Golf Cart Battery Maintenance – Things You Need to Know

15 Jun Golf Cart Battery Maintenance – Things You Need to Know

Keeping Your Cart Batteries in Top Condition will Add Years to their Life.

If your golf or utility cart is equipped with traditional lead acid batteries, you should regularly perform maintenance services and check them at regular intervals.

In this article, we’ll cover some basic battery maintenance tips to ensure your batteries are performing as they were intended and will provide you with the maximum lifetime of use.

First, you should know what voltage your batteries are. They come in 6, 8 or 12-volt capacities, and they are designed to provide different levels of power and lifespan. Batteries for golf carts are sold in packs, meaning you’ll require more 6-volt batteries than you will 12-volt batteries to obtain the same power and amp levels.

Visual Inspection – You should look at your batteries often to make certain there is no corrosion or loose connections. The acid in the batteries can leak or spill, but you can clean it off with a small amount of baking soda and a wire brush or toothbrush. Make sure none of your batteries show any cracks in the case or other issues like a bulge in the outside surface.

It is a good idea to invest in a multimeter to check your batteries’ voltage output at regular intervals. A hydrometer is also an inexpensive tool that will tell you the density of electrolytes in each cell to ensure maximum performance.

Keep the Water at Correct Levels – This is critical to get the best performance from your batteries and extend their lifespan. In Florida, the heat can mean some water evaporation, but it’s also important not to overfill the water compartments which can cause damage to the lead plates inside. You should only add distilled water and use a baster or water gun to avoid accidentally adding too much.

Charge Your Batteries Correctly – You should try not to allow your batteries to be discharged to less than 20% of a full charge. If your cart has been idle for a while, keeping the batteries adequately charged will add to their life. Even if your cart is equipped with a battery gauge, you should still check the levels manually on a regular schedule.

Typically, lead acid batteries should provide between 4 to 6 years of service when properly taken care of. If you notice your cart is a bit sluggish, it may be time to get new batteries. You should always replace all of your batteries at one time to ensure maximum performance. And keep in mind that newer batteries will charge faster than older ones. Charging newer batteries at the same time as your old ones may result in over-charging.

At Coastal Carts, our service experts always fully inspect your cart’s batteries, charging systems and all other related components during your regular service appointments. If you’re considering upgrading to the new technology and added benefits of maintenance-free, lithium ion batteries, we’re here to explain the differences and professionally equip your cart with the best option for how you use it.