
A gas golf cart engine is fueled by gasoline or propane and drives the vehicle via a chain drive to its wheels. The engine transfers power to the wheels through the standard drivetrain, consisting of transmission, transfer box, differential and axles. It typically has four tires, two in the front and two in the back.
Full Answer
How does a golf cart engine work?
In a car, the engine starts when you turn the key, and it keeps running until you switch the ignition off. In a gasoline-powered golf cart, the engine starts when you step on the gas pedal, and it shuts off when you take your foot off the gas. That feature helps save gas, cuts down on emissions and helps keep the course quiet, too.
How does a propane engine work?
by Gregory Crews. A propane engine works similar to a regular gas motor. The propane is pulled from the tank and is switched to a vapor to allow it run into the fuel lines. The vapor is passed through a mixer that combines the vapor with air. The mixture is then sent through the combustion process by a fuel injector system.
How do you operate a gas golf cart?
To operate a gas golf cart, start the ignition. Make sure that the parking brake is pushed all the way down or the engine will not start. Golf carts only come with forward and reverse gears. They usually have a lever or a button that allows you to switch from forward to reverse and back again.
What are the advantages of a gas powered golf cart?
Golf carts give you the ability to ride around in a comfortable car and finish your round quicker. Golf carts come in a variety of models and power methods. Gas-powered carts were the first to hit the market. Gas-powered golf carts use a gas engine similar to that of a car but on a much smaller scale.

How does a gas golf cart engine work?
In a gasoline-powered golf cart, the engine starts when you step on the gas pedal, and it shuts off when you take your foot off the gas. That feature helps save gas, cuts down on emissions and helps keep the course quiet, too.
Why does a gas golf cart need a battery?
They can't be half discharged and do what they have to do. Likewise, the battery in your gas golf cart is designed to provide power to your starter which turns the engine and recharges the battery to provide power for accessories and keep the battery charged for the next time of use.
How does a gas golf cart start and stop?
The system controls automatic start and stop of the starter motor and engine by feeding back the output frequency of the alternator. When installed on an off-road utility vehicle, this system, will allow the operator to conveniently start and stop the engine by depressing or releasing the accelerator pedal.
How does a gas-powered golf cart charge the battery?
Gas golf cart accessories will also rely on battery power. However, they feature a starter/generator that will charge the battery on its own while the gas pedal is depressed. This doesn't mean a gas golf cart battery is invincible – any accessories left on while the cart isn't running will eventually kill your battery.
How long do gas golf cart batteries last?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.
How fast do gas golf carts go?
18 - 20 mphA gas cart can run up to 18 - 20 mph and there are not many speed upgrades you can do to one. In addition, electric carts will get up to top speed faster as well.
Why does my gas golf cart have no power?
The main reason why a EZGO golf cart can lose power is because the battery is not charging due to loose cables or the corrosion of the connecting terminals. If they become loose or some of the electrical circuits' connecting wires snap, the battery loses power.
How do you start a gas-powered golf cart?
0:112:14How To Start a Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou hear it usually makes a sound and then you go in reverse. So again it is now on we're not goingMoreYou hear it usually makes a sound and then you go in reverse. So again it is now on we're not going anywhere when you step on the gas. It takes a minute to really start going.
How does a gas golf cart go in reverse?
Golf carts have a button or lever that allows you to switch between forward and reverse gears. The reverse switch is found below the driver's seat, and can be activated by pulling the handle left or right. Once pulled, the golf cart will start moving in reverse.
Do gas golf carts have a battery?
Gas-powered golf carts run on combustion engines. These engines are usually four-stroke, but older models might use two-stroke instead. They're fueled with regular gas like any car or truck. Electric golf carts run on battery cells.
Do golf carts have an alternator?
However, the difference is that a battery for a golf cart is usually of 6, 8, or 12 volt deep-cycle lead acid battery, whereas a normal vehicle uses a 12-volt starter or ignition battery. Moreover, the battery for a cart does not recharge itself as the vehicle runs like batteries in cars do (cars have alternators).
How do you check a gas golf cart battery?
0:021:32How to Test your Gas Golf Cart's Battery | Golf Cars UnlimitedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe want to make sure they're tight just take a 9/16 wrench. And just pull down on the lug make sureMoreWe want to make sure they're tight just take a 9/16 wrench. And just pull down on the lug make sure that they're secure. Do not touch the two terminals of the wrench because it will spark.
What is a golf cart?
A golf cart is a small mechanized vehicle powered either by an electric motor or a small gasoline engine.
Which is better, a gas or electric golf cart?
Gasoline golf carts can also be fitted with more powerful motors, beefed-up suspensions and four-wheel drive, making them ideal for work in rugged...
Are golf carts street legal?
Golf carts can be used almost anywhere a car can't — and even in some places where cars can.
How much does an electric golf cart cost?
The average price for an electric golf cart is between $5,000 and $7,000.
How much is a used golf cart?
You can find used golf carts for between $2,500 and $5,000.
What is a gas golf cart
Gas golf carts are a type of vehicle, classified as a motorized cart or small automobile. Other types include electric and powered by batteries.
How does a gas golf cart work?
A gas golf cart engine is fueled by gasoline or propane and drives the vehicle via a chain drive to its wheels.
The benefits of having one for your family and lifestyle
These are some of the benefits to having a gas golf cart in your family and lifestyle:
Three types of engines that power modern day golf carts
There are three main types of engines that power modern day golf carts.
Electric Golf Cart Vs. Gas Golf Cart Which is Best?
Gas powered golf carts are great for people who live in areas where year-round use is possible. They’re also ideal if you need a vehicle that’s easy to maintain and repair on your own.
Gas Golf Cart Safety Tips
Safety is a vital issue when it comes to driver or pedestrian safety, and gas golf carts are no exception.
Conclusion
Gas golf carts aren’t just a way of transportation; they also provide recreation as well. They’re usually used on the golf course to get around, but can be helpful in other places for other purposes.
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts give you the ability to ride around in a comfortable car and finish your round quicker. Golf carts come in a variety of models and power methods. Gas-powered carts were the first to hit the market.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Some golf carts can make it to 25 miles per hour if they're used on a and not on a golf course. They usually come with low-emission engines with a single cylinder. They also only have a 1-quart oil capacity with splash lubrication.
Do golf carts have reverse gears?
Make sure that the parking brake is pushed all the way down or the engine will not start. Golf carts only come with forward and reverse gears. They usually have a lever or a button that allows you to switch from forward to reverse and back again.
How does a golf cart work?
Gasoline golf carts work just like little cars. A small engine, running on gasoline, powers the cart's wheels. However, one major difference between a typical car and a gasoline-powered golf cart is when the engine runs. In a car, the engine starts when you turn the key, and it keeps running until you switch the ignition off.
How do electric golf carts work?
Electric golf carts use batteries to power an electric motor. The batteries are typically charged by plugging the cart into a wall outlet, just like the ones you have in your house. However, some golf carts are now being fitted with solar panels on their roofs to help charge the batteries.
What is the difference between a golf cart and a golf cart?
A golf cart, on the other hand, is a small mechanized vehicle powered either by an electric motor or a small gasoline engine . On the golf course, golf carts carry two players and their bags.
What are the different types of golf carts?
Plus, your golf cart allows you to express yourself in a way that's rare in sports. There are two main types of golf carts: gasoline and electric. Gasoline golf carts work just like little cars.
Why are golf cart paths used?
These communities aren't just built around golf courses, either. Instead, golf cart paths are used to promote a car-free lifestyle for the residents. Instead of hopping in their cars to go wherever they need to go, residents in these areas jump into their own personal golf carts.
Can you carry more than two people on a golf cart?
However, you can also get modified golf carts that can carry more than two people and move supplies, like food or luggage, from place to place. Gasoline golf carts can also be fitted with more powerful motors, beefed-up suspensions and four-wheel drive, making them ideal for work in rugged areas.
Do golf carts have air conditioning?
In colder climates, heaters make sense. But no matter where you live, rain curtains are almost always a good idea -- especially since most golf carts have open cabins.
How do electric golf carts work?
Electric carts use golf cart batteries voltage to turn the electric motor and it begins moving on its own. The batteries for these carts are charged from a battery charger using household outlets or solar panels energy and they do not need gasoline as fuel.
What is the difference between electric and gas golf carts?
What Is The Difference Between The Gas And Electric Type Of Golf Cart? A gasoline-powered cart uses a battery to actuate a solenoid switch that causes a starter to turn the engine over until the ignition begins. Push the gas pedal and the vehicle moves on its own.
How long does a gas golf cart last?
An electric cart has an average life of 5 to 7 years for deep cycle batteries, and the deep-cycle type of battery is expensive. While gas carts have their own maintenance ...
What is a golf cart?
The term “cart”, in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf carts. A golf cart is a type of vehicle that has been used on golf courses for many years. Golf carts are not allowed to use public roads unless they are converted to comply ...
Is a golf cart better than a gas engine?
The electric-powered golf carts may be better when it comes to environmental impact, but they will not always have as much power as a gas engine and can cost more upfront.
Can you use a golf cart on a public road?
A golf cart is a type of vehicle that has been used on golf courses for many years. Golf carts are not allowed to use public roads unless they are converted to comply with local ordinances governing speed and safety equipment.
Do electric golf carts have water levels?
While gas carts have their own maintenance points, electric carts must have the golf cart batteries’ water levels checked and maintained. Electrical components such as the golf cart speed controller, inductive sensor coil, and electric golf cart motor are not cheap either.
How does an electric golf cart work?
How Does a Golf Cart Work. In the most basic sense, your electric golf cart works by providing electric power from a battery pack to a motor that turns your wheels. Everything else involved is just a way of controlling when and how much of that power is being delivered. The battery pack is pretty basic.
How do golf cart batteries work?
Batteries work by changing chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemical reactions to do this, but for the most part they’re all very similar. We did a whole article on golf cart batteries ...
What is a golf cart solenoid?
We did a write up on golf cart solenoids if you want to get deeper knowledge, or learn how to test them. Like I said before, a solenoid is basically a switch, but more specifically, it’s a relay, meaning that it’s a switch that uses one circuit to control another.
How many volts does a golf cart battery pack have?
The battery pack is pretty basic. It could be anywhere from 6 to 48 volts, but it’s usually 36 or 48 volts on most newer electric golf carts. The battery pack’s power is routed to the motor, but along the way, it is changed by a solenoid and a speed controller to give you only the power you’re asking for and only when you’re asking for it.
What is a DC motor?
A DC motor is the most basic, and a lot of entry level golf carts still use them. They can easily reach the speed demands of fleet golf carts, and are a lot cheaper to manufacture. A DC motor consists of three parts: a stator, rotor, and commutator.
How long have electric golf carts been around?
Electric motors have been around for a couple hundred years, and honestly after around the 1890s, not a whole lot has changed.
What is the part of a motor that moves?
The part that is moving is called the rotor. It’s essentially a rod wrapped in copper wire that reacts to the electromagnetic forces in the stator. With only those two parts, the rotor would find the attractant pole of the stator, and then the motor would stop. That’s what the commutator is for.
How does an electric golf cart work?
Basically, an electric golf cart works in this process, firstly the electric power goes from the battery to the motor, and then the motor runs the wheels of the cart. The whole thing is about when and what power should be delivered. The battery pack is a really basic thing. It can be 6-48 volts in a golf cart.
How does a golf cart battery work?
The battery pack is the thing that provides the energy to make the golf cart going. Battery basically works by changing the chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemicals. But most of the parts are the same.
What is the solenoid on a golf cart?
For that reason, an electric golf cart has a speed controller and a solenoid. In a simple word, a solenoid is a switch but technically it is a relay. That helps to use one circuit to control another.
How to make a golf cart faster?
How can I make my golf cart faster? 1 Adding more torque to your golf cart 2 You may upgrade your golf cart motor 3 Improving the high-speed controller of your golf cart 4 Adding the better golf cart tires 5 Using the high-powered golf cart batteries 6 Try to make your golf cart lighter in weight
What is a golf buggy?
A golf buggy is a motorized vehicle that is used in a golf course to transport the golf equipment and bags. The golf buggy is also called a golf cart in the United States. The golf buggy also means golf push cart and sometimes only the golf bags.
How does a battery work?
As we mentioned before that the battery supplies power to the motor and the motor turns the wheels. But, the main thing is to know when and what power should be supplied. That thing is done by a solenoid which is like a switch like a light switch. After turning on the solenoid, it starts to supply power.
What is the purpose of electric resistance in golf carts?
The electric resistance is used to produce a voltage drop with the circuit. This thing basically consumes the electric energy and you can control the golf cart’s motor’s speed. This whole thing is known as a speed controller. This does not sound like a clever name but it is one of the most important parts of the golf cart’s motor.
