Electric golf carts are robust vehicles by nature. But if their battery malfunctions, it could result in a complete shutdown. The first step in fixing your cart is to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced.
Fortunately, identifying battery issues is a simple and useful task. You can find out how to inspect your golf cart for dead batteries in this article. We’ll also discuss how to extend and maximize the battery’s life so that it won’t run out anytime soon.
What Is A Golf Cart Battery?
A golf cart battery is a rechargeable battery used to power electric golf carts. These batteries are typically deep cycle batteries, which means they are designed to provide a steady amount of power over a long period of time, rather than a burst of power within a pretty brief time span.
Golf cart batteries are usually 6-volt or 8-volt batteries that are connected in a series to create a 36-volt or 48-volt system. They are an important component of an electric golf cart and require regular maintenance, such as proper charging and watering, to ensure they last as long as possible.
See Also: What Should My Golf Cart Battery Read When Fully Charged?
How To Check Your Golf Cart Battery
To check your golf cart battery, you can follow these brief steps:
Step #1
Make sure the golf cart is turned off and the key is removed from the ignition.Open the battery compartment.
Step #2
Check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion or damage.
Step #3
Track the voltage measurement of each battery with a voltmeter. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts.
Step #4
Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravity of each battery cell. This will give you an indication of the battery’s overall health.
Note –
If any of the batteries are showing signs of damage, corrosion, or a low voltage reading, then it may be time to replace them.
See Also: Does Tesla Produce Golf Carts?
Things To Look Out For When Checking Your Golf Cart Battery
When checking the battery on your golf cart, there are a few things you should look out for:
- Check the battery’s state of charge: The first thing you should do is check the battery’s state of charge to ensure it has enough power to run your golf cart. You can use a voltmeter or battery tester to check the battery’s voltage.
- Check for cracks or leaks: Look for any visible signs of cracks or leaks in the battery casing. Leaks can indicate that the battery is damaged and may need to be replaced.
- Check the battery terminals: Check the battery terminals to ensure they are clean and free of corrosion. Corrosion can prevent the battery from charging properly and can cause the golf cart to run poorly.
- Check the water level: Top-up with some distilled water to take up your battery to level experts recommend. This is applicable if your cart battery is a flooded lead-acid kind.
- Check the age of the battery: Finally, check the age of the battery. Golf cart batteries typically last between 3-5 years, so if your battery is older than that, it may be time to replace it.
Why You Should Check Your Golf Cart Battery Often
It’s important to check your golf cart battery often because the battery is the power source for your cart, and if it’s not functioning properly, you may not be able to drive your cart as far as you need to or even get stranded on the course.
Regular battery checks can help you identify any potential problems before they become more serious and expensive to fix. Additionally, checking your golf cart battery regularly can help extend its lifespan, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.
