How to Properly Clean Your Golf Cart

The Importance of Golf Cart Cleaning

Golf carts are sturdy and dependable, and some of the most versatile utility vehicles out there. Just like any vehicle, though, a golf cart needs to be regularly cleaned and properly maintained. Keeping your golf cart clean isn’t just about keeping it looking good, but about keeping it working efficiently, too. When you clean your golf cart, you can help prevent rusting and rotting, so that it will serve you well for many years to come. Follow this guide to keep your golf cart clean and in top-notch condition.

What to Clean a Golf Cart With: Essential Cleaning Supplies

The first thing to do when it’s time to clean your golf cart is to gather all the supplies you will need. Be careful to only choose products that are compatible with the materials that make up your golf cart; golf carts are usually made of fiberglass, metal, or plastic. To clean your golf cart, you will need:

• Mild dish soap, aluminum cleaner, or mold/mildew cleaner- the cleaner you choose will depend on your particular golf cart and its condition
• Towels, sponges, or gentle cloths
• A soft-bristled brush
• Water, whether in a bucket or using a hose
• Wheel cleanser, if necessary
• Wax or polish, if desired

Step by Step: How to Clean a Golf Cart

• Start with an inspection. Check for anything that may be loose or damaged, any signs of wear and tear, and any leaks. Make sure to remove all personal items from the cart, as well as any accessories or removable parts, so nothing will be damaged or lost.
• Park on a hard surface. Your cart should not be on your lawn, because the grass can be damaged by cleaning materials. What’s more, foreign grasses or weeds on your golf cart could be washed into the lawn, causing weed growth. Your cart should be in a spot that is well-ventilated and allows for water runoff that doesn’t violate local regulations.
• Give it a rinse. Before you start washing, rinse the cart well, ridding it of dust, mud, and debris. You can do this with a hose or a pressure washer on its lowest setting. Be careful not to force water into electrical components or sensitive parts of the cart. If you are concerned about being gentle with your cart, rinse it with water in a bucket and a soft rag, instead of a hose.
• Clean the body. Mix water with mild soap or golf cart cleaner. Using a sponge or a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the body, working from top to bottom. Pay special attention to the wheel wells and undercarriage, where dirt and debris can accumulate and stick.
• Be gentle with the seats. Make sure you know how to clean golf cart seats without damaging them before you begin. Again, the way you clean them will depend on the material from which they are made. Upholstered seats can be cleaned with fabric cleaner and a soft-bristled brush, while vinyl seats can be managed with a mild soap solution and a sponge or cloth.
• Wash the windows. A vinegar and water solution makes a great, environmentally friendly window cleaner for your cart. Just mix one part vinegar and two parts water, spray, and wipe with a microfiber cloth. This will improve visibility, and it will also enhance the look of your cart.
• Attend to the interior. Vacuum floor mats, dashboard, and other areas, then wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces with a mild cleaner. Apply UV protection to the dashboard, to keep it from fading or cracking.
• Give a final rinse and thorough drying. Rinse the cart one final time, taking care to remove all soap residue, and dry it immediately with a soft towel. This will prevent water spots and streaks, and making sure your cart is completely dry will help keep rust and mildew at bay.
• Consider a clear coat. It is not necessary to apply a protective clear coat wax, but it can help protect the cart’s exterior. Waxing it every few months can protect against UV damage and rust, while also keeping it as glossy as it was in the showroom.

Cleaning Golf Cart Batteries

Knowing how to clean golf cart batteries properly is crucial to keeping them in good shape. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, cleaning that and any dirt off with baking soda and water. The best thing to remember in terms of how to clean a golf cart battery is that you must take care not to get water on electrical parts. Use great caution when cleaning the batteries and be cautious of any wiring.

Special Tips for Evolution Golf Carts

Evolution Golf Carts, with their advanced features and stylish design, may feel a little bit intimidating to maintain. With their advanced features, like LED lighting and regenerative breaking, they may seem like something you could easily damage. In fact, you just need to follow some simple tips to keep yours running at its peak performance.

• First, care for the battery. One feature that sets Evolution cars apart from ordinary golf cards is that they have a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. This gives them a longer run time than carts with traditional lead-acid batteries. To care for your Evolution battery, charge it after each use, and top it off at least once a week if you are not using it daily.
• Keep your Evolution cart clean and rust-free. All you need to do to accomplish this is wash the outside and underneath with water and mild soap, paying extra attention to those spots where dirt accumulates.
• Check the electrical system regularly. Evolution carts have a complex electrical system that controls every function of the cart. Keep an eye on it, and you can prevent breakdowns and expensive repair bills. First, look at the wiring, making sure nothing is loose, frayed, or corroded. Repair damaged wires, tighten any loose connections, and replace blown fuses. Use a multimeter to make sure your cart’s other electrical components, like the battery, charging system, and motor controller, are working properly.
• Have periodic inspections by a professional. You can maintain your Evolution cart on your own, and you certainly should do the daily maintenance yourself. However, it never hurts to have a professional look at it. By taking it in for regular servicing, you can extend the life of your cart, because professional service can catch problems before they become major issues. What’s more, a professional can tune up your cart to ensure that it is performing with peak efficiency and power.

Maintenance and Routine Care

No matter what kind of golf cart you have, making regular cleaning and maintenance part of your routine is important. It is also a good idea to schedule periodic professional inspections, to avoid any problems. When you take care of your golf cart, it will have a longer lifespan, and you will be able to enjoy it longer.

Find Your Next Golf Car at VA Cars and Carts

If your golf cart needs service, or you need a new cart, contact VA Cars and Carts. Our family has owned and operated this business for three generations under the philosophy of treating people the way we would like to be treated. That means we work hard to do things a little bit better than the competition, from offering lower prices to providing free delivery and free service pickup to posting the owner’s cell phone number online so that you never have to wait to have your questions answered or your problems solved. We offer free service evaluations and have a full service and parts department. If you need a new cart, we typically have one of every color in stock, and we offer 0% financing. We may not have the biggest building, or a dealership in the big city, but nobody will beat our prices! Contact us through our website or visit one of our locations, in Petersburg or Bracey.