Page 2 - Beyond Green

The most visible sign to your customers that your fleet is well
maintained is its appearance. A sharp-looking fleet makes a
positive statement about your course.
Before the fleet heads out on the course, we recommend a daily When you clean cars, be sure to use the products
GOLF CAR FLEET MAINTENANCE: inspection. This daily inspection can reduce downtime, keep cars Lead-acid batteries are the lifeblood of today’s sophisticated recommended in the owner’s manual. Refrain from using
performing at the top of their game, and includes a few simple tasks.
silicone-based products on floor mats, pedals, and seats;
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT While staging vehicles, cart attendants should check the steering electric fleets. They’re also the most expensive vehicle silicone-based products can leave surfaces slippery and lead
components to replace.
The condition of your fleet at the end of the lease term helps response. They should ensure the brakes activate properly and to accidents.
determine its trade value. It’s also one of the key factors that that there’s not too much free play. Like most things, batteries need clean water to survive. Although a pressure washer is undoubtedly the fastest way to
affects how Club Car and other golf car manufacturers set the Your staff should also check the accelerator pedal and make sure it Improper fluid levels can cause batteries to fail prematurely. remove dirt and debris from golf cars, it can sometimes do as
lease price for your next fleet. Additionally, fleet condition returns to its upright position. Check both the brake and accelerator While insufficient water can adversely affect battery life and much harm as good. We find that a garden hose at normal
contributes to the experience you offer your members and performance, overfilling can be just as harmful. pressure is adequate for most clean-up jobs while stopping
customers. That’s why it makes sense to keep your fleet looking pedals to ensure there are no obstructions that would interfere with Proper battery watering is always performed after the short of damaging the car’s paint and clear coat.
and performing at its best. normal operation. Also, evaluate the FORWARD/NEUTRAL/REVERSE batteries are charged, not before the charging.
switch, reverse buzzer, and speed to confirm proper function and If your staff does use a pressure washer, remind them to keep
Before every customer gets behind the wheel of a golf car, ask also pay attention to any odd noises. To maintain proper fluid levels, a single-point watering the fan spray at least six inches away from the surface they’re
yourself the following questions. In addition, review the The last check is a complete walk around of the car once it is systemis essential and it is a standard feature on new electric spraying and keep the pressure under 1000 psi.
CAR-CARE guidelines, listed here, to ensure superior golf fleet parked in the staging area: vehicles. These systems eliminate the time-consuming
performance: • Make sure that all visible nuts, bolts, and screws are securely process of removing battery caps to add water. After the
proper amount of water is dispensed through a valve system,
fastened. the flow of water to individual cells shuts off automatically.
• Check for proper tire pressure, wear, and damage. Make sure to use a deionizer water purifier and replace the
• Fill batteries to the proper level. Also check battery posts to filter cartridges regularly. This will ensure your batteries are
ensure wires are tight and free of corrosion. getting the best quality water. Proper fleet rotation starts with a storage facility that has
• Look for cracks, loose connections, and frayed wiring in the adequate space for each car in the fleet to enter, park, and exit
charger cord, plug, and receptacle. Have a trained technician wash battery tops and clean the building without bumping into other vehicles, charging
terminals with baking soda/water solution monthly. Also
• On gasoline vehicles, check the engine oil and fuel levels. apply authorized battery terminal protector spray to battery equipment, or the sides of the building.
• Check for leaks in the fuel tank as well as the fuel lines, cap, terminals. Club Car recommends a dedicated space for each car in the
pump, filters, and carburetor. fleet that measures at least five feet by eight feet with a
• Confirm that all safety and warning decals are present. one-foot clearance around the vehicle’s perimeter. We’ve
found that if you can make it easy for the staff to maneuver the
cars in and out of the facility, you will prevent a lot of the
scrapes and dings that can lead to costly repairs.
Club Car provides complimentary standard fleet golf car
storage facility plans to assist courses that are building or
There are several reasons that your cars’ front ends can lose Properly charged batteries are one of the most important revising golf car storage facilities. As part of the consultation,
alignment. The most common reasons are curb impact and use factors in the performance of your golf cars. By the same we can also provide rotation recommendations based on the
in restricted areas over rough terrain. token, improperly charged batteries can shorten the lifespan fleet size and amount of play the course receives. Sometimes
simply adding or relocating a door opening can lead to
and adversely affect your fleet’s performance .
Alignment problems can lead to uneven tire wear, which will improved efficiency and savings.
require you to buy tires sooner than planned. Cars that operate Batteries should be fully charged before a new vehicle is
with improper alignment also require more energy to operate: first used; after vehicles have been stored; and before
vehicles are released for use each day. All cars should be
10 to 20 percent more than those with correct alignments.
Alignment should be one of the things you’re checking at least plugged into chargers overnight for storage, even if the car
has only been used for a short time during the day. To charge
semi-annually or after 100 rounds. batteries, insert the charger’s DC plug into the vehicle
receptacle. Before your staff leaves for the night, they should ensure the
However, before your staff charge any vehicles, be sure to fleet will be ready for use at opening the next day.
adhere to important precautions: • The fleet key switches should be in the OFF position
• Since lead-acid batteries contain explosive gases, and the FORWARD/REVERSE switch should be in the
always keep sparks and flames away from vehicles and NEUTRAL position.
Maintaining proper tire pressure in your fleet golf cars is as the service area. • The park brake should be set.
important as it is with your family car. • Never allow staff to smoke while batteries are charging. • All accessories should be powered off to prevent energy
If tire pressure is too low, your car will use more gas or • Everyone who works around batteries should wear draw from the batteries.
electrical energy. protective clothing, including rubber gloves, safety For long-term storage, ensure the following:
Check your tire pressure monthly, because dramatic fluctuations glasses, and a face shield. • The fleet key switches should be in the OFF position, the
in daytime and nighttime temperatures can cause tire pressure Some people might not realize it, but new batteries require FORWARD/REVERSE switch should be in the NEUTRAL
to fluctuate. Tire pressure varies from electric to gas vehicles. a break-in period. They must be significantly recharged at position, and the TOW/RUN switch in the TOW position.
least 50 times before they can deliver their full capabilities.
• Electric vehicles: 18-20psi (1.24 - 1.38 bars) To be significantly discharged, batteries must be discharged, • All accessories should be powered off to prevent energy
• Gas vehicles: 12-14psi (0.83 - 0.96bars) and not merely unplugged and plugged back in to perform draw from the batteries.
one cycle.
Maintain tire pressure within 1-2 psi of the recommended • Chock the wheels. Do not set the park brake. Ensure vehicles
are connected to their chargers, and verify the charger amp
pressure at all times. meter is greater than “0” to confirm the charger is operating.