A good battery is the heart of any golf cart, but when it’s not properly cared for, it can quickly lose its power. Fortunately, there are several mistakes you might be making with your golf cart battery that are easy to fix. This blog will walk you through the most common missteps that cause batteries to fail prematurely and show you how to avoid them.
1. Letting the Battery Discharge Completely
It may seem harmless to let your golf cart battery run all the way down, but this is one of the most damaging things you can do to your battery. Just like with any rechargeable battery, allowing it to discharge completely can lead to irreversible damage.
Lithium and lead-acid batteries both need a certain level of charge to maintain their health. Running your battery all the way down before recharging it can significantly shorten its lifespan. It also puts extra strain on the battery when it has to work harder to restore itself after reaching a critical low point. It’s best to charge your battery when it’s at 20-30% capacity to avoid damaging it.
2. Not Charging After Each Use
When you're done using your golf cart for the day, it’s tempting to park it and forget about it until the next time. However, if you consistently leave your battery undercharged or without a recharge, you’re cutting its lifespan short.
Batteries need to be topped off regularly to avoid damage. If you let the battery sit without charging it for an extended period, it can experience deep discharge and sulfation (for lead-acid batteries), which leads to a decrease in capacity and performance.
3. Overcharging the Battery
On the flip side, overcharging your battery can also do serious damage. Leaving the battery plugged in for too long, especially if you use a cheap or unregulated charger, can cause the battery to overheat or lead to the formation of harmful chemical reactions. For lead-acid batteries, overcharging can result in water loss and a build-up of gas inside the battery, which can ultimately lead to failure.
4. Using the Wrong Type of Charger
Not all chargers are created equal. Using a charger that is not specifically designed for your golf cart’s battery type can lead to undercharging or overcharging, both of which can significantly damage the battery. For example, a charger meant for lead-acid batteries may not be suitable for lithium-ion batteries and vice versa.
5. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Golf cart batteries, especially lead-acid ones, require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Over time, corrosion can build up on the terminals, or the water levels in the battery may need to be replenished. If these issues are ignored, it can lead to a drop in performance or even complete battery failure.
To keep your golf cart batteries performing well, clean the battery terminals regularly to remove corrosion. Also, check the water levels in the cells if you’re using a lead-acid battery, and top it off with distilled water when necessary. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Not Using the Battery Enough
Yes, believe it or not, not using your golf cart enough can actually damage the battery! Batteries that are left idle for too long can suffer from a condition called sulfation (for lead-acid batteries) or degradation (for lithium batteries), which can permanently decrease their performance.
So even if you're not using your golf cart regularly, make sure to turn it on and run it every couple of weeks. This helps keep the battery active and reduces the chances of sulfation or degradation.
7. Skipping Battery Replacement
Lastly, golf cart batteries aren’t designed to last forever. Over time, even the best-maintained batteries will start to lose their capacity. Continuing to use an old, worn-out battery will not only decrease your cart’s performance but can also cause additional stress on the entire electrical system. Most golf cart batteries last 4-6 years, but if yours is older and showing signs of wear, it’s time for a replacement.
Conclusion
Proper battery care is key to getting the most out of your golf cart. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can extend the life of your battery and enjoy smooth rides for longer.
If you need more tips on battery maintenance or are looking to replace your golf cart’s battery, visit WEIZE. Our expert team is here to help ensure your golf cart keeps running smoothly.
