How to Maintain Your Golf Cart’s Battery?
Our experts at Mikey’s Motors have created this guide to help you maintain your electric golf cart’s battery. If you have any questions or need more ideas to keep your battery in good shape, call us or visit us at our dealership in Murfreesboro, TN, where we happily welcome our friends from Nashville and Franklin.
Figure Out the Battery’s Baseline
To maintain your electric golf cart’s battery effectively, you’ll need to figure out what is normal for it and when you should service it. Charge up your golf cart before the first drive and notice the speed at which the battery drains. This is the baseline you’ll need to remember; if you find the battery draining quicker than usual, it may be a sign of a maintenance problem.
Charge Properly
One of the foremost maintenance tips for your golf cart’s battery is to avoid overcharging it. Don’t leave it plugged in after it’s fully charged for too long, or it may end up getting damaged. Also, it’s a good idea to recharge it before it completely drains.
Clean Up Battery Acid
When your battery charges, there will be a release of hydrogen gas, water, and acid, which can gather on the battery terminals. If you let them sit for too long, they may start causing corrosion. So, to avoid this, you’ll need to clean up the battery acid regularly.
If you’ve just driven your golf cart, give it some time to cool down before you start cleaning the acid. Don’t forget to shut down all the vent caps and cover the electric parts before you begin.
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of hot water and use an old toothbrush to apply the solution to the battery terminals. Once the corrosion is gone, spray cool water to wash off the baking soda.
Add the Ideal Amount of Water
Your golf cart’s battery requires water to produce the chemical reaction it needs. So, you’ll need to replenish it, but it’s key to add the right amount. If you add too much water, the electrolytes can end up overflowing. On the other hand, too little water can result in sulfation and damage to the lead plates.
Use a water gun to make sure you add the correct amount, which should be distilled water and not tap water.
Test the Battery
It’s a good idea to test the battery now and then to ensure it’s in good working order. Use a hydrometer to measure the density of electrolytes compared to the weight. As you know, a higher specific weight is reflective of a higher state of charge and a denser presence of electrolytes. As the battery gets used, the density of the electrolytes will decrease.
Replacement Strategies
Your golf cart’s battery will eventually wear down, so you’ll need to replace it. If you notice consistent performance issues with the battery, consider changing it. One replacement strategy that you’ll want to follow is changing both the batteries instead of one, even if one may look like it’s in good shape. As new and old batteries charge at different rates, the new ones can get overcharged and damaged faster than the old ones.
We hope this guide helps you maintain your electric golf cart’s battery like a pro. If you have any questions or you’re still in the market for a new golf cart, visit Mikey’s Motors. We have an extensive inventory of golf carts for sale, and we can help you choose a model that’s perfect for your needs. We’re in Murfreesboro, TN, where we proudly serve those from Nashville and Franklin, so stop by today.