Contents
Let’s face it, guys like their toys. For some, their truck is their pride and joy. For others, maybe it’s a collection of guns large enough to outfit a small army. For golfers, it’s their own personalized cart. They trick them out with lift kits, stereos and custom paint jobs. Some are even street legal. Having a golf cart you can customize any way you like is cool. Just like a car however, it requires regular maintenance and upkeep. A major part of that is tires. Believe it or not, cart tires aren’t all one in the same. Choosing the right ones for your cart, and the terrain you drive on, is an important decision. In this article, we discuss what factors to consider when buying cart tires and, review the best options on the market.
Even though golf carts only travel at the normal speed of at the low end of 15 miles per hour, having good cart tires on your cart at all times is essential for its longevity. Not only on the golf course, but also around the neighborhood, if you happen to live in Sun City for instance. Driving on poorly maintained tires with low tire tread poses a safety concern for the driver and all the passengers, which just like a car can be extremely dangerous. Driving conditions vary at golf courses from gravel to wet grass, trees, sand and water so having the right kind of tread depth and tire pressure is extremely important. Proper tread, maintenance and inflation help to ensure you meet all those hazards in a safe manner which means that you and your passengers are at the height of safety protocols. When driving golf carts around private neighborhoods you certainly wouldn’t want to be faced with a flat or blown tire with full size cars whizzing by or miles from your home, not to mention if its 110 degrees in the middle of an Arizona summer like us!
What most owners of golf carts don’t realize is that they need to look at their golf carts the same way as their day to day vehicles. These are large, mechanical transport vehicles that can cause incremental damage and injury. This isn’t a scare tactic, but merely a highlight on the importance of having the right tire and settings to move around the course and have a smooth ride. Small situations such as hitting a pothole or a curb can cause overwhelming damage and stress. Being on top of your tire status and having the correct type of tire, not to mention a high-quality tire means that you can cruise without worry to and from the course.
Airsun 205/50 DOT Low Profile Golf Cart Tire
WANDA 20/10 – 10 All Terrain Golf Cart Tires
18×18.5 – 8 8/7 White Assembly Golf Cart Tires
10” Vampire Machined/Black Golf Cart Wheels and 205/50 – 10 Low Profile Tire Set
12” Banshee Black/Machine Aluminum Wheels and 20/10 – 12 Stinger All Terrain Tires
Reviews of Best Golf Cart Tires
Below we have described and reviewed 10 of the best golf cart tires on the market today.
Airsun 205/50 DOT Golf Cart Tire
If you’re going to be cruising the fairways of your home course, the Airsun 205/50 DOT Low Profile Tires are a great option. Even though these tires don’t come with wheels, they won’t break the bank and a preferred tire of many golf cart owners.
They’re 18” in diameter and will fit on any 10” wheel and dot approved. All Lowered club car, EZGO, and Yamaha golf carts. For a quality golf cart tire at a good price, the Airsun 205/50 DOT tires are a good choice and no lift kit needed.
WANDA 20/10 – 10 All Terrain Golf Cart Tires
If you’re going to be adventuring in a rugged country, these tires are calling your name. This golf cart tire supply are the bad boy of all terrain tires. At 20” in diameter and with a tread that just looks mean, the WANDA 20/10 – 10 All Terrain Tires will get you where you need to go.
Be warned, these tires are available for purchase on an individual basis and may require a lift kit. Nonetheless, with these tires on your cart, you’ll be turning heads anywhere you go.
18×18.5 – 8 8/7 White Assembly Golf Cart Tires
Sold by Antego , this package of golf cart tire supply is great for anyone that owns a golf cart and wants to purchase tires on a budget. They’re Department of Transportation approved, branded and trademarked so you’ll know you’re getting the real thing.
The golf cart tires can tow moderate loads and are great for recreational golf carts and even riding lawn mowers.
10” Vampire Machined/Black Golf Cart Wheels and 205/50 – 10 Tire Set
If you want your golf cart to catch the eye of anyone you play with, the Vampire Machined Black Golf golf cart tire supply combination will do the job. The set comes with four wheels, chrome center caps, and chrome lug nuts.
The combo is 18” in diameter and, the all terrain tread will get you around the golf course or down the street with ease. Aside from their looks, the best part about this cart tire package is that it comes assembled, aired and ready for use and no kit required. These tires can be used on every club car.
12” Banshee Black/Machine Aluminum Wheels and 20/10 – 12 Stinger All Terrain Tires
With a name like Banshee tires and Stinger wheels, you know this combo is meant for the serious off-roader. The tires are Department of Transportation approved and don’t require a lift for most golf carts. The caps and lug nuts are chrome giving the wheels a sleek look. While you won’t want to take these tires out on the golf course, they’ll make your ride smooth just about anywhere else you want to go.
When you purchase a set of four, they’ll be delivered to you fully assembled for free. All you have to do is bolt them to your golf cart. Dot approved and turf safe tires for a winning combination on the streets and the golf course, and also can be used on every club car.
10” Bulldog Machined Golf Cart Wheels and 205/50-10 Golf Cart Tire Combo
If you’re looking for golf cart tires on a practical level, the 10” Bulldog Machined Combo are an excellent choice. At 18” from the ground to the top of the tire, you won’t need a lift kit for these tires. The tires are Department of Transportation approved and certified as turf safe.
Tire is dot approved. For the golf cart owner that spends more time on the course than the street, these tires are worth a look, and they can be used on every golf club car to.
10” Storm Trooper Machined/Black Wheels and 205/50-10 Tires Combo
If you’re looking for a set of tires that looks sharp and will give you a smooth ride around the course, check out the Storm Trooper Combo. The tread on the tires is perfect for any golf course and stands the test of time.
Chrome caps and lug nuts add some flare to the wheels, and you won’t need a lift kit. These tires are highly functional and are worth every penny and it fits on every club car.
MASSFX 18/8.5-8 Combo
If having a durable tire is an important factor for you, look no further than the MASSFX 18/8.5-8 Combo. These tires have the tread of a normal street/turf tire but, are four-ply. This tires requires the use of a lift kit.
If you happen onto some rough terrain, the thickness of these tires should keep you moving along without incident. Additionally, these tires can tow up 815 pounds. With this tire you’ll find versatility, durability and functionality.
Ocelot 22/11-8 P334 Four-Play Golf Cart Tires
These tires can be used on your golf cart or even a quad! They’re that tough. The directional tread pattern is 15.5 mm deep, so you’ll never have to worry about having enough traction and they are dot approved.
While you probably don’t want to have these tires while you’re out chasing birdies, they’re perfect any and all off-road needs.
Hi-Run LG Turf and Garden Golf Cart Tires
If you need a golf cart tire that’s basic, but functional, the LG Turf and Garden Tires from Hi-Run are right up your alley. Closely packed tread blocks provide great stability and control.
The carrying capacity is 515 pounds. These tires serve a purpose and affordable.
What to Consider When Buying Golf Cart Tires
Size
The first thing to consider when you’re buying tires for your cart is size. It goes without saying that the size of your tires needs to match that of your wheels.
You’d think this is no brainer but, people make the mistake more often than you might think when they buy a cart tire.
New vs. Used
Even though they’re more expensive, it’s best to buy new golf cart tires than used ones. You might think buying used tires is okay since you’re not putting a lot of wear and tear on them but, they don’t last nearly as long and are prone to punctures, blowouts and other headaches.
Unless you absolutely can’t afford them, buy new tires for your golf cart. Whatever golf cart tire you decide to buy, make sure they’re Department of Transportation approved, too.
Low Profile vs. All Terrain Tires
There are three types of tread on golf cart tires: turf/street, off road/knobby and all terrain.
Turf/street tires are the most common type of golf cart tires. They’re designed specifically not to tear up fairways and give you just enough traction to get down cart paths safely. If you don’t plan on driving your golf cart anywhere but on the golf course, there’s nothing wrong with turf/street tires.
Off-road/knobby tires have tread that’s more aggressive than turf/street tires. Similar to what you’d find on an ATV, these tries are the preference for outdoorsmen and people that own large expanses of land that need transportation around their property. Off-road/knobby tires are going to make your golf cart ride like a truck if you drive them on the street or fairway. However, if you’re going to be cruising over rough terrain, they’re the best choice.
All terrain tires give you the best of both worlds. The tread is a lot shallower than off-road/knobby tires, but still more aggressive than turf/street tires. If you travel both off-road and, on the street, these tires are a great option. Be warned however, they’re prone to tearing up turf and may not even be allowed at some golf courses.
Tire Ply Rating
Tire ply rating is a measurement of a tire’s strength and capacity. In short, it tells you how much a golf cart tire can handle in terms of load capacity and inflation. Most golf cart tires have a two-ply rating. They’re softer than other tires and absorb the impact of humps and bumps on the golf course. Though golf cart tire can be used for light off roading, they’re designed specifically for turf, pavement and concrete.
If your cart is street legal, you plan on driving off-road, or need to haul a heavy load, four-ply tires are your best bet.
Six-ply tires are meant for the extreme off-road enthusiast. The thickness of six-ply tires makes them more puncture resistant than two or four-ply tires. These tires don’t belong on a golf course and will make the superintendent more than a little upset because of the damage they can cause.
Conclusion
If you’re going to own your own golf cart, you want it to look and function to your liking, you need to choose the right tires for your golf carts. Part of that equation is the tires you choose. There are plenty of options available to suit your needs, whether they be on the course, around the ranch, or in the woods.
Before you pull the trigger on any old set of tires for your golf carts, take the time to do some research to find what’s best for you. Be sure to check our golf cart tire supply options and see the best for your game. You’ll be glad you did in the end.