What to Expect from a Golf Cart Service Appointment?

Have you recently purchased a new golf cart? Congratulations! Owning a golf cart can add fun and convenience to your daily routines, whether you’re using it for recreation, commuting around your neighborhood, or navigating the golf course. But as you begin enjoying your new vehicle, it’s important to remember that it may soon be time for its first service.

If you bought the cart from a professional dealership, the team there probably mentioned the importance of having a mechanic service it periodically. Before heading to your first service appointment, it’s good to know what to expect from the service provider to ensure your cart is well cared for.

Golf Cart Service — Quick FAQs

Before diving into the specific tasks performed during a golf cart service appointment, let’s review some frequently asked questions about golf cart service and maintenance.

Why is taking my golf cart for service important?

Regular service is a crucial part of golf cart ownership. Allowing professionals to inspect and maintain your cart offers several benefits, including:

• Identifying potential issues that might go unnoticed during personal routine upkeep.
• Catching small problems early, preventing costly repairs.
• Reducing the likelihood of malfunctions and downtime.
• Extending the lifespan of your cart.

• Maintaining the cart’s resale value.

How often should I service my golf cart?

The recommended service frequency depends on several key factors. For instance, the golf cart’s age (older carts generally require more frequent maintenance), your golf cart usage patterns (frequent use demands more regular check-ups), operating conditions (rough terrain or exposure to weather conditions may require additional maintenance), the type of cart (gas vs. electric), and manufacturer recommendations. Generally, a professional service every 6-12 months is recommended, but you should consult with your dealership or service provider to establish the best service schedule for your cart.

How long does a service appointment take?

Most basic service appointments take between 1-2 hours. This typically includes inspections, battery checks, tire pressure adjustments, and minor cleaning. However, the duration may vary depending on the cart’s condition and the complexity of the service needed.

What’s the difference between seasonal maintenance and golf cart service?

Seasonal maintenance focuses on preparing your golf cart for specific weather conditions, such as winterizing the golf cart for storage or preparing it for the warmer months. Regular service, on the other hand, includes routine inspections, adjustments, and repairs to keep the cart operating smoothly year-round. That being said, please DON’T assume that seasonal maintenance or servicing can replace the routine upkeep you can (and should) perform yourself. Skipping regular golf cart TLC is one of the most common golf cart maintenance mistakes — don’t let it happen to you.

> Download Garrett’s Golf Cars’ Yearly Maintenance Checklist.

Can I service my golf cart myself?
While some basic maintenance tasks like cleaning the golf cart and checking tire pressure can be done at home, professional servicing is still necessary. Trained technicians can detect hidden issues and handle complex repairs, ensuring your cart operates safely and efficiently.

What should I bring to a service appointment?
It’s a good idea to bring your cart’s owner’s manual and maintenance records to your appointment. These documents help the technician understand the cart’s history and ensure all necessary services are performed.

Key Service Tasks

A golf cart service appointment involves a thorough inspection and maintenance of various components to ensure the cart operates efficiently and safely. The technicians will perform both general maintenance tasks and specific checks tailored to your cart’s model and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key service tasks performed during an appointment:

Standard Service Procedures

• Tire inspection & maintenance
• Lubrication of moving parts
• Break and steering systems check
• Differential oil maintenance
• Safety system verification, including reverse warning signals
• Protective coating application to battery terminals to prevent corrosion

Specialized Tasks for Gas-Powered Golf Carts

Gas golf carts require additional attention to their engines and related components. Therefore, some of the maintenance tasks for gas golf carts include:

• Engine inspection for potential fluid leaks 
• Complete oil system evaluation, changing oil as needed
• Assessment and replacement of worn drive train components and starter mechanisms
• Belt tension system adjustments
• Engine compression test and adjustments
• Precision carburetor tuning 
• Air, oil, and fuel filter replacement
• Spark plug service
• Battery health check
• Complete electrical system evaluation, including battery performance testing

Specialized Tasks for Electric Golf Carts

Electric golf carts require a focus on their battery systems and electrical components. Therefore, some of the maintenance tasks for electric golf carts include:

• Performing a full battery charge and discharge using the customer’s charger
• Battery cables and terminals cleaning 
• Refilling battery water levels
• Power cable inspections and tighten connections
• High-amperage component checks

We Are More than Just a Dealership. We are a Reliable Golf Cart Service Provider

Entrusting your golf cart to a professional service technician ensures your investment is in the best hands. Professional servicing not only helps maintain your cart’s performance and value but also provides you with the confidence that your vehicle is safe and reliable for years to come.

At Garrett’s Golf Cars, we take this responsibility seriously, offering top-tier maintenance and repair services to keep your golf cart running like new. Our team consists of professionally trained and experienced technicians who specialize in both gas and electric carts, and our service comes with robust warranty coverage, giving you additional security and confidence in our work. With a long-standing reputation for exceptional customer satisfaction, our clients know they can rely on us for quality and trustworthiness. 

Whether you’re in Greenville or Charleston, we’re here to help. Schedule your service today or reach out with any questions. We’re always happy to assist!