After receiving your go cart, ensuring its proper assembly, and completing
warranty process with manufacturer, here are some important safety tips to help ensure a safe and fun go cart experience! 1. Rules of Operation
A go cart vehicle is not licensable. IT IS NOT TO BE OPERATED ON ANY PUBLIC ROAD , STREET, HIGHWAY, PARKING LOT, SIDEWALK, OR ALLEY.
To do so would be in violation of local law. This vehicle may be operated only on private property and upon areas approved by local law. Avoid operating a go cart in any area with stationary objects that vehicle could travel under. Do not ride in areas where other recreational vehicles are being operated. Be respectful of landowners and environment.
2. Always perform a Pre-Ride Inspection
WARNING - Perform this pre-ride inspection prior to operating vehicle. If not performed, serious damage to vehicle or personal injury may result.
1. ENGINE OIL LEVEL - Add oil if required. Check for leaks. Tighten filler cap securely.
2. FUEL LEVEL - Add fuel as necessary. Do not overfill (no fuel in filler neck). Replace cap tightly. Check for leaks. Do not mix oil with gas.
WARNING - Do not refill a go cart engine while it is hot. It is possible for spilled fuel to ignite resulting in a fire. Do not fill gas tank in a closed area such as a garage. After filling tank move vehicle at least 15 feet away from spot of filling before starting.
3. BRAKES - PERFORM A BRAKE TEST: Have operator sit in seat, then push vehicle from behind. Once vehicle is rolling, have operator apply brake pedal. The vehicle should come to a stop. WARNING- Do not operate a go cart unless brake is working properly.
NOTE : Band brake systems typically require a short break-in period to operate at full efficiency. Some wear on lining of brake pads will increase coefficient of friction and improve their effectiveness. That can be accomplished by making a series of gentle stops. Hard usage of brakes without a break-in period can result in shortened brake pad life and decrease braking ability.
4. TIRES - Check condition and pressure.
5. DRIVE CHAIN - Check condition, tension, lubricate as necessary.
6. THROTTLE - CHECK FOR SMOOTH OPERATION. Assure throttle "snaps" back to idle. Also, check for frayed cable or damaged cable conduit. If either condition exists replace cable assembly before riding.
7. TOGGLE KILL SWITCH - PERFORM THIS TEST (only for go cart models without electric starter): While engine is running, move toggle kill switch on steering column to "OFF" position. If this does not stop engine, check to ensure that toggle kill switch wire is attached to terminal on engine.
WARNING- DO NOT OPERATE A GO CART WITH A TOGGLE KILL SWITCH THAT IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.
8. ALL NUTS, BOLTS, AND FASTENERS - Check wheels to see that all axle nuts and lug nuts are tightened properly. Check and tighten all other fasteners as necessary.
9. GUARDS - Ensure all protective guards are in place. NEVER OPERATE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT ALL CHAIN, CLUTCH, OR DRIVE ASSEMBLY COVER GUARDS IN PLACE . Each of these covers have a protective purpose, if removed, could endanger personal safety of go cart operator or passenger (if any).
10. STEERING SYSTEM - Ensure that go cart turns freely.
CORRECT any discrepancies according to your go cart Owner's Manual before riding. If a problem cannot be corrected, contact an authorized dealer/retailer for assistance.
3. Always use proper Safety Equipment
The operator and passenger (if any) of any go cart should always wear a helmet approved by agencies such as Department of Transportation (DOT), Safety Helmet Council of America (SHCA), or Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL). Most off-road vehicle accident fatalities are due to head injuries. The operator should also wear face shields or goggles, boots or closed-toe shoes, gloves, and other appropriate protective clothing.
LOOSE CLOTHING, LONG HAIR, OR ARTICLES WORN BY ANY OPERATOR OR PASSENGER MUST BE FULLY CONTAINED, OR COVERED TO PREVENT THEM FROM POSSIBLY BEING CAUGHT IN ROTATING PARTS OF THE VEHICLE OR THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT WHILE RIDING. FAILURE TO OBEY COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY OF THE OPERATOR OR PASSENGER.
4. Driving Safety Tips
Every go cart operator and adult supervising children riding a go cart should be familiar with operation and maneuverability of go carts. Again, always read Owner's Manual specific to your go cart. Below are more tips compliments of Carter Brother to help educate you on safety aspect of driving a go cart.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE : Do not attempt to start or operate this machine without being completely familiar with all controls necessary to operate this vehicle safely. Do not start engine before reading and understanding all rules, warnings, and instructions in this manual, as well as engine owner's manual. We strongly recommend that all supervisors, operators and passengers veiw safety video prior to operation.
DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
TURNING MANEUVERS
A new operator must learn to shift his or her weight and control throttle to allow rear tires to negotiate turn. This is primary technique to be mastered in riding this vehicle. Practice turning at slow, constant speeds. Defer increased speeds until you are confident of your proficiency and are intimately familiar with terrain. Steer in direction of turn, and lean your body to inside of turn in order to maximize front tire traction. Use throttle to maintain power throughout turn. Once this technique is learned, turning maneuvers can be performed within a relatively small area. Incorrect turning techniques may cause front wheels to slide straight ahead without affecting vehicle's direction of travel. If this should occur, come to a stop, then resume technique outlined above. If front wheels tend to skid in mud, sand, or snow, you may be able to improve control by releasing throttle and allowing vehicle to coast through turn. If rear wheels inadvertently skid sideways, correct your slide by steering in direction of skid, if you have room to perform this maneuver safely. Avoid braking or accelerating until you have control. To avoid skids while traveling on slippery terrain, operator must exercise a high degree of caution. Turning maneuvers on slippery terrain are more hazardous than those performed under full traction and must be done slowly. Surface composition is a major factor affecting skidding. It is easier to slide on packed snow than in deep sand. It is dangerous to skid on ice, because you may lose all directional control, and it is dangerous to skid on pavement, because you may regain traction suddenly and unexpectedly, which can cause vehicle to overturn.
