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.

Clean Your Golf Cart Cover the Correct Way!

Cleaning your golf cart cover is easy.

Well it SHOULD BE.

In fact, it involves only a little logic. But why then are there so many people having problems in cleaning their golf cart cover?

It’s because there are little things they don’t put into consideration.

Here’s the proper way to do it:

Photo credit: flickr.com

Where to clean

A good, sunny weather should be a good time to clean your golf cart cover. Find a place that’s big enough so you’ll be able to spread out your golf cart cover. As much as possible, choose an open space that directly receives sunlight so you won’t have to carry it out to another place when you have to dry it. Also, be sure the area is free from pets or falling objects that could smear a drying golf cart cover. To keep it in place, place a brick or any similar object in the four corners of the golf cart cover.

Water!

Using a hose, begin cleaning your cart cover. For an efficient way of cleaning, start in the middle, then slowly move to the sides. Otherwise you are just letting dirt pile up in the middle. If there are buildups of dirt, concentrate on them. Clear water from a hose should suffice. Flip over the golf cart cover and clean the other side as well.

Dry it up!

After cleaning your golf cart cover, let it dry. Once it is completely dried up, you may need to spread it again on a clean surface so you can fold it the right way. If such area is not available, call someone to help you fold it so you won’t have to lay it out on the ground. The two of you stand facing each other, and then fold one side over to the other. Do this until the cover is small enough for easy storage. Or, you can just immediately use it to protect your golf cart cover!

Clean ‘Em Golf Cart Seats!

Because they are constantly exposed to the elements, golf cart seats tend to get dirty easily. If you have been lacking course time these past few weeks, it will most likely show in your seats!

But really, golf cart seats pick up dirt and grime even when they are comfortably parked, and this is why the golf cart cover is very important. Remember that in regularly keeping your golf cart clean, you are actually making it last longer.

Cleaning the golf cart seats and cover is easy, especially if they are made of vinyl. There are even removable seat covers intended not only for the added comfort, but for quick cleaning as well.

For this, you will need:

-          Bucket of water

-          Dishwashing soap

-          Cotton cloth

-          Carpet cleaner

-          Old toothbrush

Photo credit: flickr.com

Step 1

Mix a small amount of dishwashing soap into the bucket of water to make a cleaning solution.

Step 2

Remove the seat cover and set them aside. Dip the cotton cloth or any soft piece of cloth into the solution. Squeeze and then use it to wipe the seats. For any seams, use the toothbrush where the cloth won’t suffice. Wet another piece of cloth and use it to wipe the handrails and seat support.

Step 3

Rinse and wipe it dry with another cloth.

Step 4

Use the carpet cleaner to clean the seat cover. To avoid dirty water from running down portions that have already been cleaned, start wiping from the top and then work your way down. After wiping, Rinse and allow it to dry. Be sure the seats are also dry before putting the cover back on.

 

As added tips, it is necessary that your golf cart is dry before covering it. Also, there are seat covers that are machine-washable so be sure you check on the manufacturer on this.

 

 

 

Really, Golf Carts Can Be Dangerous

No, you won’t read any of those silly stuff they do on the TV series Jackass in here.

Even golf carts aren’t saved from disasters. They may not be the kind that could be met by a 325 mph sports car. But that’s not taking away the danger, especially that there are parts of the course that can get really crowded. In here are a few tips for when you are ready to get your cart out of the golf cart cover and into the course.

Photo credit: fanpop.com 

Warning signs

Be aware of the safety reminders posted either in the shop or in the cart itself. Proper posture should always be observed. Arms and legs should not be extended outside of the cart at any time. Also, passengers must be limited to two, and as with any vehicle, never try to accelerate when a passenger isn’t properly secured yet. This especially works for golf carts since it is open. There are safety rules with road vehicles that likewise applies with golf carts like driving under the influence and looking at both directions while driving on the course. Slow down when you need to, as in driving across hills. As earlier stated, there are areas that can be filled with people, like the clubhouse. There are courses that have additional guidelines for carts so be sure you know about this. You should be able to know, too, which areas are off limits to golf carts.

Respect other players’ direction

Remember that you are sharing the course with other players. As a rule, never cross another player’s target line. You should always be on the lookout for players in the course. Never drive the cart in front other players. Always exhibit courtesy.

Special rules

Usually when the course is wet and muddy following a bad weather, the course may administer the 90-degree rule. On such occasion, carts may be allowed at the fairway provided they maintain a 90-degree angle from the cart path. This is done for the passengers’, as well as the turf’s protection. There are times when the course would require only cart path, meaning there are only designated pathways. This is done to protect grass in the fairway, and essentially for the holes.

Golf: More Than 18 Holes

If there is one sport that is always misunderstood, it has to be golf. For the longest time, people have poked fun at this beautiful game. There are those who laugh at it to the point of not considering it a sport as it does not require a huge amount of athletic skills. By the same token, there are people who make fun of it because it is such a difficult sport to master.

But it doesn't take a seasoned player to appreciate the beauty of the sport. If you're  just  starting out, we suggest you hang on to your clubs, shoes, caps, golf cart, golf cart cover, all the things that allow you to play the game. Won't take long to reap the rewards, that's for sure.

Good stress-reliever

For most, if not all, golfers, the golf course is a great escape. With the lush greens and the calm surroundings, no one will ever argue. To some it is therapeutic. Another thing: in golf, you can actually play on the very same spot where the pros play!

Lessons to be learned

Cheesy as it may sound, golf teaches a thing or two about life. It is quite a humbling sport, and witnessing someone progress is something special. Anything you draw inspiration from is a good thing. In golf, you inspire and get inspired.

Good for everyone

Everyone can actually relate to it. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, if you take time to understand this beautiful sport, you will learn why people stick to it. They say golf enthusiasts are a passionate bunch, and this is simply true. It is also a good activity for the family and friends. If you're friends in golf, you are friends for a lifetime.

Photo credit: familytravels.com

A career in golf won't hurt

If you have made a career built around the sport, good for you! The last thing you will ever worry about is jealous people.

Golf's got heart

Hate to brag but the PGA donates to charity, perhaps more than any sport in the world.

Golf is such a unique sport. If you are a player or has ever tried playing, thanks for appreciating this article. If not, then stay jealous.