Check the tires
Check every tire against the pressure listed by the cart or tire maker. Look for low pressure, cuts, punctures, uneven wear, and wheel damage.
Florida State University includes proper inflation and freedom from cuts or punctures in its daily pre-use check (opens in a new tab).
Test the brakes and steering
Test the service brake and parking brake in a clear, controlled area. Check for unusual pedal travel, noise, pulling, or weak braking.
Turn the steering through its normal range. Report looseness, binding, vibration, or a cart that does not track as expected.
Take the cart out of service when it cannot steer or stop safely. Florida State University says to inspect each cart daily before use. Source: Florida State University golf cart checklist (opens in a new tab)
Check the lights and road-use equipment
Test the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that the cart has. Check the horn, mirrors, reflectors, and windshield too.
Equipment does not make every road legal for golf cart travel. South Carolina law limits public-highway golf cart use to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less (opens in a new tab), subject to local rules.
The same law requires a public-highway driver to be at least 16 years old (opens in a new tab) and hold a valid driver's license.
Request a pre-season safety check
Send the address, cart make, power type, tire details, symptoms, and preferred date. State whether the cart can move safely.
If repair leaves you without a cart, review the golf cart rental guide and its road-use information.
Guides for golf cart repair
Golf cart battery and charging repair in Surfside Beach, SC
Request help with golf cart battery and charging problems in Surfside Beach, SC.
Town rules
Golf cart rules
Drive legally on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.