Your Cart Doesn’t Have an Off-Season – Here’s How to Keep It Ready Daily
Whether it’s game farm paths in the Lowveld or estate roads in the Western Cape, your Club Car works hard all year-round. It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or mid-winter – a cart that runs daily needs regular attention. That’s why a daily maintenance routine is one of the smartest habits you can build into your operation.
Skipping daily checks may seem small, but it leads to bigger problems down the line – from battery damage to breakdowns in front of guests. That’s not the reputation you want to build, especially when you’re running a professional setup at a golf course, lodge, or secure residential estate.
At Club Car SA, we know your carts don’t take a holiday – and neither should your maintenance schedule.
The Importance of a Daily Routine
Every morning, before your carts hit the paths or trails, take five minutes to run through a visual and functional inspection. Look over the tyres for signs of wear or low pressure. Check that nuts, bolts and fasteners are all secure. Make sure accessories like bag covers or sand bottles are still in good condition. Then take the cart for a short drive and listen closely – does the steering feel sharp? Do the brakes respond quickly? Is the reverse buzzer working?
These small checks help you catch problems early, before they become expensive repairs.
Just as important is battery charging. Whether your cart is petrol, electric or lithium, power is everything. For electric and lithium vehicles especially, make sure carts are plugged in and fully charged after each day – even if they’ve only been lightly used. A simple check to ensure the charging light is flashing and the buzzer has activated can help avoid unexpected downtime.
Looking After Your Battery – FLA vs Lithium
Battery health is one of the most important parts of cart performance. For carts fitted with flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries, keep a monthly watering schedule. Only top up after charging, using distilled or deionised water – never tap water. Battery tops should be cleaned weekly, and terminals kept corrosion-free with a battery protector spray. Cables must be tight, secure and free of damage.
For lithium-ion models, maintenance is simpler. There’s no watering or corrosion to manage, but daily charging is still essential. It’s also a good idea to check the dynamic braking resistor every few weeks and clean if necessary.
Whatever the powertrain, a well-maintained battery means better range, fewer issues, and longer battery life – especially in South Africa’s often harsh outdoor conditions.
Cleaning and Care
Clean carts last longer – and they look better doing the job. A quick wipe-down each day helps you spot cracks, loose parts or other issues before they cause bigger problems. Use a soft cloth and mild soap for seats, steering wheels and dash panels. Avoid strong chemicals or window cleaners on the windscreen, which can cause damage. Stick to water and a soft towel instead.
Exterior cleaning can be done with a garden hose, or a pressure washer set below 1000 psi. If you’re using one, hold it at least 15 cm away from the surface. Avoid spraying batteries or electrical components directly. Aluminium cleaner paste and a bit of fine-grade steel wool can restore oxidised frames, and a non-abrasive wax keeps bodywork looking good.
Maintenance Beyond the Day-to-Day
While daily checks go a long way, it’s worth setting a schedule for deeper maintenance throughout the year. Monthly checks should include battery compartments, water levels, and overall cart condition. Every three to six months, get a technician to inspect the brakes, electrical system, wheel alignment and charger ports. Once a year, it’s time for a full service – from pedals and transaxle fluid to safety decals and general vehicle health.
Many issues can be prevented long before they lead to failure – but only if someone’s looking.
A Smooth Finish to Every Day
Once your cart has completed its day, always follow a consistent parking routine. Switch the key off, shift into neutral, and plug it in for charging. Before the next use, unplug the charger and properly store the cord. A quick test drive to the staging area gives you another chance to spot issues. If the cart doesn’t feel right, take it straight to the cart barn for a closer look – don’t risk sending it into service.
Why It All Matters
Reliable carts build trust – with your staff, your residents, your guests. A daily checklist might sound like a small task, but over time it makes a massive difference. From battery life and vehicle safety to guest satisfaction and long-term value, regular care keeps your fleet running smoothly.
And when the time comes to trade in or upgrade, a well-maintained cart is worth far more than one that’s been neglected.
Club Car South Africa – Here to Support You
Whether you manage a few carts or a full fleet, Club Car SA is your maintenance partner. With the help of AFGRI Equipment, we offer expert support, replacement parts, and technician services tailored to your needs – across the country.
Visit www.clubcarsa.co.za for more on battery care, servicing, and daily use tips – or get in touch to book your next check-up.
