This is an overview of the SC Law related to the registration and use of golf carts on South Carolina roads.  Please go to this (link) GOLF CARTS to obtain the South Carolina Law as we have omitted definitions, terms, code sections etc..

——————————————————————————————————-

• During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of the address on the registration certificate and only on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less.
• During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of a point of ingress and egress to a gated community and only on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less.
• During daylight hours only, within four miles of the registration holder’s address, and while traveling along a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less, a permitted golf cart may cross a highway or street at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five miles an hour.
• During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated along a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less on an island not accessible by a bridge designed for use by automobiles.
• A person operating a permitted golf cart must be at least sixteen years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. The operator of a permitted golf cart being operated on a highway or street must have in his possession: the registration certificate issued by the department; proof of liability insurance for the golf cart; and his driver’s license.

A golf cart permit must be replaced with a new permit every five years, or at the time the permit holder changes his address.

Golf cart owners holding golf cart permits on or before October 1, 2012, will have until September 30, 2015, to obtain a replacement permit.

A political subdivision may, on designated streets or roads within the political subdivision’s jurisdiction, reduce the area in which a permitted golf cart may operate from four miles to no less than two miles. However, a political subdivision may not reduce or otherwise amend the other restrictions placed on the operation of a permitted golf cart contained in this section.

The provisions of this section that restrict the use of a golf cart to certain streets, certain hours, and certain distances shall not apply to a golf cart used by a public safety agency in connection with the performance of its duties.”

This act takes effect October 1, 2012.

——————————————————————————————————————– 

Thank you,

King of Carts, LLC

The following will assist you:

Club Car Precedent Model

Starting 2003 and newer Club Car has positioned their serial numbers in glove box on the passengers side of the vehicle. The first two numbers (not letters) indicate the last two digits of the year of manufacture.

Club Car DS Model

Since 1981 have positioned their serial numbers just under the glove box on the passengers side of the vehicle. The first two numbers (not letters) indicate the last two digits of the year of manufacture.

*NOTE* If your golf cart was made in the year 2000 then you need let us know which style of back seat that you have. This is needed to ensure that you will receive the proper parts for your Club Car.

Club Car DS 2000.5-present Models have a connected (one piece) seat back, also have black top supports, and thicker top with handles on each side of the of the top.

Club Car DS 1982-2000.5 Models have (two) distinct split seat backs, also silver aluminum top supports, and have a thin top.

Cars should be plugged in at ALL times, when not in use. This includes cars that are out of use. Cars that are not plugged in can self-discharge over several weeks and virtually “kill” the battery pack.

Connect your battery charger to a readily available surge protector outlet/strip. Since the charger should be plugged in at all times, it is wise to protect it against lightening.

Batteries should be charged after EACH period of use, no matter how short you used it. When plugging charger into car, verify that the ammeter needle moves to the right side of the meter window. This confirms that there is power to the car and a working charger.

Allow the charger to complete the charge process by letting the charging system turn off on its own (the charger will be silent and the ammeter needle will be at zero).

Short charging will promote unbalanced batteries and costly battery replacement.

Lead acid batteries do not develop a memory and do not need to be fully discharged before recharging (there is no hysteresis effect for these batteries).

Check water level monthly for every battery and every cell. Note that the cells within a battery are totally separate cavities, so filling one cell does not fill the adjacent cells. In the event of having single-point watering system, water levels should still be checked every month to ensure the system is working properly.

USE DISTILLED WATER ONLY. DO NOT USE TAP WATER.

Watering should always be done AFTER fully charging the battery.

Removal of the seat makes batteries more accessible – lift off the two front hinges

Battery Operation/Cleaning

Shallow discharges will result in a longer battery life.

50% (or less) discharges are recommended, 80% discharge is the maximum safe discharge.

Poor periodic maintenance can contribute to battery discharge. Poor battery cable contact due to improper torque can create high resistance connections that will increase amperage and reduce run times. Battery cables should be torqued to 110 INCH pounds, using a ½ inch click wrench. This should be checked every 6 months.

Dirty and corroded terminals will lead to improper connections. Use battery corrosion prevention spray once per month. Use baking soda/water mix to clean corrosion from terminals, if present.

Low tire pressure, brake drag, and improperly aligned tires can also contribute to battery discharge. Please check alignment and tire pressure monthly.

Tire Pressure

Please note that when cart tires are low on air pressure, they do not appear “flat” like car tires. You must use a pressure gage to insure that the tires area properly inflated

Use caution when inflating tires. Due to the low volume of the small tires, over-inflation can occur quickly.

Tire pressure should be maintained between 18-22 PSI. All four tires should have the same pressure for optimum handling.

Under inflated tires (<15 psi) will cause excess tire wear (outside edges of tires), hard steering, and adds stress to drive motor and batteries – reduces battery life!

Over inflated tires (>22 psi) will cause excess tire wear (center of tire).

Battery Maintenance-Daily

Charge the batteries after each day’s use. The charger will automatically shut off when batteries are completely charged Inspect car and charger for proper operating conditions. Ensure that ammeter both clicks and moves on the charger, when plugged into car. Verify charge has been completed, meaning charger has turned itself off, before using vehicle.

Battery Maintenance-Monthly

Inspect all wiring for fraying, loose connections, corrosion, or deterioration of insulation. Water batteries using distilled water container. Very important! Watering should always be done AFTER fully charging the battery. Clean the batteries and wire terminals using mix of baking soda and water. Coat terminals with protectant spray you can get at any auto store.

Battery Maintenance-Every 6 months

Battery cables should be torqued to 110 INCH POUNDS, using a ½ inch click wrench. This should be checked every 6 months. Poor periodic maintenance can contribute to battery discharge. Poor battery cable contact due to improper torque can create high resistance connections that will increase amperage and reduce run times.

Yes, King of Carts will give you a price on any golf cart you would like sell or trade.  So if you have a old golf cart that you would like to trade for a newer golf cart, give us a call or send us an email with pictures and details of your trade.  We will let you know an approximate amount, but will have to see the vehicle in person to give you a firm amount. Remember you will also get a better deal by selling your item on the open market but you have to go through the trouble of selling it yourself.  We understand this and take trades on a daily basis.

We will consider trades or buy golf carts that don’t work, need repair and are missing parts.  But remember if the golf car is fully working you will get a higher price.

So if you have a golf cart that you would like to trade for a newer one, please email photo’s and send a desciption of the vehicle, or bring it buy one of our retail locations for a quote. 

There is an easy way and a hard way to increase the speed on your Club Car, Yamaha or EZ-GO Golf Cart.

The Hard Way!

• Upgrade your controller
• Add a heavy duty solenoid
• Add a heavy duty forward reverse switch
• Add heavy duty battery/motor cables
• Upgrade your existing motor

You should have all of the above items matched together by someone knowledgable about your golf cart and what you want to achieve in order to make this purchase.

The Easy Way!

• Purchase a Club Car Speed magnet and install.  You will gain a few miles per hour and is easy to do.
• Have King of Carts program the level 4 factory speed code to your golf cart and see noticable results.
• Purchase one of our Commander Golf Cart Speed Motors and you will increase your top end speed to 25 MPH + and increase your low end torque.  If you have a lifted golf cart with larger tires you will see higher speeds.  Great for neighborhood speedster and for Hunting Golf Cart applications.  This install can be performed in about 30 minutes with tools most people own.  However, you need to take safety precautions, like disconnecting batteries terminals so you don’t arch the controller and other electrical components.  Call us today at King of Carts and we can walk you through the process.

King of Carts – Golf Cart Speed and Torque Motors

The Club Car golf cart comes with either gasoline engines or electric motors. The gasoline engines require an oil change at regular intervals, just as regular cars need them. The Club Car golf cart Kawasaki engine does not have an oil drain plug for the engine oil, so the oil has to be drained from the oil filter itself. The oil is added through the oil cap located on the top of the engine.

DIY Instructions on How to Change the Oil in a Club Car Golf Cart

• Park the golf cart on a flat surface and turn the engine off.
• Locate the round oil cap on the top of the engine, un-screw the oil cap, remove the oil dipstick from the driver’s side of the engine. Wipe the dipstick off with a clean towel.
• Under the driver’s side of the engine, locate the oil filter that is attached to the engine, in front of the clutch pedal and place a drip pan under the oil filter. Remove the three bolts that secure the base of the oil filter to the engine.
• Pull the oil filter off the engine and wait for all of the oil to drain out.
• Secure the new oil filter to the engine with the three bolts.  Torque the three oil filter bolts down with 25 to 30 foot-lbs with a torque wrench and a socket.
• Place a funnel into the engine oil cap hole. Add 1 1/4 quarts of 10W-30 motor oil into the engine. Remove the funnel and screw the oil cap back on.
• Crank the golf cart engine and let it run for about 1 minute. Turn the engine off and let it sit for about 1 minute, so that the oil can drain back down out of the engine. Pull the dipstick and check the oil level. The oil should be at the full, if not, add oil in small increments until full.

New Gas and New Electric Golf Carts – Columbia SC

Gold Standard Remanufactured Club Car Golf Carts

King of Carts is proud to offer Official Club Car Gold Series Factory Refurbished Golf Carts. The Gold Series program is where Club Car receives off-lease fleet carts and strips the carts down to the frame. Their experienced technicians acid wash the solid aluminum frame, replace all parts with NEW parts including:

• New Bumper Facia
• New Dash
• New Electronics
• New Motor and New Battery or Batteries
• New Wheels and Tires
• New Serial Number
• New Body – Your Choice of Color
• New 2 Year Factory Warranty

The Gold Standard 12 – Stage Remanufacturing Process

Stage 1
Used Parts Removal The pre-owned golf car is completely disassembled down to its base chassis. The frame and chassis components are carefully inspected to insure that it is free from any damage or defects that could affect performance.

Stage 2
Cleaning The chassis is steam cleaned and acid washed to bring the aluminum back to a like new appearance. This provides a clean platform to begin our rebuild program.

Stage 3
Chassis Preparation The rear power train assembly is removed from the chassis. The frame is inspected again for structural integrity. Modifications and repairs are made as required.

Stage 4
Pedal Group Replacement The brake and accelerator pedal group is removed and replaced with a new assembly.

Stage 5
Power-train This is comprised of the differential, motor, rear springs and brakes. Differential is inspected, cleaned and oil is replaced. Motor is inspected and proper operation verified. All leaf spring bushings are replaced. The brake system is checked for proper operation, lubricated as required and new brake shoes are installed. The rear axle is inspected for leaks and proper operation. Rear axle and springs are painted.

Stage 6
Front Suspension The front suspension is completely disassembled and inspected for wear and damage. All wear items are replaced including new heavy duty A-arms.

Stage 7
Reassemble Chassis Front suspension and rear Power-train assemblies are mounted to chassis with new hardware.

Stage 8
Electrical System All electrical components are inspected and cleaned. Proper operation is verified. A new On Board Computer (OBC) is installed.

Stage 9
Battery Installation New batteries are installed using new mounting hardware and battery connecting cables.

Stage 10
Trim Installation New exterior components are installed: rear under body, fascia, floor mat retainers and kick plate.

Stage 11
Final Assembly Body, seats and bumpers are installed. Charger receptacle and forward/neutral/ reverse switch installed.

Stage 12
Quality Control Final and most important step. All components are tested for proper fit and operation. Vehicle is test driven to ensure proper safe operation. Upon final approval, a new Club Car serial number is issued and attached to the vehicle signifying that it is a genuine Club Car remanufactured vehicle.

About Club Car Precedent Golf Carts

A totally new concept in golf cars. Redesigned from the ground up with new materials, new technology and attention to every detail. It’s rounded but sharp. Quick, responsive and IQ smart. Easy to understand why we say “See it. Drive it. Then you’ll know.”

SportsDrive Handling and Suspension 

Exclusive A-plate independent suspension provides the industry’s smoothest, most reliable ride with longer service life and lower repair costs during ownership. Superior vehicle control yields greater safety and longer tire wear. Plus double-ended rack and pinion steering provides the feel and control of power steering. Maintenance-free and smoother steering too. With the industry’s tightest turning radius for great maneuverability and parkability.

AlumiCore Chasis

The strength of a vehicle lies in its frame. This is one tough frame. Exclusive aluminum frame is more rustproof and corrosion resistant than any competing model. Ladder-style box beam design gives superior strength and improved handling and ride. Lighter weight modular design cuts energy costs and increases battery life while yielding double the torsional rigidity.

MonsoonTop

Exclusive canopy drainage system eliminates standing water and flood-like effects at vehicle takeoff during those Arizona downpours. Interior handle increases comfort and safety for everyone, especially the passenger.

360 Degree Bumper 

Club Car outthinks the competition again with a high-impact 360� bumper that cuts vehicle damage and increases trade-in value. Both front and rear are rated for 5 mph impacts.

Battery System Improved 48V 

Longer battery life, greater energy efficiency, and more power. Six-eight volt batteries anchor today’s Club Car 48Volt system. They provide power and range 15-30% greater than the competition. System resistance is cut by a third, generating less heat and better electrical system reliability. Rate of discharge is reduced too.

IQ Technology On-Board Computers

Programmable performance and increased torque for best-in-class hill climbing. The Next Generation of golf cars created by Club Car, the industry’s engineering leader.

7 Tips to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

If you’re looking for a golf car, find the model that fits your lifestyle and delivers maximum performance, style and longevity.  But with so many models on the market, how do you decide what’s right for you?

1. How Do You Plan to Use Your Vehicle?
   Golf cars are not just for playing golf. They’re ideal for the neighborhood, hauling, yard work, hunting, small business, RVers, equestrians, hobby farmers and many others. Knowing how you plan to use your golf car is the first and most important step in the selection process.
2. Gas or Electric?
   Either gas or electric cars can be used for neighborhood transportation, light hauling and yard work. Both are fairly easy to maintain.  If you use your vehicle for golf or short trips and want to go green, consider a quiet, zero-emissions electric car. Today’s top models can get 20-30 miles on a single charge. Look for a car that includes a strong battery pack and a regenerative braking system that allows you to adjust the regenerative braking. This allows the car to optimize the energy reclaimed when stopping.  For a longer range, go with gas. Gas may also be a better option for campers, hunters and RVers, as it can
   be difficult to recharge batteries when you’re on the road.  Choose a vehicle with a powerful, name-brand
   engine, big gas tank for a longer range and excellent hill-climbing performance.  Some manufacturers tune for mileage, but if you’re using your car for rugged or hilly terrain, you’ll want a car that’s tuned for hill-climbing performance.
3. New or Pre-owned?
   This will depend largely on your budget. If you decide to buy a pre-owned vehicle, consider a factory remanufactured golf car.  Club Car’s Gold Standard Remanufactured vehicles are disassembled down to their frames, then reassembled by trained technicians. They’re also equipped with many new parts, including batteries or engines, tires, bodies and cowls. And they carry a two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Longevity and Resale Value – Rust and body damage detract from a golf car’s appearance and value, but many cars are built on heavy steel frames that rust due to salty air, fertilizer and other factors.  Look for a vehicle with a rustproof aluminum frame.  If properly designed, these lightweight frames are as strong as steel, yet they last longer
   and maintain their appearance and function better than steel frames.  Scratch- and weather-resistant body materials can also help your vehicle maintain its youthful good look.
5. Comfort and Safety – Creature comforts can make a big difference. Select a car with spacious seats, plenty of leg room, adequate in-car storage, cup holders and large, secure rear baskets to carry your gear. Ask about safety features and discuss any issues that particularly concern you with your sales representative.
6. Performance – If you don’t want to wrestle with a fixed front axle and endure a rough ride, consider a model with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. You’ll experience superior handling, a smoother ride and a more exhilarating driving experience.
7. Accessories and Options – Choose a manufacturer that offers a wide variety of accessories made specifically for their vehicles.

Thanks for reading about How To Choose A Golf Cart.

Instructions

Front Lift Installation

• Raise the front of the golf cart with a jack and place jack stands on each side of the front end.
• Use a socket to loosen loosed the lug nuts on the front end and remove the both front wheels.
• Loosen and remove the tie rods.
• Use a socket to loosen bolts on factory spindles and remove the factory spindles.
• Install the new spindles and replace the tie rods and wheel hubs in the same place they were removed from.
• Be sure to relubricate all joints to avoid squeeks after installed.
• Adjust the wheel alignment as instructed by golf cart lift kit instructions.

Rear Lift Installation

• Raise the rear end of the golf cart with a jack and use the jack stands to support the rear end.
• Remove bolts on the bottom of the shocks where they attach to the axle.
• Remove the ground straps from starter if it is gas.
• Use the jack to support the axle and remove U-bolts on one side of the golf cart that were installed by the factory. Remove the leaf spring.
• Reinstall the leaf spring from the bottom of the axle to the top of the axle. Place the axle lift blocks on top of the the axel between the leaf springs and the axle and replace the factory U-bolts with the new longer U-bolts. Tighten all bolts on that side of the golf cart.
• Repeat procedures for the opposite side of the axle and tighten all bolts.
• Install the shocks to the U-bolt plates and tighten.

Tire Installation

• If you have installed a six inch lift kit with the original leaf springs you will be able to add tires that are 22x11x10 or 22x11x12.
• If you have installed a six inch lift kit with heavy duty leaf springs you will be able to add tires that are 23x11x10 or 23x11x12.

If you have any questions about this process please feel free to contact one of our Club Car Factory certfied tech’s and they can walk you through the process.

King of Carts, LLC- Golf Carts
Columbia, South Carolina
http://www.kingofcarts.net
(803) 238-2250