Hey there! If you’ve got a Club Car Onward or a Precedent parked in your driveway, ready to cruise the neighborhood, golf course, or lakefront path, you’re in the right place. This is the ultimate, super casual, no-nonsense guide to keeping that cart running smooth for years.
Why You Should Service Your Cart (Seriously!)
Look — golf carts aren’t rocket science, but they are machines. And like any machine, they love a little TLC. Regular servicing keeps things cool (literally and figuratively), helps batteries last longer, and means fewer days spent waiting on a breakdown.
Whether you’re tinkering for fun or prepping for a big weekend ride, there’s something here for every cart owner.
Basics First: What Makes Onward & Precedent Tick
Club Car’s Onward and Precedent are pretty similar beasts. They both use electric or gas power; they both have brakes, steering, tires, controllers, and — of course — batteries. Knowing the basics makes the rest of this guide make sense.
Tools You’ll Want on Hand
Before we dive in, here’s a quick toolkit:
- Socket set
- Screwdrivers (flat + Phillips)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Battery hydrometer (for lead-acid)
- Multimeter (for electric carts)
- Wire brush + battery cleaner
Step-by-Step: Routine Servicing
1. Battery Health Check
Batteries are the heart of an electric cart.
- Water levels: Fill only when needed.
- Clean terminals: Corrosion slows down performance.
- Charge smart: Don’t let them sit dead overnight.
Pro tip: For electric carts, consistent charging after each use is clutch.
2. Tires & Wheels
Cruise around? You gotta roll smooth.
- Check tire pressure monthly.
- Inspect tread — bald tires are 😬.
- Tighten wheel nuts — they loosen over time.
3. Brake System
Brakes are not something you ignore.
- Look at pads for wear.
- Adjust if there’s too much pedal travel.
- Lubricate pivot points.
4. Steering & Suspension
Feel like your cart’s wandering?
- Tighten loose tie rods.
- Grease all zerk fittings.
- Check shocks (if you’ve got ’em).
5. Electrical System
For Onward/Precedent electric carts:
- Inspect cables, connectors, and controller.
- Look for frays or wear.
- Test with a multimeter.
6. Gas Engines (If You’re Running One)
Yup, some carts have engines!
- Change oil every season.
- Replace spark plugs.
- Check the air filter.
Seasonal Servicing — What To Do
Winter Storage
- Charge batteries fully.
- Clean cart inside/out.
- Remove valuables.
Spring Wake-Up
- Re-check battery water.
- Air up tires.
- Test everything before a long ride.
When to Call in the Pros
Some tasks are DIY friendly. Others — especially electrical diagnostics or major rebuilds — are better left to experts.
If you want trusted golf cart service and repair, check out this great resource: golf cart service and repair.
Real-World Tips from Cart Owners
Cart won’t start? Always check the simple stuff first — fuses, connections, and safety switches.
Keep a small notebook with dates & what you did.
Use quality parts — cheap stuff often costs more later.
Resort Life Carts Service Department
- Service Center: (559) 831-1971 (ext: 104)
- Service Address: 10740 CA-41, Madera, CA 93636
- Map
FAQs — Club Car Onward & Precedent Servicing
Ideally every 3 months or every 100 hours of use for busy carts. For casual riders, seasonal servicing (spring/fall) usually does the trick.
Totally! Basic checks (tires, fluids, brakes) are easy. For electrical issues or engine problems, experienced DIYers can try — but if it gets tricky, pros can save time and headaches.
If your cart gets significantly shorter run times, takes forever to charge, or cells don’t hold water, it’s probably time. A battery load test helps confirm.
Electric carts use battery packs and motors — quieter, simpler drivetrain. Gas models have engines, fuel systems, and different maintenance needs (oil changes, filters, etc.).
Most use standard 10W-30, but always check your owner’s manual for the exact spec.
Dragging brakes, low battery voltage, worn tires, or motor/controller issues can all slow a cart. One step at a time rule: check simplest fixes first!
Ready to roll? With these tips, your Club Car Onward or Precedent will be happy, healthy, and ready for adventure. Need help with a specific part of servicing? Just ask!
