Conducting regular golf cart tire maintenance is an important way to keep your golf cart useful and always operating smoothly.
Many of today’s golf cart tires are very similar to the tires on our everyday vehicles. Some of the tires may be smaller and have special treads patterns which allow them the ability to drive over the different terrains that make up a golf course and other off-road locations. Although they are sometimes smaller, your golf cart tires require similar care that regular vehicle tires require.
How long your golf cart tires will last depends on how frequently you use your golf cart, the weight of your cargo loads, your driving speeds, and the conditions in which you drive. You should always check your tires for wear and there are some easy indications to look for when deciding if your tires are due for replacement.
Check Tire Pressure:
It is always wise to check for adequate tire pressure. Typically the tire pressure for golf carts falls between 20-22 lbs per square inch – but check your manufacturer’s recommended levels on the side of the tire to be sure. Proper tire pressure is mandatory for keeping your tires in good shape.
If you run your tires with too little pressure, this will cause the tread of your tires to wear down prematurely. If you are using your golf cart off-road, then a little less tire pressure will give you more traction – but remember that more frequent check-ups on tire wear is recommended.
Too much pressure will cause the internal tire to wear down. Also, too much pressure in your tire will lessen the traction that your tires get on the ground which could be potentially dangerous if you are riding on slick or icy surfaces.
If you are using your golf cart for regular on-road driving, then proper tire pressure is definitely recommended – not too much and not too little. Also check the proper pressure on the tire to determine proper inflation levels.
Watch Your Speed:
Most of the standard golf cart tires are designed to handle golf cart speeds. They are not made to withstand the high speed and abuse that regular vehicle tires experience.
If you have plans on driving your golf cart at speeds which are higher than recommended, then you should consider purchasing custom golf cart tires that are made to be driven at higher speeds. This will reduce the wear on both your tires and your golf cart.
Notice Tire Irregularities:
Checking the sidewalls of your tires is a good habit to form. If you notice some irregular bumps, this may be an indication of internal wear and could mean that it is time to change your tires on your golf cart. It is best to eliminate tires which have noticeable bulges and irregular swelling as soon as possible because ignoring these red flags may lead to a blown out tire at any time.
The Penny Test:
The Penny Test really gives you a good gauge on your tire wear if you don’t notice any obvious irregularities but would still like to see how much wear your tires are experiencing. Take a penny and place it into a groove of your tire. The deeper the penny is, the more tread your tire still has. The more the penny is exposed, the more worn down your tire tread is.
By checking the health of your tires every now and then only take a few minutes. By maintaining the proper tire maintenance intervals will ensure the best traction and handling for your ride, which translates into longer, smoother, and safer driving conditions.