The way a golf cart battery is used can have a significant impact on the condition and lifespan of the battery. A short battery life could be the result of bad habits that detract from battery condition over time.
The following are six bad habits that can cause a golf cart battery to go bad quickly.
Letting a golf cart sit a long time without using it
You need to use a golf cart battery regularly to maintain a good charge. Electronic golf cart batteries can die quickly if they are not being used for long periods of time. That's why it's a good idea to use a golf cart battery periodically just to maintain its condition even if it isn't needed for transportation.
Neglecting to test a battery once in a while
Golf cart batteries can be tested to determine their condition and power. One of the best ways to test a golf cart battery is to use a hydrometer. Hydrometers can test individual battery cells and measure electrolyte density.
Neglecting to periodically add distilled water
Like many types of batteries, golf cart batteries need electrolytes and water in order to continue producing electricity reliably.
Use a watering gun on a golf cart battery periodically to ensure that an adequate amount of distilled water is added. Watering guns will ensure that adequate water is put in an electric golf cart battery without causing the water level to overflow.
Allowing dust and grime to build up
If dust and grime accumulate on a golf cart battery, it could be difficult to maintain a good connection with the battery that will ensure the supply of adequate power to the golf cart motor. That's why dust and grime need to be cleaned off of golf cart batteries to ensure a good connection.
Failing to charge your golf cart battery often enough
Ideally, a golf cart battery should be charged until it is full after each use. Charging these batteries infrequently can reduce their power capacity over time.
Allowing your golf cart battery to corrode
As with any type of battery, corrosion is a big problem with electronic golf cart batteries. It can be prevented through the use of anti-corrosion lubricants. Coating battery components such as the nuts, bolts, wire lugs, and terminals with anti-corrosion lubricants is important. The regular application of these lubricants can prevent corrosion and keep a golf cart battery in working condition for a long period of time.