Club Car DS Oil Type & Capacity

Engine oil usually lubricates, cools, and protects the engine’s sensitive moving parts and ensures optimal operation. This applies to all engines, including Club Car DS. But, it requires the right oil type and capacity. 

Generally, every Club Car DS requires 10W-30 oil or SAE W30 standard-grade engine oil for optimal performance. And its oil capacity is around 32 to 40 OZ. However, depending on the model, this quantity may vary.

Here if you’re a new DS user and don’t have enough knowledge about its oil type and capacity, then continue reading.

What Type Of Oil Does Club Car DS Require?  

Like any other engine, a Club Car DS golf cart requires a different type of oil depending on its model, year, and climate. However, the most commonly recommended oil for this is SAE 10W-30 or SAE 30W.

Here, you can use synthetic oil, but make sure your manufacturer recommends it for your golf cart.

To make it easier for you, we created this table which summarizes the recommended oil type for your DS engine based on the temperature.

Temperature		Oil Type
20 °C to 40 °C or above	68 °F to 104 °F or above	SAE 40
0 °C to 35 °C	32 °F to 90 °F	SAE 30
-20 °C to 35 °C	-4 °F to 90 °F	SAE 10w-30/SAE 10w-40
Below 0 °C	Below 32 °F	SAE 5w-30

It is important to note that using multiple grades of oil (5W-20, 10W-30, and 10W-40) will increase oil consumption. So, when using them, check the oil level more frequently.

Model Wise Oil Capacity Of Club Car DS  

Over the past few decades (1980 to 2014), Club Car DS has changed a lot and its engine has improved significantly. That’s why, not only has the amount of oil they require changed but also their performance has improved a lot.

In fact, it’s a universal truth that, to get the maximum performance from an engine, you need to use the right type and amount of oil. But due to ignorance, most of the users don’t follow this and ultimately face several issues.

So check out this table, to know how much oil you should use in your Club car DS based on its model year.

• 1985 to 1988: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
1985 to 1988	Engine Crankcase: 40 OZ / 1.18 litersTransmission: 20 OZ / 0.59 litersDrive Unit 22: OZ / 0.65 litersGasoline Tank: 8 Gallons / 30.28 liters

• 1989 to 1990: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
1989 to 1990	Engine Crankcase: 40 OZ / 1.18 litersTransmission: 20 OZ / 0.59 litersDrive Unit 22: OZ / 0.65 litersGasoline Tank: 7.4 Gallons / 28 liters

• 1991: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
1991	Engine Crankcase: 40 OZ / 1.18 LtrTransmission: 20 OZ / 0.59 LtrDrive Unit: 22 OZ / 0.65 LtrGasoline Tank: 7 Gallons / 26.5 liters

• 1992: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
1992	Engine Crankcase (without filter): 37 OZ / 1.09 litersEngine Crankcase (with filter): 44 OZ / 1.30 litersTransmission: 20 OZ / 0.59 litersDrive Unit 22: OZ / 0.65 litersGasoline Tank: 7 Gallons / 26.5 liters

• 1993 to 1996: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
1993 to 1996	Engine Crankcase (without filter): 32 OZ / 0.95 litersEngine Crankcase (with filter): 38 OZ / 1.12 litersTransmission: 20 OZ / 0.59 litersDrive Unit: 22 OZ / 0.65 litersGasoline Tank: 7 Gallons / 26.5 liters

• 1997 to 2003: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
1997 to 2003	Engine Crankcase (without filter): 32 OZ / 0.95 litersEngine Crankcase (with filter): 38 OZ / 1.12 litersUnitized Transaxle (gas vehicle): 27 OZ / 0.8 litersGasoline Tank: 7 Gallons / 26.5 liters

• 2004 to 2014: Club Car DS Oil capacity:

Model year	Oil Capacity
2004 to 2014	Engine Crankcase (without filter): 32 OZ / 0.95 litersEngine Crankcase (with filter): 38 OZ / 1.12 litersUnitized Transaxle (gas vehicle): 27 OZ / 0.8 litersTransaxle: 22 OZ / 0.65 litersGasoline Tank: 7 Gallons / 26.5 liters

Why Do You Need The Right Type Of Oil For Club Car DS? 

Club Car DS are popular golf carts for both recreational and utilitarian use and they require the right type of oil for their optimal performance.

So let’s take a closer look at why Club Car DS needs the right type of oil and how it can affect its performance.

1. Temperature Control:

As we know while running the Club Car DS engine typically generates a lot of heat. Especially if it is running for a long time. 

But the right type of oil can absorb and dissipate this heat perfectly and save the engine from overheating damage.

2. Protect the engine from wear and tear:

In the Club Car DS engine there are several moving parts and they require proper lubrication to operate smoothly and efficiently.

Here the right type of oil significantly helps to create a protective barrier between these moving parts and reduces the chance of friction and wear.

3. Improved fuel efficiency:

Choosing the right oil can also improve your DS’s fuel efficiency. In general an engine typically performs best in an oil concentration that is specifically recommended for it. 

As a result, the engine gets less stress and you get better gas mileage. 

4. Extends the life of your cart. 

With the proper oil type and regular oil changes you can significantly extend the life of your Club Car DS’s engine and other moving components.

What Happens If You Use Wrong Oil Type For Club Car DS? 

Using the wrong type of oil in your Club Car DS can cause a variety of problems ranging from minor performance issues to serious engine damage. 

Mostly the severity of the problems will depend on the type of oil you use and how long you continue to use it.

Here are some of the most common problems that can occur when using the wrong type of oil in your Club Car DS:

1. Reduced performance: 

Incorrect oil can’t properly lubricate the engine and other moving parts. This will reduce the efficiency and performance of your vehicle.

2. Increased wear and tear: 

Using the wrong oil can also cause your DS’s engine to damage faster because it can’t provide enough protection against friction and heat.

3. Overheating: 

If you don’t use oil with the right viscosity, the temperature won’t be reduced properly. As a result you will face excessive overheating issues.

4. Oil leaks: 

The wrong type of oil may not be compatible with your Club Car DS’s engine gaskets and seals. That’s why it will cause an oil leak issue.

5. Engine damage:

The wrong type of engine oil can damage a DS engine as it can’t properly lubricate and protect the moving parts.

In addition, using the wrong type of oil can void your Club Car warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

After reading this far, you might still have some questions in your mind. So check out this FAQ section to find those answers. Here we tried our best to cover the often asked questions.

How Often Should I Change The Club Car DS Engine Oil? 

Generally, it’s recommended that you should change the engine oil after running it for 500-600 miles or 125 hours (whichever comes first). But, for new engines, you should change it after Eight hours of operation.

How Can I Change The Engine Oil In My Club Car DS?

First, remove the oil drain plug from the bottom of the engine, let the old oil drain out and tighten the plug. Then remove the oil filler cap from the top of the engine, add the oil and tighten the plug again.

How Do I Check The Oil Level On My Club Car DS?

Pull out the dipstick from the engine and wipe off any oil on its end. Now insert the dipstick back into its tube, pull it out again and look at the tip. On the dipstick the oil level should be between “FULL” and “ADD”.

Wrapping Up

Club Car DS golf carts are built with high-quality materials and are known for their durability and reliability. 

But no matter how advanced it is, if not properly taken care of, it will not perform well.

So, if you own a Club car DS then take good care of it and maintain it properly. Besides, in case of any issues, take help from the experts.