September 2018 | Page 35

The Golf Cart Guru

• Some of the most common questions I get are “ How can I make my cart faster ?” Or , “ How can I make my car climb hills better ?” To clarify , I ’ m talking about electric golf cars , not gas .

To improve performance whether it be speed or torque the first thing we need to be sure of is that all the systems are performing correctly . This can be as simple as low air pressure in the tires to as complex as a binding differential .

For example , if the car is running slowly and the brakes are dragging it wouldn ’ t matter if we put in a high-speed motor , the car still wouldn ’ t perform up to standard .

Here ’ s my point , When you are considering an “ upgrade ,” whether it be for speed or torque examine all the base systems and be sure everything is “ up-to-par ” ( pun intended ).

First things first . Literally , start with the simple things . Check your tire pressure . Golf cart tires are hard-wall tires , you can ’ t tell if they ’ re flat just by looking at them and this will inhibit your speed , duration per charge and lifespan of your expensive batteries greatly .

Second , dragging brakes . On most golf cars the brakes are mechanical and tend to wear . That means they need adjustment and maintenance . You should have your car in for a complete service annually . This annual service is intended to complete needed routine maintenance and look for problems that may be developing . Many of you may be able to complete this service yourselves but remember , be careful . There are things that can damage you and things that you can damage . Don ’ t take chances ! Back to the brakes … If your car has a “ Run / Tow ” or “ Run / Maintenance ” switch flip it away from the “ Run ” position then try to push the car . If the brakes are not dragging the car should roll freely ( Note : RXV will not roll freely . Way more complicated ).

Third , check the condition of your batteries . I ’ ve mentioned this before . Corroded , aged , swollen or discharged batteries will not perform properly . This is another part of a good annual service . Again , If you plan to service your car yourself this is one of the most dangerous operations to both you and the cart . Be sure to follow the “ discharge the controller

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first ” directive in an earlier article . Be sure the wrench you are using to remove the battery bolts is short and will not touch any adjacent battery post or any other metal . Seriously , if it does it will spoil your day !

If you are going to do this yourself I recommend you remove the cables and clean them and the posts one at a time . You ’ ll have less chance of messing up their placement and potentially destroying an expensive component .

While you are doing this take time to examine all your cables … I mean ALL cables and wires on the car . All of the cables ( large 6 gauge , power circuit ) are necessary for the car to function . And 99 % of the wires ( small 16-14 gauge , logic circuit ) are necessary . Look for burned , charred , pinched or corroded spots .

Oh yeah , one thing that ’ s usually overlooked is the steering alignment . This can really inhibit the functionality of a cart . Again is something a good service will look at . Special tools are helpful but you can do most of it with a measuring tape and a framers square .

The “ toe-in ” is measured with the front tires pointing straight forward and measuring from the center of the tread on one tire to the center of the other . Take this measurement as close to the centerline of the wheel as possible . Both on the front of the front tires and on the back of the front tires . The measurement should be about ¼ ” less in front . This is adjustable but if it ’ s out there may be worn parts that should be replaced .

To check the camber put the framers square with one side against the ground and the other against the side of the tire . It will touch one of the other sidewalls of the tire . The best is if the square touches the top sidewall and is about ¼ ” away from the bottom sidewall . If not it suggests warn parts that should be replaced .

Please keep in mind I ’ m giving you a very brief overview . Each of these procedures could take several pages . If you don ’ t feel comfortable I encourage you to take your car to a reputable shop .

Good Luck and have fun . .•

The Golf Cart Guru

Have a question ? Send it to Tim at : golfcartguru @ gmail . com

SEPTEMBER 2018 35