With the beginning of March a couple of days away, there’s no better time than now to get your go kart into top riding condition before the warmer riding weather arrives. Here is a list of items that we recommend you check over before going on a ride this Spring.

• Engine Oil. Check engine oil when new and before each time riding. Check for leaks. Add oil if needed. Change engine oil every 10 hours of operation or when gray or black and not clear. Oil = 10W30
• Fuel. Add fresh 91-93 octane, premium fuel or non-ethanol (recreational fuel, 100% gas) fuel as necessary and do not overfill. Do not use fuel that is older than one month old. Always use a fuel stabilizer such as Seafoam or Stabil and follow the instructions on the bottle or can. Check for any fuel leaks. If not riding for an extended period of time, drain the fuel from the carburetor.
• Battery. We hope that you've been using a trickle battery maintainer over the winter. If not, it may be necessary to purchase a new battery before you can ride because once the battery becomes fully discharged, it is no longer good and must be replaced. ATV-style batteries must be kept charged by using an automatic trickle battery charger (max. 1.5 amp) on the battery when the go-kart is not in use. The charging system on your go-kart is a very low output usually requiring 1 hour of operation after cranking to fully charge the battery. So, short drives may not sufficiently keep the battery in top condition. We recommend that you USE a battery maintainer…it’s cheaper than buying new batteries and makes for easier engine cranking.
• Air Filter.  Change the air filter yearly or more often under dusty conditions. Inspect boot clamps to make sure secure.
• Brakes. Depress the brake pedal several times, checking for proper brake pedal free play. Check for brake fluid leaks. Adjust brakes, if necessary.
• Tires. Check tires condition and pressure. Adjust tire pressure according to type of riding. Typically 8 psi. (10 psi max.) Remember that worn tires are not safe. Replace tires as necessary. 
• Drive Chain. Check chain's condition. Adjust and lubricate with spray chain lube at least every two hours of riding depending on the riding environment. Check chain for slack and adjust, if necessary, after the 1st two hours of riding and every 4-6 hours of riding after that. Adjust all of the slack from the chain but do not put tension on the chain.
• Throttle. Check for smooth operation. Assure throttle comes back to idle.
• Engine Stop Button. Perform engine stop button test.
• Key Switch. Use spray lubricant in key switch yearly and after washing.
• All Nuts, Bolts and Fasteners. Make sure all hardware is tight and secure.

-Steering nut, bolts and cotter pins

-Suspension bolts and nuts

-Brake caliper mounting bolts

-Throttle and brake pedal hardware

-Throttle cable nuts at carburetor

-All cage bolts and nuts

-Lug nuts on wheels

-Choke cable nuts at carburetor (Mid XRX & Mid XRX-R Only)

• Brake Light. If applicable, check for proper operation.
• Seat Belts. Check to make sure both driver and passenger seat belts will fasten properly. When there is no passenger in the go-kart, keep the seat belt fastened to keep it from dragging the ground or getting caught under rear tire.
• Steering. Check for free operation and for any unusual looseness in the steering area. Check steering for alignment (toe in) when new and before each operation.

Remember that you can find this and much more information and videos at our Go Kart Masters Garage.