"Big things come in small packages."

This famous quotation is proven by the things we see around us. We have mini-discs that can store more information than a stack of CDs; we have cell phones that can single-handedly replace the telephone, radio, camera and computer; and we have go-karts.

Go-karts are miniature cars. It started with the development of a small engine back in 1956 by Art Ingles. The production of the car followed shortly after. There has been an explosion of the popularity of the go-kart back in the 50's, that's why the people decided to hold competitions involving these little machines.

Go-kart racing is just as fun and as entertaining as the big leagues of racing like NASCAR and F1, but with more than half the cost and size. Even though go-karts are considerably smaller and cheaper, it does not mean that the maintenance of its engine could be waived off.

Just like a lot of other things, if we want to keep the go-karts running efficiently, we need to spend time with its maintenance. Here are some useful tips that we need to keep in mind when keeping the go-kart's engine in check:

I. Clean air filters.

If we think about it, it's just practical to keep on cleaning and checking air filters every now and then. If the air filter is filled with dust and dirt, the ventilation of the machine won't work properly, and in effect, the machine won't run efficiently. If we keep the filters clean and that will also keep the engines clean.

II. Check the spark plugs.

Spark plugs are very important to the engine because without it, the engine will not run at all. Damaged, burned and dirty spark plugs, decrease engine efficiency and may cause engine damage. To prevent this, we should always clean the spark plugs and replace it immediately if it's already damaged.

III. Fuel and oil maintenance.

a. If you still haven't noticed, it is important for the go-kart to be clean if we want it running efficiently. Therefore, we should also use clean fuel. If we're going to put gas in, we should put unleaded gasoline only.

b. Oil should be checked regularly every 25 hours of use. What are we checking for? Basically, the oil level should be on the "positive" side of the dipstick. If the level goes negative, the oil should be replaced fully. Don't even try to re-use the oil to save money, because this will only lead to engine damage.

IV. LUBRICATE! LUBRICATE! LUBRICATE!

Lubrication is a necessity. Apart from keeping the kart clean, we should also lubricate its parts in order to enjoy smooth movement. Unlike the normal engines, the use of oil-based lubes are not recommended because these oil lubricants tend to attract dust and dirt that this will cause engine damage as well as the wear and tear of certain parts.

Instead of using oil-based lubes, we should use the graphite based lubricant sprays.

These parts need lubrication the most:

a. Drive chain. The drive chain needs to be lubricated before every use of the kart. This will ensure smoother runs for the engine.

b. Clutch. For better shifting, cleaning of the clutch is important. But regular lubrication of the clutch should also be done if we desire better results. Proper maintenance of the clutch will also extend its lifespan.

c. Brakes. We lubricate because we want to ride faster and smoother, but if we don't maintain the brake lines, it may cost us our lives. Clean and lubricate the breaks. Nothing is more important than the breaks, so make sure it's all clean and the parts are well lubricated.

Keep these four things in mind and you will surely have a smooth and fast ride in your kart. If you have dreams of winning go-kart competitions, these are the things you must know by heart.

We should also remember that if we are looking for ways to cut-down on the go-kart budget, make sure that the necessities like oil, fuel and lubrication are not compromised. If these are neglected, it may only lead to more expenses, or the destruction of the go-kart engine.

Go-karts may be small, but the responsibility of maintaining it is no joke. If we want our go-karts to go fast every time we ride it and we want it running smoothly, we should be ready to work on it a lot.