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| Photo Credit: Dan Penton |
Lift Kits: Lifted golf carts are one of the hottest styles for out on the green or for tackling rugged trails. Lift kits can raise your ride anywhere from two to eight inches, giving you greater ground clearance and space for bigger rims and tires. The extra clearance allows you to turn your cart into an off-road vehicle or arrive with even more style at the clubhouse. Many lift kits are easy to install yourself, most with no cutting or welding. You just bolt them on. However, when buying lift kits make sure you get one that fits your specific golf cart because each make and model requires their own kit.
Wheel Covers: A quick and easy way to add some panache to your golf cart is to give it a new set of wheel covers. From the dark finish of nickel chromium to the sparkle of chrome spinners to the elegance of gold, you'll find a style that fits your taste. In addition, wheel covers are easy to install -- you just snap them on -- and are made to fit the standard eight-inch wheels that are on most golf carts.
Rims and Wheels: For a truly stylish golf cart, custom wheels are the way to go. There is a wide variety of finishes, styles and sizes. You can easily find one that fits your taste and your golf cart. Rims range in size from the standard eight-inch wheels to 12-inch wheels. Any rims larger than eight inches will most likely require special tires and a lift kit to prevent the tires from hitting your cart. However, there are plenty of sharp looking, eight-inch rims that will fit a standard cart.
Tires: Beyond the wide assortment of standard tires that you can get to fit a standard eight-inch golf cart wheel, there are many custom tires that will add some flair to your ride. There are whitewall tires, white lettered, off-road tires and low profile tires. With low profile tires you can sometimes put 10-inch wheels on a golf cart without a lift kit, and the effect is stylish. If you want bigger tires, you'll have to get a lift kit. With a lift kit you can put 25-inch tires on your golf cart. Talk about making an impression. Most tires that large are off-road tires, but there are many more street tires available in the 23-inch size.
Cart Covers: To protect yourself, your clubs and the interior of your cart from the outdoor elements, you need a golf cart cover. Whether you need a cover for storage, while riding or even keeping the bugs away, there is a specific cart cover that will meet your needs. The main decision you will have to make is whether you want a cover that is easily removable or more permanently attached. Removable riding enclosures often just slip over the canopy of your golf cart and have flaps on the front and both sides that can be rolled, Velcroed or zipped out of the way. When you don't want an enclosure anymore, many can be rolled up and stuffed into their carrying bags.
More permanent riding enclosures are attached to the existing roof bolts and clamp to the undercarriage of your cart, using only common hand tools. You can get hinged doors and a more tailored fit. However, if you decide you don't want an enclosure, be prepared to spend some time disassembling the cover.
Seat Covers: If your seats are a little worn or you're looking to add some flare to your cart, check out seat covers. They come in a wide variety of fabrics and styles. Materials include acrylic fur, sheepskin, fleece, vinyl and many more, and the selection of patterns and styles is almost endless. When you are picking out seat covers, make sure the covers will fit your make and model of cart. Also, look for seat covers made out of a material that will stand up to wear and tear. Materials labeled as stain-proof, fade-proof, UV-resistant, waterproof, weatherproof or machine washable will likely last longer than those that don't. Not only do you want a comfortable fabric, but also one that will last.
It may seem overwhelming trying to decide which golf cart accessories to buy. The seemingly endless selection of golf cart accessories can be too much if taken in all at once. To simplify your search, focus on only one improvement at a time. Look at how you use your golf cart and what changes would make it more comfortable, more useable and better looking. Select the golf cart accessories that best fit how you use your cart and your budget.
