Are you thinking of buying a golf cart? They’re practical, pretty low-maintenance, and easy to use. Who wouldn’t want to invest in one?
Yet, do you often find yourself wondering how long do golf carts last? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place!
Today, we’re talking about all the factors that go into determining the lifespan of a golf cart. These range from the condition of the engine to the battery type to proper storage.
Interested in finding out more? Keep reading!
How Long Do Golf Carts Last?
Overall, the average life expectancy of a golf range is 10 years. Some might even make it to 30 years, providing you give it the love and care it deserves.
There are two main types of carts: electric and gas. Their main difference is in the driving mechanism they use. Other than that, they both have similar lifespans.
Read more: Gas vs Electric Golf Cart: Which To Choose?
However, gas carts need more service check-ups than electric carts. Plus, their spare parts tend to cost more.
What Factors Affect A Golf Cart’s Lifespan?
If you want your golf cart to last for a long time, you have to put in the effort. This means checking tire pressure a couple of times during the year. Wheel alignment and oil change are also important parts of the maintenance procedure.
Check out some of the factors that can determine how long your cart will last.
Engine
We mentioned above that the estimated lifespan of a golf cart can reach up to 10 years. Yet, some experts claim that they can even last for longer than that if the engine is well taken care of.
As long as other parts are in good shape, you can always repair the engine or even replace it. If you do that, your golf cart can live up to nearly 30 years!
The important thing is to check the engine at least once a month. Make sure there are no loose wires or bolts.
Something else you should watch out for is smoke. If the engine is smoking, the first cause could be overheating or damaged wire casings. Smoke can also be a sign of a faulty coolant system or lack of sufficient lubrication.
This is why lubricating the engine is extremely important. It helps cool down all those moving parts to help reduce the risk of overheating.
Now, let’s say you power up your cart and start to speed up. Then, all of a sudden, you notice strange sounds coming from the cart engine.
One explanation is faulty motor bearings. Another reason could be that any of the fluids need to be replaced, such as oil, brake, or transmission fluid.
Frame
The frame is one of the major factors that determine the life expectancy of the golf cart. There are several frame types, but the two most common are steel and aluminum.
Steel cart frames are definitely stronger than other materials. The good news is they won’t bend or crack if you get into an accident.
Unfortunately, steel is more susceptible to rust and corrosion. That alone can put your cart at risk and drastically shorten its lifespan.
Then there are those that feature aluminum frames. Aluminum provides the cart with a sturdy, protective casing. It also does a good job of absorbing bumps and shocks along the way.
In addition, aluminum is lightweight and aerodynamic. Its light build puts less strain on the engine and wheels, and allows for easier maneuvering of the cart.
Finally, aluminum is rust and corrosion-resistant. So, it holds up better in the face of heat and moisture, which boosts the cart’s life expectancy.
Battery
Even if you service the engine and frame on a regular basis, the battery is a whole other matter. Golf cart batteries aren’t designed to withstand heavy-duty, repeated use.
This means that those used at a public golf course, called fleet carts, wear out at a faster pace. The reason is that fleet carts go through over three rounds of golf each day. That’s exhausting and puts tremendous stress on the battery.
By comparison, private carts go through around four or five rounds every week! This is why they’re able to last for almost 10 years before they need to be replaced, which is almost four years longer than fleet carts.
However, the key is proper maintenance. Remember to charge them often. Though, you should avoid overcharging as it can damage the fuses and the battery itself.
You can always get an automatic charger that shuts off as soon as the battery is fully charged. They’re great and all, but they can still malfunction. So just keep an eye out to make sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to do.
Also, watch for the battery’s water, or electrolyte, levels. Check each month and refill the battery cells as needed to prevent them from drying out.
Storage
Do you know those rows of chic-looking golf carts parked at the golf course? Now, imagine those same carts standing there day in and day out.
Leaving these vehicles to soak up the heat and moisture is the worst thing you can do to a golf cart. These weather conditions wreak havoc on a cart’s parts, both internal and external.
The best thing you can do for a golf cart is to store it when it’s not in use. A covered shed or garage will keep it well-protected until you’re ready to use it.
Another smart idea is to use a protective, waterproof covering. This is especially important if you’re storing the cart during the off-season.
A Final Note
So, how long do golf carts last? It’s pretty much up to you. If you take care of your cart, store it, and take it in for routine tune-ups, it can probably give you as many as 30 hard-working years! If not, it may make it up to five or six years, at best.
The trick is in setting up routine maintenance checks. This way, you’ll know the state of your cart. Then, whenever you’re met with a problem, you just fix it and move on.