.

Step 5    Rinse the wash mitt in clean water and rinse the cart. Clean your cart in sections to avoid letting the soapy water dry on your finish before rinsing. Dry off the cart with soft, clean towels, such as microfiber or waffle-weave. Apply a fresh coat of wax if needed. Scrub the tires with soapy water and a stiff brush. Detail tires as needed.

Step 6    Take extra care when washing your windshield. There are two basic types of windshield material: acrylic and polycarbonate. Both materials can scratch, but poly scratches more easily. Use mild soapy water and a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to clean your windshield and mirrors. Never use paper towels or glass cleaners such as Windex on your windshield. These could scratch the surface. You can add a bit of automatic dish detergent to prevent spotting. Blot your windshield dry.

Step 7    If your windshield is already scratched, you may be able to rub out surface scratches with a special windshield polish. You can also use a restorer to freshen up fiberglass, plastic, rubber, and other surfaces on your golf cart.

Step 8    Cleaning your golf cart on a regular basis will help keep your cart looking as good as new. You can also keep it clean between washes for longer with a golf cart storage cover that slips on and off easily and includes a zipper for convenient access to the interior.

Get your golf cart ready for the season with these simple maintenance tips.

Spring is here, and it’s time to break out the golf cart for another season of golf cart-friendly weather. But before your cart is ready to hit the course…or the campground or wherever you use your cart…it’s time for a spring tune-up. After sitting in storage all winter, your golf cart may need a little work to keep it running smooth for another season.

If you own an electric golf cart, your first order of business is to inspect the batteries. If regularly maintained and properly stored through the winter, your batteries should be in working condition. Check the water level in each battery cell and add water as needed. At minimum, both plates should be covered with water. Check your service manual to find the correct water level for your cart. You may also need to fully charge the batteries before starting up your golf cart after long-term storage.

Whether you do your own maintenance or take your golf cart to a service shop, spring is the ideal time to make sure your cart is properly tuned up for the season. The more you focus on preventative maintenance, the longer your golf cart will last and the more money you will save in the long run. Any time you store your cart over a period of time, including during the on-season, it’s a good idea to protect your cart with a storage cover as an inexpensive and easy way to prolong the service life of your golf cart.

Prolong the life of your golf cart with regular golf cart maintenance.

The more you use your golf cart, the more often you should perform regular maintenance checks. Regular maintenance will keep your golf cart working longer and performing at the level you expect.

Here are some maintenance tips for general golf cart maintenance:

•  Always wear thick rubber gloves and goggles to protect yourself when working with the golf cart battery in any way.

•  Fill each cell of the battery with distilled water until the leaded plates are submerged. Use only distilled water in your golf cart’s battery. Refer to the owner’s manual for your golf cart to find out how full your battery needs to be. Maintaining the correct fluid levels in your battery will go a long way in keeping your golf car working up to its full potential.

•  Keep the battery clean. Remove dirt and debris from around the battery casing, and wipe off fluids. For battery acid spills, you can neutralize the acid with a mixture of baking soda and water. Never touch battery acid with your bare hands!

•  Check the battery connections for corrosion, debris, dirt, or any signs of damage. Replace the connections if there are signs of corrosion or other damage. Unless you are fully confident in your wiring and electrical skills, take your cart to a maintenance shop with experience in golf cart repair. You should also take it in for regular maintenance checks on the engine, brakes, suspension, tires, and other parts.

•  Wash your golf car on a regular basis to prevent damage to the finish. Use a golf cart cover to protect your cart between rides and during short-term or long-term storage.

•  Check your owner’s manual for other regular maintenance information specific to your golf cart model.