The Complete Golf Cart Maintenance Guide
Whether you own a gas or electric golf cart, regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly on the course, around the neighborhood, or across your property. This guide covers popular models from Club Car, EZ-GO, Yamaha, and ICON. For gas carts, we include oil changes, air filter service, fuel system maintenance, and belt/clutch inspection. For electric carts, we cover battery watering and equalization, charger maintenance, controller connections, and terminal cleaning. Both types get tire care, brake inspections, steering checks, and seasonal storage prep.
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Intervals Based on Manufacturer Recommendations
These intervals are compiled from Club Car, EZ-GO, Yamaha, and other golf cart manufacturer service manuals. Gas and electric carts have different service needs. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual for model-specific requirements. For personalized reminders, download LookOver free on iOS and Android.
| Service Task | Monthly Every month | 3 Months Quarterly | 6 Months Semi-annual | Annual Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Check tire pressure | - | - | ||
Check battery water level (electric) utility | - | - | ||
Visual inspection | - | - | - | |
Clean battery terminals (electric) utility | - | |||
Inspect brakes | - | |||
Check belt and clutch (gas) sport | - | |||
Check oil level (gas) sport | - | - | ||
Change engine oil (gas) sport | - | - | ||
Inspect air filter (gas) sport | - | - | ||
Equalize batteries (electric) utility | - | - | ||
Inspect steering components | - | - | ||
Check charger operation (electric) utility | - | - | ||
Flush coolant (gas, liquid-cooled) sport | - | - | - | |
Replace air filter (gas) sport | - | - | - | |
Deep clean batteries and trays (electric) utility | - | - | - | |
Inspect controller connections (electric) utility | - | - | - | |
Full brake service | - | - | - | |
Seasonal storage prep | - | - | - |
Track Your Golf Cart Service
Set reminders for oil changes, battery watering, and brake service. Free on iOS and Android.
Engine Service (Gas Carts)
Gas golf carts use small, air-cooled or liquid-cooled engines similar to those in lawn equipment and UTVs. Simple to maintain, but neglect leads to expensive problems.
Battery System (Electric Carts)
Battery care is the single most important maintenance task for electric golf carts. Proper watering, charging, and cleaning can double your battery pack's lifespan.
Battery Maintenance Made Simple
Set watering reminders and log every equalization. Never forget battery care again.
Brakes
Golf carts use mechanical drum or disc brakes. They work hard on hills and in stop-and-go situations. Regular inspection prevents costly surprises.
Tires & Wheels
Proper tire care improves ride quality, handling, and battery range on electric carts. Check pressure monthly and inspect for wear.
Seasonal Storage
Proper storage prep prevents the most common spring problems: dead batteries, flat spots on tires, and stale fuel.
Electric Cart Storage
- Fully charge batteries before storage
- Leave charger plugged in if it has a maintenance mode
- If no maintenance mode, charge monthly during storage
- Check water levels before and after the final charge
- Clean and protect all battery terminals
- Set tow/run switch to 'tow' to prevent parasitic drain
Gas Cart Storage
- Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes
- Change oil before storage; used oil contains acids
- Remove or disconnect the battery and use a tender
- Fog the cylinder with storage oil if storing 3+ months
- Turn off fuel valve to prevent carburetor flooding
- Store with a full tank to prevent condensation
General Storage Prep
- Clean the entire cart; dirt traps moisture
- Inflate tires to max PSI to prevent flat spots
- Place on jack stands for long-term storage if possible
- Cover with a breathable cart cover; avoid tarps
- Lubricate all pivot points and cables
- Engage parking brake lightly or chock wheels
Spring Recommissioning
- Inspect all fluid levels and top up as needed
- Check tire pressure and inspect for flat spots
- Charge batteries fully before first use (electric)
- Check water levels in every cell (electric)
- Start engine and let idle, check for leaks (gas)
- Test brakes, lights, horn, and turn signals
Go Deeper
- Electric Vehicle Maintenance Guide
- Small Engine Maintenance Guide
- How to Get More From Your Throttle Therapy
Track all your service intervals in one place. LookOver handles hours, miles, and dates so you never miss a service. Download free on iOS and Android.
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