Golf Cars 101

What You Should Know About a Golf Car

 

Horse Power and Speed

Components of the internal combustion engines vary greatly based upon the manufacturer. Although horsepower of the gasoline golf cars are similar they vary greatly in engine life. E-Z-Go four cycle has an engine life of 1250 hours, Yamaha four cycle 2500 hours and Club Car four cycle 4250 hours. Electric golf car motors on the other hand has a life of 5000 to 8000 hours and then can be rebuilt for 25% of the cost of a gas golf car engine. Electric motors for golf cars, however, are very similar, regardless of brand. Power and speed is regulated by the amount of current in amps that goes to the motor and gear ratios of the drive train. However the 48 volt golf cars ( Club Car & Yamaha) uses one third less amperage than the 36 volt system and are more efficient. Unlike your automobile, there is no transmission or clutches in an electric golf car. A 2-3 horsepower motor can produce 10 to 12 horsepower for short durations of time and can easily move a 5000 pound trailer. For safety, golf cars are limited to a speed of 12-18 mph regardless of horsepower.

 

Electric or Gas

Electric cars have made tremendous advances in the last decade. With less than 50 moving parts very little can go wrong with an electric car. Gas cars, on the other hand, have over 1000 moving parts. In 1990 there were 60% gas and 40% electric resulting in very few gas cars for the resale market. The noise, smell and exhaust fumes are disliked and add to the lack of popularity of the gas car. In addition, electric golf cars now have the capability to go in excess of 45 miles between charges. The 48 volt system can go even further.

 

Tune-ups

There is no need for a tune-up for an electric golf car, since there are few moving parts. Lubrication of a few key areas is the only requirements.

 

Age

The age of a golf car has little to do with its value. Unlike your automobile, a well maintained 10 year old golf car can have as much or more value as a poorly maintained 5 year old golf car. The condition of the body, frame, top, batteries, and the charger are the key areas of concern when determining the value of a used golf car. Northern golf cars are worth far more than golf cars that have come out of the south. The reason is that they have been used for half as much as a southern car.

 

Chargers

Most of today's chargers are fully automatic, which means they will discontinue charging when the batteries are at full capacity. Golf cars use special chargers that have a matched output to the golf car electrical system. Never use a charger that is not made for a golf car. Club Car is the only golf car manufacturer that uses a dumb charger. They use the on-board computer to control their charger.

 

New Golf Cars

Due to the rise in costs of materials, health insurance, transportation, and factory overhead, new golf cars can cost well over $6,000. Some buyers demand the absolute latest in technology and style. New golf cards or specialty golf cars (some costing over $16,000) area available.

 

Previously Owned Golf Cars

Previously owned golf cars are widely available. The cost ranges from $1,200 to $3,200, depending upon age, brand, and condition. These golf cars are sold "AS IS". Accessories are then added. Scratches, dents, and blemishes are common. Economical and mechanically sound, these golf cars can provide years of enjoyment and use at a tremendous savings when compared with new cars.

 

Shop Ready Golf Cars

Later model used golf cars that have been "spruced up". The obvious blemishes such as torn seats, severely worn tires or damaged moldings and mats are repaired or replaced. These golf cars are used by individuals and companies that place value on the appearance of their equipment. The investment of $1,600 to $3,500 is the range for the base cars. Accessories are then added.

 

Reconditioned Golf Cars

This process is far more involved than shop ready. It requires the full removal of the top and body parts, leaving only the exposed frame and chassis. The frame is then pressure cleaned and detailed. All mechanical components are then inspected and replaced as needed. New tire and wheel assemblies are installed while the body is being prepared to the customer's specifications. Over 30 choice colors, or any custom color is available. The type of paint and trim results in a product that is many times superior to the original. All new pedal and floor pads, seat skin covers and safety decals are replaced. Custom accessories are then added to make an individual statement. For commercial users, a wide array of options including 4 passenger and utility kits can be added. The reconditioned golf car can be outfitted with the most popular options.

 

As Is Golf Cars

Cars sold as is with no warranty written or implied. When you buy a golf car from an individual or a non golf car dealer the car is usually sold as is. A golf car dealer may have cars that they have taken in on trade that they do not have the time or they do not feel that the shop time needed to make the car saleable would not be cost efficient. These cars would then be sold "AS IS"

 

Batteries

Each battery has a stamp which indicates the month and year it was manufactured. If you can not clearly read the stamp there is no way of determining its age. Batteries last from 3 to 8 years under normal circumstances. The maintenance of the battery water to one half inch over the plates is the ideal level. The amount of charging cycles also determines the life of a battery. Each time the batteries are charged equals one cycle. Batteries should be charged at the end of each day of use even if they are used for as little as five minutes that day or all day. There are six (6) batteries in the average golf car. When they are replaced they should be replaced in a complete set. Cars with 48 volt systems get longer battery life than cars with 36 volt systems. Club Car is the only golf car manufacturer that uses a 48 volt battery system and an on-board computer to control the charging of the batteries. This has increased the life of the 48 volt battery system batteries considerably. For 2004 Club Car has come out with a car with 4 - 12 volt batteries which cut down on the number of connections and increases the battery warranty.

 

Brakes

Golf cars have brakes only in the rear wheels. They are mechanical in nature, like the parking brake on your automobile. There are no hydraulics or need for brake fluid. Periodic adjustments and brake shoe replacement is required at intervals, depending upon usage. Most newer cars have self adjusting brakes.