Golf Cart Battery Maintenance

Golf cart battery maintenance does not have to be a pain. In fact, if you keep a few tips in mind, this work can be almost pleasant. Best of all, this is the kind of work that actually results in better performance and longer life for your vehicle.

While golf cart battery maintenance can be easy to do, it can also be dangerous if not performed properly. Always remove any metal you have on from your hands, wrists, and neck to avoid shock. Never bring a open flame near batteries as this can lead to explosions.

Before you get ready to do your golf cart battery maintenance, get your tools. You will need the following: an adjustable wrench, some distilled water (this is not needed if your battery is sealed), post cleaner, baking soda, safety glasses. If you are working with lead-acid batteries you should also have some acid proof gloves and petroleum jelly.

Your vehicle may be different than what we use here as an example. If it is follow your owner’s manual instructions. For this article we assume you have six lead-acid batteries, usually located below the front seat of the vehicle.

To begin your golf cart battery maintenance, take a close look at the batteries and see if there are any cracks or leaks. Check the posts and connections for corrosion. Make sure that all of the vent caps (if the battery has vent caps) are tight and not cracked. Look for any missing caps. Disconnect the battery posts from the battery cables.

Next, you should clean the battery terminals and cable ends with baking soda, water, and a stiff brush. Pour a little water onto the terminals, sprinkle some baking soda on top, let it sit for a few seconds, and the scrub. Make sure you rinse the battery top off completely. It is important that you not allow any debris to enter the cells of the battery.

Open the vent caps and check the level of the fluid inside the cells. If fluid is needed, add distilled water to the full level. Do not over-fill and do not use tap water. Tap water often contains minerals which will damage the cell plates and reduce the efficiency of the power source. Replace the vent caps and make sure they are on tight.

The next step in your golf cart battery maintenance is to reconnect the clamps to the terminals and make sure that you get a good, tight clamp between the two. Be careful when you do this as you may get shocked! Then apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly onto the connections. This will help prevent corrosion on the terminals.

Your golf cart battery maintenance should also include inspecting the box that the units sit in. You want to look for any corrosion, fluid pools, and paint that is chipping or flaking. All of these are signs of possible trouble and should be corrected as soon as possible. If your vehicle has tie down straps, inspect those as well and replace them as needed.