A Beginner's Guide To Golf Cart Battery Maintenance
Electric golf carts rely on batteries to power their performance. A little proactive maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of the battery, reducing the need for battery repairs, and even optimizing your electric golf cart's performance.
But knowing the importance of golf cart battery maintenance is one thing. Knowing what tasks to tackle is another! That's why we gathered up the following do-it-yourself tasks that even beginners can handle. If you have any questions or want to shop golf carts for sale, head over to Connecticut Trailers. Our dealership is located in Bolton, Connecticut, and we also serve those in Hartford and throughout New England.
Get The Baseline
When you first purchase an electric golf cart, make sure it is fully charged before you take that maiden voyage. Then, pay close attention to how quickly the battery drains. This gives you a baseline estimate of battery life, which can serve as a helpful comparison down the road. If you suddenly notice your golf cart battery draining much faster than normal, it can indicate a maintenance problem that needs addressing.
Use Proper Charging Practice
It's best to avoid letting your electric golf cart battery completely drain. Instead, try to charge it up before it reaches that point. You don't want to see a flashing battery charge indicator often!
Stay On Top Of Battery Acid Cleaning
During the process of charging a golf cart battery, there is a release of hydrogen gas, water, and acid. This concoction can settle on the various golf cart components. Left too long, it will start corroding those parts.
It's important to regularly clean this battery acid away to avoid expensive golf cart damage. Start by shutting all the vent caps and cover all the electric parts. Then, combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of hot water. Using an old toothbrush, apply this mixture to the golf cart battery terminals. Once the corrosion is removed, wash off the baking soda with a spray of cool water. Then, wipe the battery until it's fully clean.
Add The Right Amount Of Water
Golf cart batteries produce electricity using electrolytes and water, which means you will need to occasionally add some more water. But be careful of the amount! Too much water can lead to the electrolytes overflowing. Too little water can cause sulfation, which damages the lead plates.
Use a watering gun to improve your precision when adding water, which helps you add the right amount. Remember to always use distilled water. If possible, try to fill the water after the battery has been charged. That will help increase the level of electrolytes.
Test The Golf Cart Battery Occasionally
Take a minute or two to test your golf cart battery every so often. All you need is a hydrometer to test the battery cells, which measures the electrolytes' density compared to the weight. A higher specific weight tells you that there is a higher state of charge and denser presence of electrolytes. As the golf cart battery gets used, it discharges and the electrolytes' weight decreases.
Use A Battery Gauge
Battery gauges are a helpful tool for monitoring the depth of discharge. Using this information can help you recharge the battery in a timely manner (before it fully drains).
If you own an older model, however, battery gauges do not always give the most accurate reading. A better tool for you will be a battery load tester.
Use Proper Replacement Strategies
Eventually, the time will come to replace a golf cart battery. Often, you'll notice repeat performance issues that indicate the need for battery replacement.
It's tempting to only replace the one battery that is no longer working, but try to resist that urge. When new and old batteries are charged at the same time, they do charge at different rates. Old ones charge slower, which results in the new batteries overcharging (and facing a reduced lifespan because of it). It's best to replace all the batteries at the same time, which extends the lifespan of the new batteries.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to golf cart battery maintenance. For more maintenance advice or to shop golf carts for sale, chat with the experts at Connecticut Trailers. Our friendly staff is happy to answer questions, offer personalized advice, and assist with anything you need. Head over to our dealership in Bolton, Connecticut, or explore our inventory online. We are proud to serve those in Hartford, Connecticut, and those throughout New England.