Wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles before you work on your batteries. The Run/Tow switch on most newer golf carts is used to protect the On-Board Computer (OBC) for towing, maintenance, and long-term storage. Before doing any maintenance, put the Run/Tow switch in the “Tow/Maintenance” position and the key switch in the OFF position.
Make sure the wrenches and tools you are using are wrapped in vinyl electrical tape to prevent the possibility of shorting out a battery which could cause an explosion.
With proper maintenance, golf cart batteries can provide good service for 6-10 years. Creating a monthly maintenance schedule and adhering to it will prove beneficial to the lifespan and performance of your batteries. The ideal schedule should include the following:
- Check for wire fraying, terminal corrosion, battery leaks, and any loose wire connections
- Clean the batteries, the area around the batteries, and the terminals
- Check the electrolyte level and add water when necessary