Golf Cart Battery Charging Tips

Golf carts are essential transportation equipment for golfers and people living in gated communities. These carts are powered by batteries, and like any other battery, they need to be charged regularly to function optimally. However, charging golf cart batteries can be tricky. To make sure that the batteries last longer and perform better, several factors must be taken into account. To ensure your batteries work properly, you have to check the water levels, avoid overcharging, store batteries properly, and not over or undercharge them and other factors.

All of these functionalities are important to ensure your battery works at full capacity. A costly and necessary part of a golf cart is the battery. So keeping them maintained will help sustain your investment for a long time. If your battery capacity level is decreasing, you are not properly caring for them. Learn a few things from this article to make sure your battery lasts its life long and healthy. 

How to Charge Golf Battery Properly? Tips & Tricks

Let us find out ways in which you can charge golf cart batteries properly without causing any damage and increasing the lifetime of golf batteries.

1. Check the Water Levels

Batteries of golf carts are lead-acid batteries that require water to function correctly. Before you start charging the battery, it’s essential to check the water levels. To prevent damage to the battery if the water levels are low, add distilled water. Avoid adding tap water, as it contains minerals that can harm the battery.

Moreover, add water to the specified level. You don’t need to overfill water in your batteries as they can potentially harm your batteries. It will cause damage to the batteries and affect the charging conditions. When you overfill your batteries, the water will start to boil when charging and cause significant damage to your batteries.

2. Charge the Batteries Regularly

The frequency of charging your golf cart batteries will depend on how often you use the cart. However, as a general rule, it’s advisable to charge the batteries after every use. This practice will help prolong the life of the battery and prevent it from running down when you need it most.

Even if you played for a short time, you should plug in your battery after every use. By doing this, you can make sure that your battery maintains good health and operates at maximum efficiency. If you properly look after them, golf batteries last for 4 to 6 years. It is an expensive investment so you have to properly look after them so they will work for a longer time.

3. Charge the Batteries Fully

It’s crucial to charge your golf cart batteries fully every time you charge them. Incomplete charging can harm the battery and reduce its ability to retain a charge. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure the charger is set to the correct voltage and ampere rate to fully charge the battery.

Also, Read What Should My Golf Cart Charger Read When Fully Charged?

4. Avoid Overcharging the Batteries

Overcharging your golf cart battery can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. Therefore You must not overcharge the battery. The majority of modern chargers have a feature that turns them off automatically once the battery is fully charged. When using an older charger, you must keep an eye on the charging process and turn the charger off when the battery is fully charged.

5. Charge the Batteries in a Well-Ventilated Area

Charging your golf cart batteries produces hydrogen gas, which can be hazardous if it accumulates in an enclosed space. Therefore, charging your batteries in a well-ventilated area is essential to avoid the risk of fire or explosion. Additionally, avoiding smoking or lighting a flame near the battery charging area is advisable.

6. Store the Batteries Properly

If you’re not using your golf cart for an extended period, storing the batteries correctly is essential. Before storing the batteries, charge them fully and disconnect them from the golf cart. Additionally, storing the batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, is advisable.

Also, Check the Steps to make sure your Battery works after Winters

7. Clean the batteries properly

Keep the battery clean to prevent corrosion, dirt, and other debris from building up on the battery terminals, which can result in battery issues. Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush on a regular basis, and then use a corrosion inhibitor to halt further accumulation.

8. Do not over-discharge the Batteries

It is advisable not to discharge your batteries more than 80%. When the drainage becomes more than 80%, it can pose harmful risks to your golf cart battery. 50-80% discharge is okay; you need to charge your battery afterward. So, make sure not to over-drain your batteries as they can affect the capacity of a battery and cause severe problems for you.

9. Use the right Charger

The usage of the right charger is quite essential to maintain battery health. So, buy the right charger according to your battery type. The chargers of golf batteries are mostly 6V or 12V. Check your battery and buy a charger accordingly.

10. Direct heat/ freezing

Avoid putting your batteries in direct sunlight/ heat or near freezing equipment. Too hot or cold weather also affects a golf cart battery. In hot weather, the water levels decrease more rapidly, and you have to fill the water after a few days. While in a cold environment, there is a chance of a battery freezing over, which can affect a battery’s capacity and lead to permanent damage. You can make sure to properly look after your batteries in cold weather by reading our other article.

When to replace your Golf Cart Batteries?

Golf cart batteries can wear out over time and require replacement. Knowing when your golf cart batteries need replacement is crucial for your cart’s proper functioning and overall golfing experience. Observe the warning signs listed below:

Reduced Speed

If your golf cart is not moving at the same speed it used to, it may be a sign that the batteries are wearing out. The batteries lose their capacity to hold a charge as they get older, slowing the cart down. It might be time to change the batteries if you notice a decrease in speed.

Reduced Run Time

The amount of time your golf cart can operate before the batteries need to be recharged is known as its run time. If you find that your golf cart is running out of battery faster than usual, this could be an indication that your batteries are wearing out. As the batteries age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes, resulting in a shorter run time.

Difficulty in Starting Golf Cart

If your golf cart is having trouble starting, this could be a sign that the batteries are wearing out. When the batteries are near the end of their lifespan, they may not have enough power to start the cart. This is particularly true if your golf cart has been left idle for a long time.

Bulging or Swollen Batteries

Over time, batteries can become swollen or bulging due to overheating or overcharging. If you notice any bulging or swelling on your golf cart batteries, it may be time to replace them. These signs could indicate that the batteries are no longer functioning properly and could pose a safety hazard.

Corrosion

Another sign that your golf cart batteries need replacing is the presence of corrosion. If you notice any white or green residue on the battery terminals or cables, it is a clear indication of corrosion. The batteries may become damaged by this corrosion, which will reduce their capacity to hold a charge. If left unaddressed, it can also cause damage to other parts of your golf cart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, charging your golf cart batteries is essential to ensure that your cart performs optimally. However, following the above tips is crucial to avoid damaging the battery and prolonging its lifespan. Your golf cart battery will last longer and cost you less money in the long run if it receives regular maintenance.