Golf Car Buying Guide: Windshields

While a golf car is a great way to get around, it’s not designed to protect you from the elements the way an automobile is. Most base models are open-air, which is great on a nice day, but not when it’s windy or rainy. However, if you want to be able to use your golf car in less-than-perfect weather, you might want to consider installing a windshield on the front.

Fortunately, there are several types of windshields available. Determining which one is best for you will be based on your driving conditions, preferences and budget. Here are a few choices to keep in mind:

Original manufacturer or after-market. You’ll have to decide if you’re willing to spend a little more to get an original manufacturer (or OEM) windshield, or if you want to save a little money with an after-market product. Naturally, because the OEM windshield is designed specifically for the manufacturer’s models, they fit perfectly and install fairly easily. That said, you can find cheaper options without giving up much quality from other companies. So if that’s your choice, be sure to do your research to make sure  you’re getting the quality you want.

Acrylic, polycarbonate, or both. Windshields for golf cars are usually made from acrylic or polycarbonate, or sometimes a blend of the two. Figuring out which one works best for you will depend mainly on your driving conditions. The main advantage of acrylic is that it withstands scratching better than polycarbonate. However, acrylic is more susceptible to cracking or breaking if it’s hit by a projectile, like a golf ball. This might also be a concern if you drive your golf car in a construction area or on gravel roads. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, can better withstand getting hit by something without cracking, but is more likely to get scratched. Over time, hundreds of tiny scratches can give the windshield a dull look and make it more difficult to see through. There are also some windshields that are made from a blend of acrylic and polycarbonate, so it’s more impact resistant than acrylic and more scratch resistant than polycarbonate.

Full window or hinged window. You might decide that, while you want to protect yourself from the elements, you’d like the option of opening it up on a nice day. If that sounds good, you’ll prefer a windshield designed as two pieces that folds down on a hinge to open the golf car up a little. When purchasing a fold-down windshield, look for one with hinges that are UV-protected. Over time, constant exposure to the sun can make the hinges brittle and they can start to crack and disintegrate if they aren’t protected.

As for installation, we can take care of that at Mid Florida Golf Cars for you. However, if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, this is probably something you can handle. Just make sure that you’ve purchased the correct installation kit and that you follow the instructions carefully. You might even want to go online and look up an instructional video on golf car windshield installation. Remember, you’re talking about a moving vehicle that will have to withstand some bouncing around. If you don’t install it correctly, the windshield might start to rattle loudly or even sustain some damage.