Golf Cart Tires Are Not All Alike
Many golf cart owners who have been driving their carts for several years could benefit by replacing their old, worn out tires with a set of new golf cart tires. Just like tires that you might buy for your car or other vehicle that you drive around town and on the highway, these smaller tires are made for different performance needs.
All of the major manufacturers of tires, including those for golf carts, mark the size on the side of the tire. For example, a standard size would be 18/8.5/8 which means that the tire is 18 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide and fits on an 8 inch wheel. There are different sizes of tires that fit wheels ranging from 8 inches all the way up to 12 inches in diameter. Choosing the proper size is essential for the performance and safe operation of your golf cart.
Types of Tires
There are a number of options you should consider when replacing your original golf cart tires with new ones. In most cases we would recommend replacing all four tires at the same time. If they are all pretty well worn out then it is wise to spend the money and get a complete set. If you have fairly new tires and one was damaged beyond repair, then it is acceptable to just by a single replacement. However, make sure that new tire matches with the others so you will not compromise your vehicle's handling and performance.
To select the right product, you must first identify how you will be using your golf cart. There are tires designed for specific uses.
If you primarily use your cart just to get around the golf course than you would select one designed for that situation. Grass tires are made with very thin treads that do less damage to the grass as you zip around the course and ride across the fairway to hit your next shot.
Some people own a cart but do not play golf. They use it as a way to get around the neighborhood and make short trips to the store or other nearby places. Street tires are made with a deeper groove and tread pattern that gives a better grip on hard surfaces and also holds better on wet surfaces. They can also handle higher speeds that are typical when driving on a paved road.
Finally, there are those that use their vehicles for driving off the road and on some rough, unpaved surfaces. These off road tires are specially designed to take a lot of abuse. They can roll over rocks and grab the uneven surfaces firmly with their large grooves and durable tread. In general, you should only buy this type of tire if you primarily use your vehicle in demanding off road situations.
Choosing the Right Tire Size
This is very important when replacing your old set with a new set. Your tires should match for the best performance. Most carts should be equipped with 4 tires from the same manufacturer and should be the same size. I have seen some golf carts that have bigger wheels in the rear and smaller ones in the front, but that is the exception and not the rule. If you are going to make that change, you may run in to suspension problems and have to spend extra money to "lift" your cart.
It makes sense that the bigger the wheel you have, the bigger the tire will have to be. Golf carts have wheels ranging from 8 to 12 inches. The larger ones are able to hold more weight and can also give you better ground clearance. The smaller ones are also very durable and provide a more stable ride, giving the driver a little more control and reducing the likelihood of tipping the cart.
Low Profile Tires
These tires are thinner all the way around and are used to fit larger wheels without having to lift the vehicle to accommodate the bigger rims. They can give your vehicle a custom, sporty look, especially when they are mounted on some fancy rims. The tread is thinner and therefore we do not advise using this type of tire for off road situations. While they may look good and fit those 10 or 12 inch wheels without requiring any alterations to your cart, they also provide a firmer ride where you really feel the bumps and undulations of the ground beneath you.
Conclusion
You should be aware of the different types of golf cart tires available and the intended use of each type. For the most part, wheels should all be the same size and it is smart to replace all 4 tires at the same time. Low profile wheels can make your vehicle look sharp, but come with a harsher ride. Finally, if you are unsure of the right tire for your golf cart, just ask the Dealer and they can suggest the best tire for your needs.
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