Top 7 Golf Cart Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Golf carts represent a significant investment, whether you use them for golfing, neighborhood transportation, or commercial applications. Yet, many owners unknowingly compromise their cart’s longevity (and performance) through common maintenance oversights. Paying attention to the unique needs of your golf cart can make all the difference in how well it performs and how long it lasts. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the most common golf cart maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them to keep your cart running smoothly year after year.

#1 Skipping Regular Golf Cart Maintenance

Some golf cart owners assume that golf carts require less maintenance than regular vehicles due to their limited use. This is a common error. The truth is that maintenance is one of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of a golf cart, so much so, that while the typical lifespan is around 7-10 years, proper upkeep can allow it to last nearly 20 years. Doesn’t it sound like a good use of your investment?

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• Establish a routine maintenance schedule with a detailed checklist.
• Set calendar reminders for routine checks.
• Document all maintenance activities.
• Schedule professional servicing at recommended intervals.

#2 Overlooking Seasonal Preparations

Golf cart owners who stick to a regular maintenance schedule often assume it’s enough to cover seasonal changes, but that’s not quite the case. For instance, after being stored over winter, your golf cart may need a more thorough inspection before spring. While routine maintenance should be ongoing, seasonal prep ensures your cart is ready for changing conditions. This is especially important in places like South Carolina, where we experience four seasons with varying weather patterns. 

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• Set reminders for seasonal checkups.
• Review and update your maintenance checklist for season-specific tasks.
• You’re welcome to download our yearly maintenance checklist, and check out our guides for summer golf cart maintenance, spring golf cart maintenance, and winter golf cart maintenance.

#3 The Most Common Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Mistake: Overcharging

If you own an electric golf cart, you likely charge the battery after each use (we hope you do), Still, many owners assume that simply connecting the battery overnight and calling it “done” is enough. Unfortunately, this is a big no-no. Overcharging the golf cart battery is not only detrimental to the battery’s health, but it’s also dangerous due to overheating and chemical reactions. Undercharging the golf cart battery, letting it drain completely, or leaving it discharged for a long time isn’t ideal either. Either way, you end up needing to spend a few more hundred dollars for a replacement battery that could have been easily avoided.

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• Make yourself a habit of charging the battery after each use to prevent it from running down.
• Monitor charging time and disconnect when complete.
• Alternatively, you can use a “smart charger” with automatic shutoff features.

#4 Watering before Charging

Watering the battery is an essential part of electric golf cart battery care. While most owners remember to do this, we’ve noticed a common mistake over the years: timing. Many owners water the battery whenever they check it, regardless of the charging status. However, the right way to do it is to refill the battery AFTER charging. Here’s why: charging can cause the electrolyte solution to expand, so adding water beforehand could lead to overflow and possible damage.

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• Always charge batteries first, then add water.
• To make it easier to remember, leave a reminder near the charger.
• Another simple trick is to remember that “C” (for charging) comes before “W” (for watering).
• For more information about golf cart battery maintenance and safety, explore our complete guide to golf cart batteries. 

#5 Using Inappropriate Cleaning Materials

Cleaning your golf cart is more than just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a crucial maintenance aspect. However, many owners who don’t enjoy cleaning in general either skip it or take shortcuts to get it done quickly. Often, they use regular household cleaning products without considering their effects on the cart, especially on sensitive areas like the battery and seats. For example, strong mold or mildew removers containing bleach can cause seat materials to deteriorate, and water alone isn’t enough to tackle corrosion on the battery terminals.

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• Use cleaning products specifically designed for golf carts.
• If you prefer not to buy specialized products, choose household cleaning supplies that are both effective and gentle on your cart’s materials.
• Test cleaners on small areas first.
• Ensure your chosen products are compatible with the specific surfaces you’ll be cleaning. 
• Check out some more tips and best practices in our golf cart cleaning guide. 

#6 Treating Gas and Electric Golf Cart Maintenance the Same Way

A critical error many owners make is assuming that gas and electric golf carts require the same maintenance routines. While some basic maintenance overlaps, these two golf cart types have distinct systems requiring different care approaches. Electric carts require specialized battery care and electrical system checks, whereas gas carts need engine maintenance, regular oil changes, and fuel system maintenance. Treating them the same way can lead to neglect in key areas and potentially severe mechanical issues.

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• For electric cart maintenance, prioritize thorough battery care, including charging habits, proper watering, and regular cleaning.
• For gas-powered carts, focus on key systems like oil changes, checking the fuel filter, and inspecting for fuel leaks.
• For both types, follow a consistent maintenance routine suited to your cart’s specific needs and refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.

#7 Forgetting about Tire Pressure

Even owners who diligently maintain their cart’s cleanliness, brakes, and other visible components, often overlook tire pressure maintenance. Improper tire pressure can lead to numerous issues, including reduced battery life in electric carts, uneven tire wear, poor handling, and decreased stability. The small size of golf cart tires means that even minor pressure changes can significantly impact performance and safety. Furthermore, since golf carts typically sit for extended periods, tire pressure can drop without obvious visual indicators.

How Can You Avoid this Maintenance Mistake? 

• If you’re worried about forgetting to check your tire pressure monthly, do so before each ride.
• Inspect for signs of wear or damage, and rotate tires periodically to promote even wear.
• Keep a portable air pump on hand for quick adjustments when needed.

Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong with Professional Golf Cart Maintenance

Maintaining your golf cart doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. By avoiding these common mistakes and establishing proper maintenance routines, you can significantly extend your cart’s life and ensure reliable performance for years to come. However, even with the best DIY maintenance practices, professional servicing remains an essential part of responsible golf cart ownership.

At Garrett’s Golf Cars, we’ve been serving golf cart owners across the Carolinas for over three decades, offering trusted maintenance services to keep your cart safe, reliable, and ready for your next adventure. Schedule your service appointment or get in touch to see how our team can help you with all your golf cart maintenance needs!