What To Watch For When Buying A Used Go Kart
Go Karting is gaining in popularity all around the world. This sport is seeing more and more newcomers purchasing go karts. For most, buying a go kart is a new experience. A buyer who has never owned a go kart will have many questions.
Before running out and buying the cheapest go kart on the market, there are some things you need to know and some questions you need to ask before laying out cash for a go kart.
First time buyers need to be aware that there are different go karts for different uses. The most popular go karts are those used by kids in the yard. Be aware that there are huge differences even in these types of go karts. Go karts designed for off road use are generally beefier and have stronger components along with a roll bar.
When looking at a used go kart, always check the frame for cracks at weld joints then check it for bent or damaged sections. Freshly painted sections may indicate an area that was recently patched.
Check the front and back wheel bearings by supporting each end on blocks. Pull in and out on the wheels checking for wobbly wheels. Then check them again by pulling side to side. Bad bearings can lead to spindle damaged and any wheel bearing found to be bad should be replaced immediately.
Pay close attention to the engine. Check the oil for water. Oil with water in it will look milky or chocolate colored. Also check to see if the oil smells like gas or has a burnt smell to it. Either one can mean serious engine trouble.
Next, check the oil in the engine. If it’s milky or chocolate, this means there’s water in the engine block. Not a good thing! Start the engine. If it’s hard to start, this could indicate other problems.
Take the go kart out for a spin. Does it handle well? Is the steering loose? Loose steering can mean bad linkage problems or mis alignment. If you’ll be buying the go kart for kids, make sure the engine has a governor or limit switch. Kids driving go karts at excessive speeds isn’t safe.
By following these easy to do tips, you can go a long ways in ensuring yourself of getting a good reliable used go kart. Using the advice above doesn’t take any special skills, just some patience. A dependable go kart should give you years of enjoyment.
These simple tips for choosing a used go kart will help ensure that you don’t buy a lemon. There are many owners out there looking to unload crappy or damaged go karts to unsuspecting consumers. Follow the tips above to make sure you’re not the one buying their problems!
Tags: Cars and Trucks
