Car Storage Tips for the Winter

The winter season is almost here. Oh yes, it’s that time of the year when we are left with no choice but submit to unfavorable, at times, impossible driving conditions.

Photo credit: flickr.com

 In one of the past blog posts we gave you tips on how to make your golf cart winter-ready; and just like a cart that needs a golf cart cover to safeguard it from the elements when not in use, cars need to be covered as well for the same reason. That and the following tips must be considered to keep your car in great running condition for the winter.

Visit the mechanic

Give your car a trip to the mechanic for checkup. Ensure that you have sufficient anti-freeze, that the brakes are working, that the lights are operational, that your coolant system is well-maintained, etc. Your mechanic should be able to give you recommendations from changing oil to getting snow tires and winter wiper blades. If you plan on storing your car, be sure you have car cover.

Emergency kit 

Unpredictable conditions call for a higher level of preparedness. Be sure your gas tank is filled half full at a minimum as it makes your car easier to start during chilly mornings. For emergency purposes, it certainly wouldn’t be too much if you have the following: ice scraper or shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, waterproof/strike anywhere matches, and a first-aid kit. Be sure, too, that your cellphone is fully charged whenever you go for a drive.

More tips

Turn on the radio for news before you leave the house and while driving. Never neglect warnings. It would be good to let someone know the route you’re taking in case you get stranded. Drive smart, avoid abrupt changes in direction or speed, and always turn on your lights when driving through rain or snow.

Photo credit: eppingforestdc.gov.uk

As we all know, the winter season presents irregular demands on vehicles so readiness is imperative. It’s critical enough for golf carts, what more for cars.

Extending the Life of your Golf Cart Batteries

Lead-acid batteries, the kind that powers golf carts, last a good three years minimum and can reach up to seven or more depending on how they are used.

In order to reach their maximum life, a good maintenance system is necessary. Here are the essentials in battery maintenance to save you a whole lot of money you can otherwise spend on other equipment like a golf cart cover or perhaps another golf club:

Photo credit: badassgolfcarts.com

Cleaning

Before cleaning the batteries, see to it that the vent caps are tightly sealed. Prepare a solution of distilled water and baking soda, and use it to clean the battery top. Rinse and then dry using a piece of cloth. Use a post and clamp cleaner to cleanse the battery terminals and the cable clamps’ interior.

Operating

Never leave it on for long periods of time so it won’t get discharged. After usage, see to it that everything is switched off. When driving on the course, avoid passing through steep hills and make sure your total load does not exceed the cart’s suggested weight capacity.

Charging

It is good practice to charge your batteries after every use, short drives included. Keep track of the charge time – overcharging will cause damage to your batteries. To be safe, invest in one of those automated chargers that turn off when the batteries are fully charged. Of course manual chargers are okay as long as you are wary of the charging time.

Storing

When storing your batteries be sure that they are fully charged. During the winter, it is best to look for a warm place for storage. During the summer, store the batteries in a rather cool place.

As with all your prized possessions, it is best to take care of your golf equipment. In future articles, we will tell you more about batteries: installing, replacing, charging – the works.

How to Efficiently Adjust Your Golf Cart Governor

In one of the past articles, we tackled the many ways to increase the speed of your golf cart. It centered on adjusting the thing manufacturers install to keep the cart’s speed at low levels – the governor (or speed limiter).

As mentioned, the stock speed of a golf cart can be too slow that at times golfers may find it unbearable. This is why instead of serving its purpose, golfers actually find it more of an inconvenience especially during practice. As promised, here’s an easy, step-by-step guide on how to adjust the governor. Just remember – out there on the course you are never going for pole position so there’s absolutely no point in increasing to racetrack speeds. Otherwise, save yourself and other people from any accident and give your golf cart a holiday… just don’t forget to use the golf cart cover for protection.

Photo credit: yippiekyeaye.com

Step 1:

Ask the manufacturer what kind of governor is installed on your cart. If it is a spring-loaded governor, then you can do the adjusting by yourself. Because electric governors are difficult to adjust, your best option is to leave it to the manufacturer. Remember, the governor also protects the engine from damage, so you may want to spare it from unknowing hands.

Step 2:

If it’s a spring-loaded governor, try to look for the small metal rod located near the clutch. Turn the nut in a counterclockwise direction so that the cable gets longer. This will adjust the governance, effectively increasing its speed.

Step 3:

Go to the engine. To locate the governor, find the thickest cable that runs from the gas pedal. This cable runs through the governor before reaching the carburetor. To complete the task, use a screwdriver (or wrench, whatever is applicable) to loosen spring tension, and that’s it!

While it sounds easy, it is best to leave it at the hands of a professional if you are not keen on doing it by yourself. Just to reiterate, there’s a reason the governor is installed.