Yes, you can and absolutely should put your golf cart in park when you stop. It is a crucial step for safety and protecting your cart. This guide will show you the simple steps for parking a golf cart safely, no matter if you have an electric or gas model.
Why Putting Your Golf Cart in Park Matters
Stopping your cart is easy. But locking it so it does not move is vital. Not putting your cart in park can cause big problems. The cart might roll away. This is risky for people, pets, and property. Proper parking keeps everyone safe. It also protects the cart’s moving parts.
Protecting Your Cart’s Systems
Your golf cart has systems to keep it still. These include brakes and gear settings. Using them right keeps these parts from wearing out too fast. Securing golf cart in neutral should be avoided. When left in neutral, the cart relies only on the parking brake. If the brake fails, the cart rolls. Putting it in park locks the machine.
Steps for Parking Electric Golf Carts
Electric golf carts are very common. They use different systems than gas carts. They usually have a simpler way to stop completely.
Locating the Forward/Reverse Selector Switch
First, look for the switch that changes the cart’s direction. This is usually a lever or a toggle switch. It lets you choose Forward (F), Neutral (N), or Reverse (R).
Moving to Neutral First
Before engaging the park setting, move the selector to Neutral (N). This is a good habit. It lets the motor disconnect from the wheels.
Engaging Golf Cart Park Gear on Electric Models
Many modern electric carts have a dedicated electric golf cart park position. This is often labeled with a ‘P’.
- Stop the Cart: Bring the cart to a complete stop using the foot pedal.
- Apply the Foot Brake: Press the brake pedal down firmly.
- Move the Selector: Find the main directional switch (F, N, R). Move this switch to the ‘P’ position if your cart has one. This activates the golf cart transmission lock.
- Release the Foot Pedal (If Safe): If your cart has a separate parking brake, apply it now. On some models, moving the main selector to ‘P’ acts as the park brake. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.
If your electric cart does not have a dedicated ‘P’ on the selector:
- Move the selector to Neutral (N).
- Apply the golf cart parking brake strongly. This is often a separate lever or pedal.
Using the Parking Brake Lever
Most golf carts, even electric ones, have a separate parking brake. This is the golf cart parking brake. It works like a handbrake in a car.
- How to Engage: Pull the lever up firmly, or press the pedal down and lock it. You should feel it catch.
- When to Use: Always use this brake, even if you put the cart in ‘P’. This is a best practice for parking golf carts.
Steps for Parking Gas Golf Carts
Gas golf carts operate more like small cars. They have a clutch system and different transmission controls. The gas golf cart parking procedure needs extra care.
Shutting Off the Engine
Safety first! Never leave a gas cart running while unattended.
- Stop the Cart: Slow down completely using the accelerator pedal.
- Apply the Brake: Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
- Turn the Key: Turn the ignition key to the ‘Off’ position. This stops the engine.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Pull up the parking brake lever or press the pedal firmly until it locks.
Securing the Gear Shifter
Gas carts often have a standard shift pattern (Forward, Neutral, Reverse).
- Move to Neutral: Move the gear selector to Neutral (N). This separates the engine from the wheels.
- Move to Park (If Available): Some utility gas carts might have a true park setting. If so, move the shifter to ‘P’. If not, leaving it in Neutral is fine, provided the parking brake is heavily engaged.
Important Note for Gas Carts: Because gas engines can sometimes shift slightly when cooling down, relying only on Neutral is risky. The parking brake is your primary lock.
Comprehensive Golf Cart Safety Checklist Parking
No matter your cart type, follow these steps every time you stop. This forms your golf cart safety checklist parking.
| Step | Electric Cart Action | Gas Cart Action | Importance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Come to a complete stop. | Come to a complete stop. | High |
| 2 | Press the foot brake firmly. | Press the foot brake firmly. | High |
| 3 | If Gas: Turn key OFF. | If Gas: Turn key OFF. | Critical |
| 4 | Move main selector to ‘P’ or ‘N’. | Move shifter to ‘N’ or ‘P’. | Medium/High |
| 5 | Pull up or push down the golf cart parking brake firmly. | Pull up or push down the golf cart parking brake firmly. | Critical |
| 6 | Turn off all lights/accessories. | Turn off all lights/accessories. | Medium |
| 7 | Remove the key (if applicable). | Remove the key (if applicable). | High |
Deciphering Your Cart’s Specific Controls
Every brand—Club Car, EZ-GO, Yamaha—makes small differences. Always check the owner’s manual. This manual tells you exactly how to engage park on electric cart models or the correct gas golf cart parking procedure. Knowing your specific controls prevents damage.
Special Situations: Parking on Hills
Parking on any slope requires extra caution. You must defeat gravity to keep the cart still.
Parking Downhill
When facing downhill:
- Steer the wheels slightly toward the curb or side of the road. If the brakes fail, the tires will hit the curb, stopping the cart.
- Engage the golf cart transmission lock by putting it in Park or Neutral.
- Apply the parking brake as hard as you can.
Parking Uphill
When facing uphill:
- Steer the wheels slightly away from the curb or side of the road. If the brakes fail, the back of the wheel will rest against the curb.
- Engage Park or Neutral.
- Set the golf cart parking brake very securely.
The Importance of Wheel Chocks
For steep hills or long-term storage, use wheel chocks. These are wedges placed in front of and behind the tires. They provide a backup barrier, even if you are securing golf cart in neutral with the parking brake on.
Long-Term Storage and Parking
If you are not using your cart for a week or more, follow these extra steps. This goes beyond the standard best practice for parking golf carts.
For Electric Carts
- Charge the batteries fully before storage.
- Set the cart to Tow/Run mode correctly (check your manual).
- Engage the park setting and parking brake.
- Store in a dry, protected area.
For Gas Carts
- Fill the fuel tank completely. This helps prevent condensation inside the tank.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas.
- Run the engine for a few minutes after adding stabilizer to get it into the carburetor.
- Set the gear selector to Neutral or Park.
- Engage the parking brake.
Fathoming the Difference: Park vs. Parking Brake
Many new users confuse the ‘Park’ selection with the physical parking brake lever. They are often two separate safety systems working together.
The Park Setting (Transmission Lock)
The ‘P’ setting, or engaging golf cart park gear, physically locks the gears inside the transmission. This stops the wheels from turning due to motor power. For an electric golf cart park position, this locking mechanism is key.
The Parking Brake
The parking brake is a friction system. It clamps pads or shoes onto the wheel hubs or drums. This applies physical force to keep the wheels from rotating, regardless of what the transmission is doing. It is the main defense against rolling, especially when securing golf cart in neutral.
Rule of Thumb: Always use both if your cart allows it. The transmission lock keeps the drive system safe; the parking brake stops the wheels.
Troubleshooting Common Parking Issues
Sometimes things don’t work as expected. Here are quick fixes for common parking hiccups.
Cart Still Rolls Slightly After Parking
If you notice a slight roll even after setting the park brake:
- Check Brake Adjustment: The parking brake cable may need tightening. This is common as pads wear down.
- Re-engage Park: Release the brake, firmly press the foot brake, and re-engage the park setting and parking brake.
- Check Level Ground: Ensure you are not on a surprisingly steep slope. Re-apply the wheel chocks if the slope is significant.
Difficulty Shifting into Park (Electric)
If you are having trouble getting to the electric golf cart park position:
- Ensure the cart is completely still. Any movement can make shifting hard.
- Check the battery charge. Low battery power can sometimes cause sluggish shifting mechanisms.
Gas Cart Engine Won’t Turn Off
If the key is in ‘Off’ but the engine keeps running:
- This points to an electrical issue, possibly related to the ignition switch or safety interlock switch.
- Immediately set the parking brake very hard.
- If you cannot shut it off, physically block the wheels using chocks or large stones. Do not move the cart until repaired.
Final Safety Checks Before Leaving the Cart
Before you walk away, perform a quick final check. This is part of maintaining a solid golf cart safety checklist parking.
- Are the keys out of the ignition? (This prevents unauthorized use.)
- Is the parking brake fully engaged? (Listen or feel for the click/lock.)
- If parking on a slope, are the wheels turned correctly toward or away from the curb?
- Are all passengers clear of the cart path?
By following these clear steps for both gas and electric models, you ensure your time off the cart is worry-free. Proper engagement of the golf cart parking brake and transmission lock systems is the key to secure stopping every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave my electric golf cart in reverse when parked?
No, you should not leave an electric cart in reverse, forward, or neutral unless you are using the dedicated parking brake. Always engage the electric golf cart park position (‘P’) or, at minimum, ensure the parking brake is firmly set while in Neutral. Leaving it in R or F risks the cart moving unexpectedly if the power system briefly engages or if the brake fails.
Does putting my gas golf cart in Neutral count as parking?
No. Securing golf cart in neutral is only half the job for a gas cart. Neutral disconnects the engine, but it does not mechanically lock the wheels. You must always set the gas golf cart parking procedure by engaging the physical parking brake strongly.
How tight should the golf cart parking brake be?
The parking brake should be tight enough that the cart absolutely will not move, even on a slight incline, when you release the foot pedal. If you can rock the cart, the brake needs further adjustment or tightening, following the guidance for your specific model.
What is the best practice for parking golf carts on pavement versus grass?
On pavement, setting the park brake and transmission lock is usually enough. On soft grass, the wheels can sink slightly, which helps wedge the cart. However, even on grass, always use both the transmission lock and the parking brake to prevent sinking or shifting when the cart is disturbed.
How often should I check my golf cart transmission lock?
You should visually and physically check that the park system is engaged every single time you park. If you notice the brakes slipping or the lever feeling loose, have a mechanic inspect the cables or the golf cart transmission lock mechanism soon.