Undoubtedly, golf carts are one of the fastest cars that can be driven to short or long distances. However, some golf cart models make a lot of noise that could cause you, the owner, to be embarrassed enough to decide to purchase a new golf cart when you hear someone else say theirs is quieter when in motion. Rather than spending a huge amount of money to purchase a new golf cart, do you know there are ways you can implement to make your golf cart quieter? Well, there are – and I’d be sharing them with you in this blog post. “How To Make A Gas Golf Cart Quieter”
Adding either a muffler or a lot more insulation to the body of your golf cart are two easy ways you can use to make a gas golf cart quieter.
There are more ways and they will be shared later in this blog post. That being said, it is advisable to scrutinize your golf cart before making any transformation, to be sure there aren’t any automated issues generating the noise.
Also, you should note that Gas Golf carts cannot be soundproofed completely. Knowing this would help you not be disappointed even if you hear little noise from your golf cart after trying all the means that would be shared to reduce the noise.
Also read: How to soundproof a gymnasium
Contents
How to reduce noise on a Gas golf cart
As aforementioned said, adding a muffler or more insulation to the body of your golf cart are amongst the few ways that can be used to reduce the noise of this vehicle.
A detailed guide will be shared below. Kindly read on to find out.
Use insulation on the body of the golf cart
When it comes to soundproofing, either a wall or a room, insulation is one of the most effective options. Insulation plays a huge role in sound reduction which is why it is part of the ways that can be used to reduce the noise of a golf cart.
Adding insulation to the body of a golf cart results in two purposes, which are; sound deadening and more mass.
Additional mass – insulation provides additional mass to the golf cart that reduces vibrations (nb- sound waves are vibrations).
Sound deadening – It prevents the transmission of limp mass when a sound wave comes in contact with it.
That being said, the best type of insulation to use is high-density automobile insulation foam that is usually small enough to fit into the golf cart compartment. But while doing this, you should bear in mind that adding insulation to your cart can reduce its speed.
This is because of the mass that’s being added to the part, so the more insulation you add, the more your cart reduces its speed.
I’d recommend Siless Black 50 mil 52 sqft Sound Deadening, HushMat 10400 Ultra Black Foil Floor Kit with Damping Pad, and AggSound 157mil 18sqft Roll Pack Universal Sound Deadener for Cars with Aluminum Foil Tape&Car Trim Removal Tool.
These three products are super effective vehicle insulation that can be used to soundproof your golf cart. Though they are easy to use with the instructions provided by the manufacturer, to make your work easier, you can follow the guide below.
Gather the necessary materials
- Insulation material (such as foam or reflective insulation).
- Measuring tape.
- Utility knife or scissors.
- Adhesive (such as spray adhesive or adhesive tape).
- Safety goggles and gloves (for protection).
Prepare the golf cart
- Ensure the golf cart is clean and dry.
- Remove any existing carpet or upholstery that might obstruct the installation.
Measure and cut the insulation
- Use a measuring tape to measure the areas where you want to install insulation.
- Transfer the measurements onto the insulation material.
- Cut the insulation to the appropriate size and shape using a utility knife or scissors.
Apply adhesive
- If using spray adhesive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.
- If using adhesive tape, cut it into strips of suitable length.
- Apply adhesive to the backside of the insulation or around the edges, depending on the type of insulation material you’re using.
Install the insulation
- Carefully press the insulation onto the designated areas of the golf cart.
- Ensure that the insulation is firmly in place and properly adhered to the surfaces.
- Repeat the process for all areas you want to insulate, including the floor, sides, and roof.
Test and make adjustments
- Once the insulation is installed, test the golf cart to ensure all parts are functioning properly.
- Check for any loose or improperly installed insulation and make necessary adjustments.
Adding muffler
Adding a muffler to a golf cart can help reduce the noise generated by the engine, creating a quieter and more pleasant riding experience. Here’s a general guide on how to add a muffler to a golf cart:
Compile the vital materials
- Muffler specifically designed for your golf cart model. I’d recommend Red Hawk MUF-0001 Muffler Compatible With/Replacement For E-Z-GO TXT and Harbot 212CC Muffler Exhaust Assembly for Harbor Freight Predator 60363 68121 68120 69730 69727 Engine R210 Gas Engine.
- Appropriate hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps) for installation.
- Wrenches and/or socket set.
- Safety goggles and gloves (for protection).
Check the muffler order
- Identify the most suitable location for the muffler on your golf cart. This may vary depending on the cart’s design and available space.
- Choose a location that allows for proper exhaust flow and clearance from other components.
Take away the existing exhaust system
- If your golf cart already has an exhaust system, you may need to remove it before installing the new muffler.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a service manual specific to your golf cart model for guidance on removing the old exhaust system.
Fix the new muffler
- Position the muffler in the chosen location on the golf cart.
- Align the muffler with the exhaust outlet on the engine.
- Attach the muffler using the provided hardware, such as nuts, bolts, or clamps.
- Tighten the hardware securely but not excessively, ensuring a proper seal.
Confirm the muffler installation
- Make sure the muffler is securely attached and properly aligned.
- Ensure that the muffler does not come into contact with any other components or structures that could cause vibrations or interfere with its function.
Try the golf cart
- Start the golf cart and listen for any abnormal sounds or leaks.
- Take a short test drive to verify that the muffler effectively reduces the noise level.
- If any issues are detected, inspect the installation and make necessary adjustments.
Use noise-absorbing materials
Aside from using insulation (to insulate the engine or body panels) and muffler, there are also noise-absorbing materials that you can use.
Noise-absorbing materials like rubber snubber for the engine, floor mats, or carpets for the golf interior. These materials will help to absorb and dampen the sound vibrations.
Why are Gas Golf Carts noisy?
Gas golf carts can be noisy due to several reasons which would be discussed below.
Lack of Sound Insulation
Gas golf carts may have minimal sound insulation or vibration-damping materials installed in the engine compartment and body panels.
This lack of insulation allows the noise generated by the engine and other components to transmit more easily to the passenger compartment, resulting in increased noise levels.
Vibration and Mechanical Noise
Gas engines produce vibrations and mechanical noise due to the reciprocating motion of pistons, rotating crankshafts, and other moving components.
These vibrations can be transmitted to the chassis and body of the golf cart, resulting in increased noise levels.
Engine size
The engine size of the gas golf cart causes it to make a lot of noise. The engine of the vehicles literally ranges from 10-13 horsepower (it could be more than that).
Though the increased horsepower causes golf to move fast, it is also a culprit to why the golf cart makes a lot of noise. Hence, if you’re not okay with noise, you’d want to go for a golf cart with a lower HP.
Age and Maintenance
Lastly, older or poorly maintained gas golf carts may exhibit increased noise levels due to wear and tear on engine components.
Issues such as worn-out mufflers, loose connections, or malfunctioning parts can contribute to excessive noise.
Are Gas Golf Carts louder than electric?
Yes, gas golf carts tend to be louder than electric golf carts. Gas-powered golf carts produce noise as a result of their internal combustion engines, which require the burning of fuel to generate power.
The combustion process in these engines creates mechanical noise, exhaust noise, and the sound of the engine revving. Consequently, gas golf carts can be noticeably louder compared to their electric counterparts.
On the other hand, electric golf carts operate using electric motors powered by batteries. Electric motors are generally quieter and produce minimal noise during operation.
This lack of noise makes electric golf carts a popular choice, particularly in settings where noise reduction is desired, such as residential areas or golf courses where maintaining a peaceful environment is important.
However, it’s worth noting that even electric golf carts may produce some noise, although it is significantly lower than that of gas-powered models. Factors such as the design of the cart, tire noise, and other mechanical components can contribute to the overall sound level.
Conclusion – How To Make A Gas Golf Cart Quieter
Gas golf carts can be made quiet by adding insulation to either the engine or body panels and also mufflers. The steps needed to add these materials to your golf cart have been shared in this blog post. I hope they work for you.