Are you wondering how to change the speed setting on a golf cart?
Perhaps you’ve just got a golf club membership, and you want to make your golf cart go fast?
Don’t fret!
It is possible to change the speed settings on your club car.
We’ve put together this guide to make things easier for you.
But before we dive in, first things first:
How can you change the speed of your golf cart?
The speed of your golf cart will depend on the type of golf cart you use. For instance, if you are using an electric cart you will change the speed by using a speed controller.
But sometimes changing speed requires doing something as mundane as changing the wheels or even refilling a battery.
Often times it means you need to program speed on your golf cart properly.
What boosts the speed of a golf cart?
Firstly, you need to know the speed controller of your golf cart.
The speed controller is responsible for controlling and managing your cart’s speed. The golf cart sends its current and battery voltage to the motor.
Once this happens, your golf cart will begin to accelerate. However, that will depend on the acceleration level of your golf cart.
Most modern club cars will have a speed sensor on the back of the motor. Typically, you will locate the controls for the speed of your golf cart in the center.
Speed codes
There are five-speed codes that you should know. They are:
- Speed Code 1 = 8 Mph
- Speed Code 2 = 11 Mph
- Speed Code 3 = 14.7 Mph
- Speed Code 4 = 19.7 Mph
- Speed Code 5 = 21+Mph
While changing the speed code yourself is possible, finding a golf cart expert is advisable.
📋 Keep in mind: Most dealers will usually not charge you to set the Speed Codes 1-3. However, if you need to get the Speed Codes 4 and 5, you will have to purchase them
Methods of increasing speed on a club car golf cart
You might be scratching your head, figuring out methods of increasing speed on your club car. There are a couple of ways that you can do this!
- Improve the high-speed controller of the cart;
- Use a higher-powered golf cart battery;
- Add more torque;
- Keep your golf cart clean, and most importantly
- Check the wheels of your golf cart.
Let’s take a look at each method:
1. Consider adjusting the speed controller
When you want to improve the high-speed of the controller, you would need several electrical components.
Always aim at using a motor with a higher-rated RPM. Alternatively, give your engine more voltage. Keep this in mind, voltage is equivalent to speed, and amperage equals torque.
For instance, you may need the Solenoid Contactor Relay and the Electronic Speed Controller. If your goal is to draw a specific number of amps, you would need to upgrade those components along with amps.
2. Use a higher-powered golf cart battery
One of the best ways to increase the golf cart’s speed is by increasing cart battery voltage.
How?
If you are unsure where to find that information, here is the tip: check your battery.
It should have a sticker that highlights ways of increasing battery voltage. The sticker tells you the amount of voltage you should improve.
If your battery doesn’t have that kind of information, check the manual of your golf cart.
However, buying a new battery with a higher voltage is the best option.
While at it, always ensure that you keep your battery clean. There are several battery cleaners that you can use. It will save you a lot of time and money along the way.
3. Add more torque
Why? Because torque will give your motor more oomph to accelerate.
Consider this: Laws of electricity require that you balance amperage and voltage. In other words, as amperage goes up, the voltage should go down.
Consider purchasing a higher-speed golf cart motor. A standard cart controller would come with 225 or 275 amp controllers. Increase that to a 400 amp controller, and your golf cart will be faster.
Typically, an electric golf cart can produce 13HP with 34.5 lb-ft of torque at 1980 RPM.
4. Keep your golf cart clean
This one goes without saying. If you take the time to clean your golf cart, that will impact the overall performance of your cart.
And here’s why: If your golf cart is clutter-free, it is likely to accelerate easier.
Check underneath your cart. If there is any mud or stones, remove them. All those things might be slowing down your golf cart.
Before using your golf cart, ensure that the user’s car is free of any unnecessary club items.
5. Change the wheels
Check the wheels of your golf cart. Replacing small wheels with bigger wheels will make a huge difference.
Besides, using bigger wheels will give your golf cart the maximum possible miles per hour. Your golf cart will navigate those rugged terrains with ease.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, sometimes the best way to improve the speed of your golf cart is to buy a new one. If your golf cart is too old, it probably needs a more expensive motor.
Even getting a new engine won’t operate at total capacity unless you upgrade specific components.
So you will save thousands of dollars when you purchase a new one.
If you want to know what the world’s fastest golf cart is on the market today, click on the hyperlink.
FAQs
How do I increase the speed of my club car golf cart?
To increase the speed of your Club Car golf cart, you can install a high-speed motor, upgrade the controller, change the gear ratio, or install larger tires. However, it’s important to note that modifying your golf cart may void your manufacturer’s warranty and can be dangerous if not done properly.
What are Club Car speed codes?
Club Car speed codes are onboard programming options that enable owners to adjust the maximum speed, acceleration, and performance of their golf carts, typically available through authorized Club Car dealers. The codes vary by make and model and are usually numbered from 1 to 5 to change the speed range from 8 to 19 mph or more.
