John was in the market for some new golf cart tires. He had been driving around on the same set of tires for far too long, and they were starting to show their age. He wasn’t sure where to go to find a good set of tires, but he knew he needed to act fast. The weather was getting warmer, and he didn’t want to be stuck on the golf course with worn-out tires.

John knew he needed tires but wasn’t sure which ones were best for his golf cart.

We explained to John that there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a set of golf cart tires.

First, you’ll need to consider what type of terrain you’ll be driving on the most to determine if you need off-road, all-terrain, or street tires. You’ll also want to ensure that the tires you choose are the correct size and fit your golf cart correctly.

This article discusses the different types of golf cart tires and helps you decide which set is suitable for you, as we did for John.

Golf Cart Wheels

Before choosing the correct golf cart tires, let’s look at golf cart wheels.

While golf cart tires provide essential benefits in terms of safety, golf cart wheels are primarily about improving the look of your golf cart. Wheels and rims come in various colors and styles, so you can choose the perfect look to match your golf cart’s paint job and personal style.

Besides being a great way to customize the look of your golf cart, new wheels also help improve its performance.

Lighter and more aerodynamic golf cart wheels can help reduce drag, making your golf cart faster and more fuel-efficient.

Golf Cart Tire Sizes

There are several sizes and styles to choose from for golf cart tires. Although the standard size is an 18″ tall x 8″ wide tire, many other options are available depending on your cart’s lift height and the type of terrain you commonly drive on.

For example, if you drive a Yamaha golf cart with a custom lift kit, you might upgrade to taller tires ranging from 17 “-20” in height. These larger tires offer improved traction and performance on rough or uneven terrain, making them an excellent option for anyone who likes to drive off-road or on bumpy paths.

Types of Tire Thread

There are many types of tire treads available on the market today.

The tire tread refers to the pattern of grooves, ridges, and other raised features on the surface of a tire. This tread pattern can alter both the grip and noise level of the tire, depending on its design.

Width is another critical factor determining grip and noise level, as tire width can vary significantly depending on the tire’s intended use. For example, an off-road tire will typically have a wider tread to increase traction in loose or muddy terrain. In contrast, a tire designed for driving on city streets may be narrower to reduce noise levels and maximize fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, choosing the correct tire tread pattern is essential for ensuring optimal performance no matter what conditions you encounter on the road.

Tire Types

 

There are three main types of golf cart tires: turf, all-terrain, and off-road.

Turf tires are the most common type of golf cart tire and are designed for driving on well-manicured paths and greens.

Terrain golf cart tires are good if you sometimes need to leave the path and travel over rougher terrain.

You should use off-road tires if you plan on doing much driving on unpaved surfaces.

When selecting tires, it is crucial to consider the type of driving you will do and the terrain you will drive on.

1) Turf and Street Golf Cart Tires

Golf cart tires come in a wide variety of options, but turf and street tires are still the most popular type.

As their name suggests, turf tires are designed to be used on paved roads and soft turf, making them the perfect choice for most golf courses. They also tend to be the factory standard tires that come with your golf cart, so these tires are the way to go if you’re looking for a golf cart tire that can handle a little bit of everything.

However, remember that they may not provide the best traction on rough terrain or wet conditions.

2) Off-Road Tires

Many golf cart owners enjoy taking their carts off-road, but not all tires are created equal. If you plan to use your cart on rough terrain, it’s important to choose tires that can handle the challenge.

Off-road golf cart tires are designed for precisely that purpose. They have a thicker and deeper tire tread than turf and street tires, providing your cart with superior traction and grip to drive over mud, sand, and rocks.

Off-road tires are typically wider than other golf cart tires, which helps disperse weight and prevents the risk of getting stuck. So whether you’re driving through the woods or exploring a challenging off-road trail, off-road golf cart tires will help you get where you’re going.

3) All-Terrain Golf Cart Tires

If you plan on using your cart on various terrains, all-terrain tires offer you the most versatility. They are designed with a smoother, shallow tread that makes them suitable for soft turf and roads but still provides enough traction to make them usable on off-road trails. However, because they are not as heavy-duty as off-road tires, you should only use all-terrain tires for lighter off-trail driving.

What to Know About a Golf Cart Wheel

 

While most golf carts come with standard wheels, there are aftermarket options available to customize the look and performance of your vehicle.

When choosing new golf cart wheels, it is vital to consider the wheel’s offset, width, and height.

The offset is the distance between the centerline of the golf cart wheel and the mounting surface. A negative offset pushes the wheel outwards, while a positive offset pulls it inwards. Most golf cart wheels have a negative offset of 3+4, which helps to improve stability and balance.

The wheel’s width determines how much tire contact is with the ground. A wider wheel will provide more traction but may make the golf cart harder to turn.

Finally, the height of the wheel affects ground clearance and handling. A taller wheel will provide better clearance but may make the golf cart less stable on uneven terrain.

You can usually find the height, width, and offset of a golf cart wheel on the backside of the wheel.

Comparing Low-profile Golf Cart Tires vs. High-Profile Tires

One of the most important factors when choosing golf cart tires is the tire profile.

There are two main types of golf cart tires: low-profile, which have a shorter sidewall, and high-profile, which have a taller sidewall. Each type offers its advantages and drawbacks.

Low-profile tires are ideal for performance and speed. Their short sidewall provides more grip and improves long, winding golf course handling. In addition, low-profile tires may also be less responsive to jolts from uneven terrain or debris that can cause flats and damage your carts’ inner tubes.

With their thicker walls, high-profile tires are better equipped to handle bumps and ruts on rough drives without deflating as quickly as low-profile tires. In addition, their taller sidewalls can provide a smoother ride by absorbing more shock.

DOT Approved Golf Cart Tires

Golf carts are not typically allowed on public roads, as they are not designed for high speeds. Most municipalities will not accept golf carts on public roads unless modifications are made to make the cart a slower-moving vehicle.

DOT-approved tires are specially designed for slower-moving vehicles and meet specific safety standards, including traction and speed ratings. They also undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the rigors of the road. As a result, DOT-approved tires are the best option for ensuring your golf cart is safe and legal on the road.

Final Thoughts About Wheels and Tires

Golf carts are versatile vehicles that can be used for various purposes, from transportation to recreation. Choosing the right tires for your cart can make a big difference in its utility and driving experience.

There are several factors to consider when selecting new tires, such as tire tread, terrain, and wheel size. The right tires will provide good traction and allow you to navigate unfamiliar terrain safely. They should also be durable and withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.

After talking with us and evaluating his options, John bought a set of all-terrain golf cart tires. He liked how they could handle any terrain he came across, whether on the street or off-road. He also appreciated that they would give him a smoother ride than his current tires. John is happy with his new tires and has enjoyed using them on and off the golf course.

If you’re like John and need some new golf cart tires, call us at (937) 459-8891 or visit us at 1035 N. Columbia St., Union City, IN. We will show you around our tire selections and help you find the perfect set of tires for your needs.