Golf Cart Repair near me: How To Repair Fiberglass Golf Cart Body

Keeping your best golf cart in shape is at the top of every golfer’s list, but is this possible without spending a load of cash on repairs and upkeep? The answer is yes, with a few tricks up your sleeve and some excellent advice you can either pick up the tools yourself or find a great gold cart repairer near you to do the job. In this article, as well as showing you where to find excellent golf cart repairers, we will also show you how to repair golf cart batteries yourself and how to repair the body of a golf cart.
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Check out our ‘golf cart repair near me’ finder below to find your nearest locations for golf cart repair:

How much does it cost to repair a golf cart?

The cost of repairing a golf cart will vary depending on the type of golf cart you have and the repairs that need doing to it. Whether you have a gas golf cart or an electric golf cart there will be maintenance costs that you will need to sustain throughout the year if you use your golf cart regularly. The amount of maintenance you need will depend on the quality of golf cart you have, which is why it is worth investing in a model that will not require as many repairs – a bigger investment initially may save you money in the long run. If you’re looking for a ballpark figure for yearly maintenance costs for a golf cart it can be anything between $400 and $2000.

How to repair golf cart batteries

One of the most expensive parts of the golf cart, and the part that is most likely to need replacing at some point is the golf cart battery. However, there is the possibility that you can repair your golf cart battery. Here we outline how in some simple, easy to follow, steps:

#1. Wear protective clothing

Make sure you wear gloves and eye protection before attempting to repair your golf cart battery to ensure your safety.

#2. Check for corrosion

It may be that the reason your battery isn’t functioning properly is because of corrosion that has built up between the terminal and the connecting wires. If you identify corrosion, this can be removed easily using some items that you are likely to already have around the house. Grab an old toothbrush and mix some baking soda with water to create a solution that will help to remove the corrosion.

#3. Remove deposits on the battery plates

Another reason why your golf cart battery may not be working or functioning to its best potential is because of a build-up of deposits on the battery plates (which can stop the battery from fully charging). These can be removed using a solution of Epsom salts and filtered water which can be added to the battery cell using a turkey baster. Add the solution to just over the lead plates and charge your batteries with the fill caps removed to allow the formula to work.

Always exercise caution when working with batteries and it is always a good idea to consult an expert first and to consult the service manual that came with your golf cart. If these techniques don’t fix your battery, it might be the time to invest in a new one.

How to repair a cracked golf cart body

It can be pretty devastating when you notice a crack in the armor of your precious golf cart but all is not lost, a crack in a golf cart can actually be fixed at home and you can have it looking back in tip-top shape in no time. In this next section, we will look at how to repair a plastic golf cart body and how to repair a fiberglass golf cart body.

#1 How to repair a plastic golf cart body

If you’ve identified a crack in the body of your plastic golf cart or you just want to cover up a few scratches and nicks that your golf cart has suffered as you’ve played your way to an impressive birdie. The action you need to take depends on the severity of the damage. If your golf cart has sustained a major crack then you might want to think about getting your hands on a golf cart body kit which can transform your plastic golf cart to look like new.

Whereas, if you just want to do some surface repair to improve the aesthetics of your golf cart you can do this with plastic repair adhesives which can fill in small cracks. Another way to improve any scuffs on your plastic golf cart body is by painting it, a job which can easily be done yourself with the right materials.

#2 How to repair a fiberglass golf cart body

If you’re the owner of a fiberglass golf cart and are wanting to give the body of your cart a bit of TLC then the best way to do this is through a fiberglass repair kit. Bondo body filler is a good choice for fiberglass golf carts and is great for filling in any small cracks. It can be sanded down once it has dried and then easily painted over to give a great overall effect.

How to replace golf cart tires

When you’re using your golf cart frequently, there may come a time when you run into a flat tire. If this event happens whilst you are out on the golf course you should be able to make it back to base before the tire completely gives up. One option would be to take your golf cart to the nearest golf cart repair shop where they will have the tire replaced in no time, but you might want to try replacing the tire yourself. To do this you will need a floor jack, socket, ratchet wrench and a replacement tire for your golf cart.

#1. Ensure the brake is on and ignition is off

When it comes to changing a tire there is often a sense of urgency. Despite this, it is essential to ensure that you have turned off the ignition and that the brakes are fully engaged before you attempt to replace the tire. It is also a good idea to have your golf cart on a flat surface when replacing the tire.

#2. Engage the floor jack

The next step is to get the floor jack in place underneath the vehicle frame, underneath the axle.

#3. Take out the lug nuts

Using the ratchet wrench, loosen the lug nuts and then raise the golf cart using the floor jack. You can then remove the lug nuts completely which will release the flat tire and replace it with the new tire.

#4. Attach the new tire

Fix the new tire to the spokes and replace the lug nuts (no need to tighten them just yet). Next, lower the jack gently until the new tire just touches the ground making sure that not too much pressure is exerted on it yet. You can then use the socket and tighten the lug nuts to secure the tire in place and then lower the golf cart until it is back safely on the ground.

How to maintain your golf cart

One way of avoiding excessive golf cart repair costs is to effectively maintain your golf cart. For many, this is a satisfying task as their golf cart plays such a pivotal part in enjoying and participating in their favorite hobby. Maintaining your golf cart is not as hard as you might think, especially if you follow our top tips on how to effectively maintain your golf cart.

Top Tips: Checklist for Electric Golf Cart Maintenance

For owners of an electric golf cart, these are the key areas you need to be checking to ensure that your golf cart lasts as long as possible:

#1 Tires

Ensure you check the pressure as often as you can, keeping them pumped up as needed. Check for any wear and tear and replace if they look worn and likely to puncture.

#2 Brakes

Cleaning your brakes regularly is a great way of maintaining them for longer and keeping them at their full potential.

#3 Batteries

Battery maintenance is an essential way of ensuring they last longer, and for such an expensive item this upkeep is certainly a worthwhile undertaking. Regularly check your batteries for corrosion and loose terminals, make sure the electrolyte level is where it should be, allow it to charge to full capacity, regularly check the cables for any damage and maintain the necessary water level within the battery.

#4 Suspension

In terms of the front and rear suspension on your golf cart, make sure that you check for worn brushings and any loose or missing fixtures.

#5 Steering

When it comes to maintaining the steering mechanism within your golf cart, this should be pretty straightforward as you will be able to tell when using your golf cart how the steering is performing. Watch out for steering tightness or looseness and check the fixtures if the steering feels not right.

Top Tips: Checklist for Gas Golf Cart Maintenance

In addition to the above checklist, for a gas golf cart you will also need to do the following maintenance:

#1 Engine

If you’re the owner of a gas golf cart you will also need to perform routine engine maintenance. This involves checking a variety of aspects of the engine including the spark plugs, carburetor, starter belt, valve clearance, fuel filter, and the clutch.

#2 Oil

As with all engines, you will also need to check the oil level in your golf cart and ensure that it is at the appropriate level.

While golf cart maintenance may seem like a big job, it can easily be managed with a maintenance schedule. Make a note in your diary of what needs checking when and make sure that not everything comes at the same time. This will not only make the maintenance task easier, it will also ensure that any replacements and repairs are more affordable as they will not all come at the same time.

How long do golf carts last?

With all this talk of maintenance and repairs it might have made you wonder, how long can I expect my golf cart to last? Conducting effective maintenance and repairs will certainly extend the lifespan of your golf cart. Depending on what model you purchase, the average golf cart lasts for around 10 years, however, if you replace the battery in the golf cart it is likely to last for a lot longer. As a golf cart is a big investment you will be wanting to ensure that its lifespan is as long as it can be, which is why following our essential tips for golf cart repair is a great way of ensuring your investment is worthwhile.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a ‘golf cart repair near me’ then using our excellent search tool will soon have you directed to a suitable repair shop in your local area. While having your golf cart repaired by a professional is a tempting and time-saving choice, it is possible to conduct some simple golf cart repairs yourself.

This guide has demonstrated that repairing a golf cart battery, fixing the body of a golf cart and even replacing a golf cart tire are all within reach even for a novice. Performing regular maintenance on your golf cart is a sure-fire way of ensuring that it lasts as long as it should do (and beyond), it will also save you time and money in seeking out extensive repairs. Essential golf cart maintenance does not need to be an expensive undertaking, and with regular checks of the performance of your golf cart, you can avoid any problems escalating and nip them in the bud early on.