We still have a little less than a month to go before it's officially summer, but let's face it — in South Carolina, the temperature starts to rise long before any kind of official summer start date! 

We recently posted a free checklist for golf cart spring maintenance, but there are a few tips to keep in mind for summer, too! Today we'll go over a few reminders on how to keep your golf cart in good shape this summer, whether you're out on the golf course, using it to get some work done, or even out fishing on those pristine sunny days up at Lake Keowee or down by the coast.

Safety First

Late spring and summer are the most popular times of the year for golf cart use, especially for those who like to cruise their local Main Street or ride along the beach. These safety tips are essential for golf cart use in summer, no matter where you live:

• Keep arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times
• Always wear your seatbelt, if you have seatbelts equipped!
• Only carry the number of passengers you have seats for
• Never drive too fast for safety or take turns or corners recklessly
• Obey any and all vehicle traffic laws and the "golf cart rules of the road"
• Never drive while under the influence of any controlled substance

For more ways to stay safe this summer, check out our ATV safety guide and other posts on safety tips when using a golf cart.

Don't Neglect Maintenance and Preventative Care!

This is especially true for those who use their golf carts on the beautiful beaches of the South Carolina coast. Preventative maintenance is essential for cutting down on costly repairs! You'll want to keep an eye out for wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as committing to these tasks about once per month:

• Pressure-wash the car and undercarriage (pressure washers can be rented cost-effectively from home improvement stores if needed)
• Check the water levels on your battery — add water if needed
• Inspect your brakes for wear and tear
• Check the oil level and steering
• Inspect suspension, lubricate if necessary

Making sure to check off every item on that list once a month will help you ensure you don't end up with expensive repairs or replacements any sooner than absolutely necessary.

Riding Down the Road? Make Sure You're Street Legal

If you like to vacation in small towns or even in cities like Greenville that have very pedestrian- and golf cart-friendly Main streets, you may love using your E-Z-Go vehicle to hop down to the Farmers' Market or head out for an early-morning visit to watch the sun rise over the sea. Before you take your golf cart out on the road, you need to make sure you've taken the required steps to make your golf cart street legal!

Your golf cart, ATV, or other low-speed vehicle will need to have:

• Head lamps/brake lights
• Working turn signals
• Tail lights
• Reflectors
• Rearview mirrors
• Windshields
• Working seat belts
• Vehicle Identification Numbers (register your golf cart at your local DMV or head online to get started)

Once you know you're set for street use, you're good to go! — South Carolina even made it legal for the first time to take your golf cart out after dark within the last couple of years. Just stay safe and be careful!

Looking for Summer Customizations? Head to Garrett's!

If you've finished up your golf cart summer maintenance and you're searching for the perfect customization to get your golf cart safely (and legally) on the road, we've got you covered. Whether your plan for a golf cart is to help you deal with all that sun and sand, or simply to serve as a high-quality cooler that keeps food and drinks comfortably cold in the heat, check out our Customizations page to see what we offer. Then, head on down to any one of our three locations here in South Carolina to get started making your golf cart the perfect partner for summer fun!