How to Safely Jack Up a Golf Cart for Tire Changes

Changing a tire on your golf cart means using a jack and taking proper precautions. Before lifting your neighborhood electric vehicles, make sure you follow these safety steps and procedures.

Safety Precautions Before Lifting

• Find Level Ground: Park on a firm, flat surface to prevent the jack from tipping.
• Engage Parking Brake: Lock the cart’s brakes to keep it from rolling.
• Power Off: Turn off the battery disconnect switch or remove the key to disable the motor.
• Chock Remaining Wheels: Place wheel chocks or heavy blocks in front of and behind a wheel opposite the one you’re lifting.
• Inspect Jack and Stands: Ensure your jack and jack stands are rated for the cart’s weight and in good working condition.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use gloves and safety glasses to protect against slippage or debris.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Hydraulic or scissor jack rated for at least 1,000 lbs
• Jack stands or sturdy blocks
• Lug wrench or impact wrench
• Wheel chocks
• Protective gloves and eyewear

Step-by-Step Jacking Procedure

1. Loosen Lug Nuts
   Before lifting, use your lug wrench to break the lug nuts loose by turning them counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely yet.
2. Position the Jack
   Locate the manufacturer’s recommended jacking point on the cart frame, usually near the wheel hub. Slide the jack under this strong, reinforced point.
3. Lift the Cart
   Pump the jack handle (or crank the scissor jack) slowly, raising the cart until the tire clears the ground by at least two inches.
4. Place Jack Stands
   Once the cart is at the desired height, position jack stands under sturdy frame members on each side of the cart. Lower the jack slightly so the cart rests securely on the stands.
5. Remove the Wheel
   Fully remove the loosened lug nuts and carefully pull the wheel straight off the hub.
6. Install Replacement Tire
   Slide the new or repaired tire onto the hub, align the bolt holes, and hand-thread the lug nuts.
7. Tighten Lug Nuts
   Lower the cart slightly so the tire touches the ground and can’t spin. Use the wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
8. Lower the Cart Fully
   Remove the jack stands, then lower the cart completely with the jack. Remove the jack and chocks.
9. Final Torque Check
   With the cart on the ground, re-check each lug nut torque to ensure they remain properly tightened.

Post-Maintenance Inspection

• Verify tire pressure matches the recommended PSI in your owner’s manual.
• Inspect the wheel for any wobble or movement by gently rocking the cart.
• Test-drive at low speed to confirm safe operation and proper wheel alignment.

Conclusion

Properly jacking up your golf cart ensures safe and efficient tire changes on your neighborhood electric vehicles. By following these safety precautions, using the correct tools, and adhering to each step, you’ll minimize risk and keep your cart ready for the course or community paths.