Long term storage will negatively impact the batteries most of all. In this article, you will learn how to store golf cart batteries for summer.
These characteristics entail:
- Temperature Swings – If the temperature suddenly swings from very hot to surprisingly cool at any point throughout the summer, make sure to check your batteries.
- Structural Issues – If your battery has any structural damage that has to be left for whatever reason, you should inspect it more frequently to keep it strong and secure.
- Water Evaporation – Your battery’s water levels should remain stable for long periods of time. If you see that it evaporates quickly, you may want to check it more frequently.
- Discharge Rate – When your battery is sitting, how quickly does it run out of power? If your battery runs out frequently, you may need to check it more frequently.
- The Age of the Battery – If your array is a little older, you should check it more frequently because it is more prone to have issues.
After you’ve created a simple battery-checking plan, make sure you keep to it to avoid any problems.
How to store golf cart batteries for summer
The methods below will provide your cart the protection it requires to stay strong and avoid battery damage, which may cause you to purchase a new set of cart battery cells.
1. Make sure the battery is in good condition.
You should ensure that you check your battery on a frequent basis to ensure that it is as robust as possible. This phase is a little overkill and can drive you insane by requiring you to measure the power level of your battery, ensure that the water levels are balanced, and conduct other unnecessary tasks.
2. Maintain a fully charged battery
The procedures below should make charging your battery very simple for you, and they may be used on any cart model currently on the market:
- In your storage location, place your battery on a standard charger.
- Wait for the battery to charge completely – this could take many hours.
- Remove the battery and check to see if it is fully charged.
- In your storage space, place the battery on a trickle charger.
- Inspect the batteries on a regular basis to ensure that it is still in good working order.
3. Water Cells must be filled
The techniques below should help prevent your battery from this potential problem:
- Look down into the cells to view the water – there should be a line on the side of the cells indicating how much water you need to add to the battery.
- Measure the Water – Using the line indicated earlier, determine how much water needs to be added to the battery – the plates on the bottom of the battery should be completely covered with water at this point.
- Find the Best Water – Do not, we repeat DO NOT, drink tap water because it contains minerals and metals that might harm your cells. Instead, only use distilled water that has been adequately filtered.
- Fill the Cells — Pour water into the battery slowly and steadily, stopping when you reach the line on the side of the battery. If you add too much water, use a hose to remove it.
- Finish by closing the top of your battery and placing it in your storage area; have extra distilled water nearby in case you need to re-fill it during the summer storage time.
4. Investigate the Battery’s Structure
The following steps should take you no more than a few minutes to complete, and they include:
- Examine the battery compartment’s surface for any cracks or other signs of damage.
- Examine the terminals to ensure that they are clean and properly connected.
- After the battery has been sitting for a while, look for any leaks of water or acid.
- Spray some water on the surface and look for bubbling to check if there are any additional leaks.
- Wipe down the surface once again to remove any potentially harmful substances.
5. Ensure that the batteries are in good working order by cleaning them thoroughly.
The instructions below should be sufficient to assist you in this situation:
- Carefully remove the golf cart’s battery and place it in your storage location.
- Scrub the battery’s surface with a battery neutralizer (baking soda and water).
- Brush the stain and any other dirt off the battery’s surface with a toothbrush.
- Scrub the insides of the body panel walls to ensure there are no stains left.
- Wipe down the batteries with a dry rag to make sure it doesn’t get too damp.
6. Choose a Safe Storage Location for Your Batteries
It doesn’t matter where you go as long as you pick one that fulfills the following criteria as nearly as feasible for your battery’s requirements:
- Closed off in some way, such as a little closet in your house that’s just used for that.
- Find temperature and humidity control options for this room that are simple to use.
- Lack of sunshine – the sun will heat up the storage space, causing battery damage.
- Away from other people – store your batteries somewhere that no one else will think to look.
- Easy access to electricity — you’ll need to use a charger to keep your battery charged.
Frequently asked questions for how to store golf cart batteries for summer
When it comes to golf cart batteries, what is the best way to keep them?
The best place to keep any golf-cart batteries is in a cool, dry location. It should be cool, not cold, as in an open space exposed to the elements. The rate of discharge of the battery will be slowed by cool temperatures. You’ll want a slow discharge to keep the battery charged.
Is it necessary for me to have the golf cart connected all of the time?
Leaving the golf cart connected all of the time is not a good practice for your battery’s longevity. Experts recommend unplugging the golf cart battery after it’s fully charged if you’re an individual owner. A golf cart battery is similar to vehicle fuel in that it needs to be at peak performance all of the time.
Is it true that heat damages golf cart batteries?
Taking care of your battery, whether you have a gas or electric golf cart, is a very important thing you can do to extend the life of your cart. The summer heat can drain the water in your batteries faster than in the cooler months of the year, so keep an eye on the water level.
Should golf cart batteries be disconnected for storage?
It’s important to either detach the batteries from the golf cart while in storage to avoid any parasitic loads that could drain the batteries, or keep the charger plugged into the golf cart based on the type of charger you have.
Is it safe to leave my golf cart connected over the winter?
Manufacturers recommend that you leave the golf cart connected at all times if you’re utilizing an automatic charger. It will ensure that the batteries are fully charged and prepared to use. Batteries that have been left uncharged for several months can degrade and provide reduced capacity.
How often should you fill the golf cart batteries with water?
You should add water once your battery has been charged. After charging, add water to keep the acid from spilling. Water should be added up to 1/2 inch from the top of the battery. 2) We recommend that you have your car serviced once or twice a year.
Can I leave the golf cart connected for an extended period of time?
No, leaving the golf cart always connected is not a good idea. Despite the fact that automatic chargers are meant to prevent overcharging, there is still a chance that the circuit breaker will trip, causing harm to your battery’s cells.
How far can a 48V golf cart travel?
The maximum range would be 23.4 miles at 12 miles per hour.
Is it normal for golf cart wiring to become hot?
When you drive a golf cart, the wires become very hot. The resistance in the wires is to blame for this. For an extended period of time, they should not be excessively hot to touch. If they are, you should inspect your terminals to ensure they are clean and not generating excessive heat.
What’s the deal with my golf cart batteries being so hot?
What causes golf cart batteries to overheat? The main cause of the golf cart battery overheating is loose battery connections and filthy terminals. When a battery gets too hot during charging, it’s usually because the water level is low.
Is it normal for a golf cart battery to become warm while charging?
When a charger is in use, it is typical for it to become slightly warm and possibly heated. It’s possible that there’s even an odor. It all depends on how long the battery charger has been running and how hard it has to work.
In a golf cart, how long do Trojan batteries last?
This means that cheaper batteries impose more strain on electrical components, causing them to wear out more quickly. But, more importantly, they will only last 1-3 years, with the average being 2 years. A Trojan Battery, on the other hand, will last 7-9 years.
Is it possible to leave the golf cart connected for the night?
Never leave your battery on the charger overnight to avoid overcharging, and don’t drive the car until a battery dies. Charge the battery after each use instead.
Is it possible to overcharge golf cart batteries?
Batteries should be charged to full capacity as soon as possible. Avoid using batteries that are only partially charged. Their capacity will be reduced, and their lifespan will be shortened as a result.