While honing your swing is the main focus for most golfers, it’s equally important to pay attention to the supporting equipment and accessories that enhance your experience on the golf course. One of these crucial components is the battery of your golf cart, which helps you effortlessly navigate the vast course in search of the next hole or those elusive lost balls. Taking some proactive steps to maintain your battery can go a long way in optimizing its performance, prolonging its lifespan, and minimizing the need for a replacement. Our battery experts have shared some valuable maintenance tips to help you make the most of your golf cart battery.
Charge Your Golf Cart Battery
Ensuring your golf cart battery is fully charged after each use is not only a good practice but also an essential part of overall maintenance. Avoid letting the battery drain to a low or completely flat level. Allowing the battery to remain at a Partial State of Charge (PSoC) can lead to a process called sulphation, which can significantly shorten its lifespan. As a general rule, try not to let the battery discharge below 50 percent to maximize its cycle life. Always make it a habit to charge the battery immediately after use, and if you have a smart charger, allow the battery to go through all the necessary phases without interrupting the process prematurely.
Stay on Top of Watering
If you have accessible batteries, staying on top of watering is a crucial part of the maintenance routine. Golf cart batteries produce electricity using electrolytes and water, which gradually evaporates over time. This means you’ll need to replenish the lost water by periodically topping up with distilled or de-ionized water to maintain an optimal water level in the battery cells. On average, a 6-volt golf cart battery holds 6.4 liters of water, and over its lifespan, you may need to add a total of 15 liters to compensate for evaporation. Allowing the water level to drop too low can expose the battery plates, causing them to dry out and increasing the risk of hydrogen buildup during charging, which can potentially lead to an explosion. It’s crucial to never attempt to charge a battery with low electrolyte, as it can damage the battery and reduce its overall service life.
When topping up your battery, always use distilled or de-ionized water to avoid damaging the battery cells and affecting their performance. It’s best to add water after a charging session, as this helps increase the level of electrolytes. Utilizing a watering gun or a watering system like Flowrite can make the process easier and ensure you add the right amount of water. Avoid overfilling the battery, as excessive water can cause acid leakage during charging, leading to corrosion and potential damage to your vehicle.
Keep it Clean
Cleaning your golf cart battery is just as important as charging and watering. Clear away any corrosion, dirt, grime, or other buildup around the battery terminals using a tapered bristled brush, such as the REDMAX terminal brush. If you notice any corrosion, wash the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinse with clean water, dry them off, and apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) before reconnecting the terminals to the battery posts. This ensures a solid contact and prevents moisture from seeping in between the terminal and the post.
Maintaining a healthy battery is essential for a hassle-free experience on the golf course. Investing time in caring for your golf cart battery will pay off by providing optimal performance and an extended lifespan, ultimately reducing the need for a replacement. If you need assistance with golf cart battery maintenance, replacement, or fitting, don’t hesitate to contact us today.