A used cart purchase can seem complicated. You can find many types and variations of golf carts, from very simple to highly modified. There are many choices available to buyers, however it is important that you do not become someone else’s burden. It could help you save a lot of money later. It is important to decide whether you need a gas- or battery-powered cart. Each one has strengths and weaknesses. These carts are more suitable for carrying loads and utility services. These carts do use fossil fuel and they can produce a strong exhaust odor. The battery-operated carts can be hidden and quiet, yet they have limited charge cycle range. You can’t use the battery operated carts after they have been fully charged. This can sometimes take up to 8 hours. You can decide what fits you best and then determine if this is the right candidate for you. Be aware of what you are purchasing before you send that check.
- Tire wear – Do a general inspection of your tires to determine their condition. Do they belong to the same manufacturer? Are there similar or even worn tires? If they are not even, it could indicate serious alignment issues or bent frames. Mixed brand tires can indicate excessive wear or a reconstruction of old parts. It is possible that it may not be true, however you should keep this in mind while looking at the candidate cart.
- Driving – Don’t buy a cart until you have learned how to steer it. It is best to test it out on rough terrain, as well as on concrete. Poor steering is a concern. Wear “rack and pinion”It is expensive to replace steering boxes. You can reasonably expect to have the steering box replaced if the rack or pinion has worn. “rod ends”Also, spindle bushings and spindle bearings need to be looked at. All of these parts are not cheap to replace. If the tire pressure is uneven or the size of the tires are not matched, the steering wheel may pull to one side or the other. Check the tire pressure to determine if it is correct. The spindle on the opposite side of the cart that pulls may not be pulling. It could have a bad bearing, causing the wheel to drag. To check if it rotates freely, you can lift that corner.
- Batteries age: Most manufacturers of golf cart batteries stamp the manufacture date on one of their posts. The date stamped on the top of a golf cart battery can be easily seen. “08”Oder “09”You could continue to use the same method, even though you have the battery cable attached. It is important to note that older batteries will be required for replacement sooner rather than later if they are over three years old. A new set of batteries will cost you at least $600, regardless what configuration and voltage they are. You should not assume that all batteries will be the exact same model year and vintage of your cart. Batteries of different years could indicate that the cart was used in fleet environments.
- Brakes – Make sure that the brakes work properly and you can quickly stop the cart from moving without grinding or squealing. Brake shoe repair is usually not a major issue unless there has been neglect to ensure that the drum of the brake drum does not become damaged. Neglecting to maintain your brake pads behind the rear wheels could lead to excessive rust or corrosion.
- The integrity of the frame. Steel frames can rust or corrosion easily, particularly under the battery compartment. I’ve seen carts which looked great but were actually ruined by acid seepage and the battery compartment eating their frame. Club Car uses fully-welded aluminum frames that are resistant to rust but not as susceptible to corrosion (instead iron oxide). A layer of heavy, white fuzzy powder is found on corroded aluminum. This can be equivalent to rust. Any cart with a frayed frame should be avoided. You could find the cart completely useless later.
- Smooth rides – A properly maintained cart should be able to move along quietly and smoothly. If you feel the cart is bouncing around on smooth surfaces, it could be a sign of a problem. If the wheel is bent, it can cause the cart’s speed to increase or decrease in frequency. An “out of round”A similar problem can be caused by a tire, but this is rarely the case. Worn components on the front will magnify symptoms.
- The wiring – All wire should be routed neatly and secured with clamps or terminations that prevent chaffing. If the wiring looks amateurish, be cautious. If your knowledge is not up to par with electric systems, cobbled-together wiring could cause serious headaches. An electric cart with a shorted wire can cause serious damage. A poor wiring system can be transformed by the enormous current capacity of batteries. Do not buy if you find splices, taped-up connections or other problems.
- Strange noises coming from the drivetrain – When you are taking your test ride, turn off all radios. Pay attention to any unusual sounds. If you hear grinding or excessive whining, it is possible to identify problems. You can find a lot out from the sound of a vehicle if you pay attention.
- Check out the gas engine. Although you might not be an engine technician, it is possible to evaluate certain things. The engine may be saturated with oil and grease. This could mean a leaking gearbox or crankcase. Look out for sooty residues in your exhaust pipes. This is a sign of an oil burner or worn piston rings. Make sure the engine is warm before taking a ride. If the engine smokes, it will not show. You can take your time, and inspect the engine. Poorly adjusted carburetors can cause popping or backfires, but it’s more common to have burned intake and exhaust valves. If you have to rebuild your engine, it can be costly. It deserves the right attention.
A cart that is well-maintained can provide years of reliable service. You will reap the benefits of taking time to choose the right cart that suits your needs. Visit the following vendors to find great accessories for your car. Digital Overdrive Systems is a great resource for helpful tips and tricks to help you speed up your cart.