Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Traditional golf cart batteries are lead-acid batteries. Without question, they require routine maintenance to extend battery life. I have owned multiple golf carts, which I have maintained personally. Understanding the maintenance routine is simple; the work can be done in a garage or outside. Optimal performance is achieved by following a monthly plan of action. Ignoring your lead-acid batteries is undoubtedly a costly mistake.
If you’re wondering how to maintain golf cart batteries, follow these preventative maintenance steps to keep your lead-acid batteries in excellent working condition for years.
How To Maintain Lead Acid Batteries
The ultimate goal for maintaining golf cart batteries is to not only extend the life of the battery but to maximize performance. Yes, even old batteries perform well despite their age. To ensure the best possible performance, follow these golf cart battery maintenance tips.
Charge The Golf Cart Batteries
The first step to maintaining lead-acid batteries is to connect the automatic golf cart charger. Importantly, the batteries must be fully charged, even if they are a new set of batteries.
The primary reason that the batteries must be completely charged is to measure the fluid levels in the batteries. That said, it is the best practice to check the charge level when performing routine maintenance.
Inspect The Tops And Sides Of Each Golf Cart Battery
Unfortunately, golf cart batteries become stressed when they are improperly maintained. I have seen the sides of batteries become bowed out as a result of improper charging. Irregular-shaped golf cart batteries are a sign of permanent damage. Importantly, if you find irregularly shaped batteries, I suggest purchasing and installing new batteries.
The primary reason that batteries become misshaped is a result of mixing new and old batteries. In all cases, the old battery or batteries are prone to damage because they become overcharged. In some cases, the battery splits, and battery acid leaks into the golf cart framework and the ground below.
Beyond the shape of the battery is identifying corrosion, loose cables, or burn marks on cable terminals. I have seen all of these on the top of batteries between my golf carts and friends’ golf carts. For future reference, take note of the issues so they can be addressed while performing monthly maintenance.
Check The Water Level In Each Battery And Fill
First, I’ll start by saying you need to have distilled water on hand if you own a golf cart. The only water that should be added to water fill holes is distilled water. In hotter climates, the water level is likely to fall at a faster rate compared to cold climates. Remember, the batteries must not be in a low state of charge.
When inspecting batteries, I suggest you wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Protecting your eyes is necessary to avoid battery acid making contact and causing long-term damage. Once the battery caps are removed, inspect the water level within each battery. After the battery tops are removed, I use a funnel and insert it into the opening. Next, I add distilled water; never tap water until it has reached an inch below the top of the batteries.
Once the batteries are filled, it is important to replace the battery caps. One of the most critical steps in keeping a well-maintained battery is checking and adding water when necessary.
Remove Corrosion On Battery Terminals And Cables
Corrosion is common with golf cart batteries especially if they are improperly maintained. Fortunately, corrosion is easy to spot on terminals and cables. When corrosion is present, it is a good idea to have a wire brush or old toothbrush on hand.
On a regular basis, even if it is a new battery it is essential to inspect the tops of batteries for corrosion. When corrosion is present, mix one cup of water with a tablespoon of baking soda. I prefer to use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.
Next, carefully add the baking soda to each of the terminals. Without a doubt, when corrosion is present, the mixture will foam up and hiss. In some cases, I wear protective clothing if the level of corrosion is extreme.
Once the solution is applied, use a wire brush, bristle brush, or toothbrush and scrub the terminals and cable eyes until the corrosion has been removed. The key is to remove all corrosion during the cleaning. Interestingly, I have had little corrosion in my Club Car compared to my EZGO golf cart despite each being fitted with Trojan Batteries.
Tighten The Battery Terminals
Early on in my years of maintaining golf carts, the biggest issue I faced was improperly tightening battery terminals. I’ll admit, I had heard mixed stories on the level to which each terminal should be torqued.
Importantly, when you’re working on the top of batteries, never touch a metal wrench from one terminal to another, as it will spark if it is a positive and a negative. Furthermore, it can potentially cause a mechanical issue.
When tightening the nuts above the cables, I recommend snugging them firmly; a cable left loose will arch, causing the cable to become black from sparking in combination with melting the battery terminal in extreme cases. As an owner of an electric golf cart, it is critical to tighten the connections on a monthly basis.
Clean The Tops Of The Batteries
After enough water has been added and the terminals have been cleaned and tightened, the top of the batteries will be left a mess. It is important to take a clean cloth and wipe the battery tops until all of the water and debris have been removed.
Failing to clean the tops allows the removed oxidation to dry and harden. During the next round of maintenance, cleaning the batteries will become more troublesome. For this reason, wipe them clean each and every time.
Protect The Cables And Battery Terminals From Corrosion
Lastly, products are available to reduce the chances of terminal and cable oxidation. I use CRC Battery Terminal Protector spray. The spray coats the terminal and cable ends in a red sealant, which reduces the onset of corrosion.
Without question, this is an important step to ensure that your batteries remain in top shape until the next scheduled maintenance.
What Happens If You Do Not Maintain Golf Cart Batteries
Without a doubt, failing to perform proper golf cart battery maintenance will not only cost you money but create a headache. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the golf course or on the streets away from home. Don’t expect a long life for your batteries if you avoid regular maintenance.
When considering the steps to properly care for golf cart batteries, failing to perform any will put strain on them in a multitude of ways. Here are the impacts of improper battery maintenance.
Corrosion
No question about it: corrosion occurs for a multitude of reasons. However, failing to recognize and remove corrosion will lead to battery failure. I have seen golf cart battery terminals meltdown on golf courses, which led to the cart being towed off the course.
However, another implication of the build-up of corrosion is improper charging. The electricity must flow unobstructed from the charger into the batteries to maintain a good charge.
Low Water Levels
Low water levels are common, especially in warm climates. However, battery damage is unavoidable if water levels remain low for extended periods. Low water levels increases the rate of corrosion, allows the batteries to become overheated, and decreases overall performance.
I highly recommend checking water levels monthly. Keep distilled water on hand so they can be topped off as needed. A gallon jug is inexpensive and can be purchased from most grocery stores.
Failing To Tighten Terminals
A sure sign of trouble is blackened battery cables and terminals. Unfortunately, when battery cables arch for extended periods, the terminal will melt and break off due to the heat. Unfortunately, you and your cart will be left stranded.
If you see black battery cable ends, snug the nuts tightly to avoid continued damage. It is critical to spot this before it is too late.
Mixing New Batteries With Old Batteries
One of the main reasons that batteries become misshaped is when old batteries and new batteries are linked together. New and old batteries do not charge at the same rate. Therefore, the new batteries will become overcharged and swell. Without question, this is an easy way to destroy a new battery mixed with a group of old batteries.
The only way to avoid damage is to avoid piecemealing new batteries with old ones. Instead, replace all of the batteries with a new set. Yes, this will cost over 1,000 dollars, but constantly swapping one battery at a time will add up to the same amount in the end.
How To Maintain Lithium Ion Batteries
Lithium Ion batteries are different in comparison to lead acid. However, the maintenance is similar on my levels. Here are the fundamentals for caring for lithium batteries in a golf cart.
Inspect The Batteries Monthly
Every month, I suggest inspecting lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are subject to damage in addition to corrosion. When corrosion occurs, brush the terminals with a wire brush to remove buildup. Secondly, inspect the battery for leaks or dents. If leaks or dents or visible, I recommend consulting your local golf cart repair center for the proper course of action.
Store The Batteries Fully Charged
Lithium-ion batteries are best left to sit for extended periods of time after the battery has been fully charged. A partially charged battery degrades when sitting over time. The long-term impact includes the battery not being capable of charging to full capacity or simply not holding a charge period. The life of your batteries depends on keeping them fully charged.
Charge Lithium Batteries After The Cart Is Used
The last thing that you want to do is run a lithium battery with a low charge because it puts it at risk of damage. Lithium batteries, in particular, are engineered to handle thousands of cycles of recharging. After using the golf cart, ensure to plug it in for a charge each and every time. Fortunately, lithium batteries achieve a complete charge rapidly compared to lead-acid batteries.
Clean The Lithium Battery
Comparatively, lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries are cleaned the same way. Additionally, the same negative implications occur due to dirt accumulation on the surface of the battery. It is essential to wipe the tops of the batteries clean on a monthly basis.
Maintain Your Golf Cart Batteries For Top Performance
Rather than forking out money when battery replacement is necessary because of improper maintenance or suffering from performance loss, make sure to follow a monthly routine.
I have tested this method for over six years and can tell you that it is highly effective for keeping golf cart batteries in excellent working condition. However, yes, a golf cart batteries are built to last for a certain number of years, so ultimately, it will fail. Instead, maximize battery life by staying on top of potential issues before they become a long-term problem.
