A golf cart can suffer from water damage, leading to expensive parts replacements and repairs. But not all encounters with moisture and rain will be problematic. In some cases, the golf cart will be unaffected. In other situations, a trip to the service department is in order. 

Below we offer a guide to golf cart water damage, helping you prevent and address the various situations. If you have any questions or want to explore golf carts for sale, head over to Carts Gone Wild. Our dealership is based in Haubstadt, Indiana, and we proudly serve those in Evansville and Indianapolis as well.

Can A Golf Cart Get Wet?

The answer is yes...and no. Some water can be fine. Puttering around the golf course during a light drizzle likely won't cause any issues. But plowing through steep puddles during a rainstorm is another story! The more water exposure, the higher chance of water damage.

What Are The Signs Of Golf Cart Water Damage?

It's helpful to know the warning signs of golf cart water damage. That way, you can get your golf cart into the repair shop before the water damage gets worse...and leads to a more expensive repair bill.

Signs Of Engine Water Damage:

  • Engine troubles, such as "clicking" when the golf cart starts up
  • Struggling to maintain a constant speed
  • Shaking starts to occur at higher speeds
  • Speeding up becomes a challenge
  • Odd noises, such as a knocking noise, begin happening

Signs Of Water Damage On The Brakes

  • Needing more distance to come to a stop
  • Vibrating of the cart when it comes to a stop

These are just a few signs of water damage. If you notice your golf cart is acting up, it's likely worth a visit to the professionals. Remember that unaddressed issues can get worse over time and can trigger other problems. Getting the golf cart fixed sooner rather than later is usually the most cost-effective strategy.

How Do I Prevent Golf Cart Water Damage?

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take preventative steps to keep water damage from happening.

You can:

  • Store the golf cart in a storage shed with a dehydrator.
  • Use a cover when the golf cart is in storage.
  • Add a cover over the golf cart, which provides extra protection when the vehicle is in use.
  • Regularly inspect the roof for any leaks.
  • Check the battery for moisture build up about once or twice a month.
  • Limit the time spent in the rain.

Should I Use The Golf Cart In Poor Weather Conditions?

Before driving the golf cart in less-than-ideal weather, consider a few key factors.

First, how bad is the weather? The more severe the storm, the more you should consider waiting it out. If there is any lightning, you do not want to be inside your golf cart.

Second, how bad are the puddles on your route? Hitting them can get a golf cart drenched in water, increasing the chances of mechanical problems later.

Third, how compromised is your visibility? If it's dark or during a heavy downpour, for example, it'll be harder to see upcoming obstacles (like deep puddles).

Fourth, how is the condition of your tires? They should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation, have enough tread, and be free of damage. Compromised tires will struggle to grip the road and can more easily encounter an accident.

Fifth, how is the condition of the brakes? Red flags to look for include strange noises (which suggest fully worn out pads) and lots of vibration (which suggest distorted rotors). The brakes need to be in peak condition when navigating compromised road conditions due to weather. 

Finally, we recommend the mindset that when in doubt, wait out the bad weather.

We hope you found this guide to golf cart water damage helpful. For more advice or to shop golf carts for sale, visit Carts Gone Wild. Our friendly staff is always happy to assist. We can suggest compatible models, get you replacement golf cart parts, and more. You'll find our dealership in Haubstadt, Indiana. We also proudly serve those in Evansville and Indianapolis, Indiana.