Often, people use their golf carts for a variety of purposes. Club cars are incredibly versatile, and you can use them to transverse the green or as a daily driver as a low speed vehicle (LSV) in designated communities.

Regardless of how you use your cart, one of the most important components is the tires. Choosing the right tires for your cart will affect how well it maneuvers and rides on different terrains.

Our experts have provided this easy guide to help you determine the best type of tire that will meet your requirements.

Tire Use

Most golf carts bought today come with standard 18” x 8 5/8” tires. These are the smallest ones available, and they function well for low-impact use on grassy or paved areas. This type of tire is also ideal for street driving around your neighborhood. Typical golf cart tires meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for street tread patterns.

However, for off-road use, driving on sand (not sand traps!) or elsewhere, you may want to consider a larger, more specialized tire.

Types of Golf Cart Tires

Manufacturers make three types of tires for golf carts: Turf or Street, Knobby or Off-Road, and All-Terrain tires.

Turf or Street

These stock tires work well for users who have no specialized terrain requirements. Manufacturers created the turf tire for golf carts to avoid ruining golf course fairways.

Knobby or Off-Road

If you use your cart for hunting or off-roading, you will need knobby or off-road tires. They mirror those used on off-road vehicles like ATVs. The tread has deep grooves to help you grip the road and traverse mud, sand, or woodland paths, but they don’t provide a comfortable ride on pavement. Using them on the pavement for extended periods of time can wear out the tread quickly because the rubber is not designed for street use.

All-Terrain

All-terrain tires provide you with a nice compromise if you use your cart for a variety of purposes. The tread is smoother and shallower than off-road, but not as passive as your standard street tire. These tires will provide you with a reasonably comfortable ride on grass, sand, dirt, or bumpy terrain.

Tread Designs and Patterns

Tread design is another important consideration when purchasing a golf cart tire. Each tread pattern has a specific purpose, depending on your intended use.

Knobby Tread

This type of tread is often chosen by cart-users who want to regularly drive their vehicle off-road or in muddy conditions. Knobby tires are also good for use in snow and for golf carts used for farm work.

Ribbed

Ribbed tires do not provide a lot of traction but are great for use near greens or on grass. Saw-Toothtread will not harm grass, but it provides good traction on pavement and gravel.

Turf

Carts found at golf courses most often are equipped with turf tread , which gives the driver good traction on the course without harming the carefully tended fairways.

Sand Tread

This is another specialty tread that customized golf cart owners use for beach or sand dune driving to prevent your vehicle from sinking into the sand.

Lift Kits

If you want to purchase non-standard size tires for your cart, you will need a lift kit. A lift kit will provide you with more clearance to help you drive over rocks, tree limbs, or other hazards. You will almost certainly need a lift kit if you plan to buy tires for a cart you will use off-road.

Anything larger than the standard 8 5/8” tall tires need a lift kit installation so you have enough clearance to mount the tire. Any tire bigger than 18” definitely requires you to purchase a lift kit.

Consider upgrading to leaf springs, too, if you are an off-roader, as this will give you a much more comfortable and safer ride. Don’t forget that if you want to reuse your existing wheels with your new tires and a lift kit, the wheels will require spacers.

Golf Cart Wheels

The different types of wheels on which to mount your tires come in chrome, polished, machined, and powder-coated finishes.

Chrome wheels look great, but they require a lot of work to keep clean and shiny. Polished patina is a great alternative, plus they will give your cart a nice shine. Powder coating is most often used on steel or inlaid wheels.

New or Used?

Used tires are always an option, and they can save you money in the short term. However, just like with your car, buying new is preferable. Even though you may not put a lot of miles on a golf cart tire, buying new is the best option for peace of mind and the longevity of your club car.