Make a note in your planner or set an alarm on your phone to remind you about every three weeks to check on the batteries, even when you're not using the golf cart or ATV itself. Golf cart batteries need to be recharged at a minimum of about every 30 days, or as needed.
How to maintain your golf cart?
The best ways are:
- Keep batteries charged regularly and cleaned.
- Keep tires filled.
- Always look out for oil leaks.
- Check out the brakes and make sure they are well-maintained.
- Have the cart serviced regularly.
- Get any issues or suspected problems checked out by a professional.
How to repair a golf cart?
Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following:
- You may notice the battery power and range decreasing over time. ...
- A “Shutter” feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake rapidly. ...
- On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the speed controller not engaging, a faulty maintenance switch, or when ...
How to care for your golf cart?
Other Things To Do Before Long-Term Storage
- Do not engage the parking brake, but do secure the car from rolling.
- Check compartments and remove perishables, as well as all belongings if not stored in a secure location.
- Check tire pressure and re-inflate tires, if necessary.
- Clean flooring and upholstery.
- Remove keys and store them in a safe and memorable location.
How to jumpstart a golf cart?
How to Start a Golf Cart
- Check for flat tires before you begin operating the vehicle. ...
- Decide if you want the vehicle to move forward or backward and switch the driver select lever accordingly.
- Put on the seatbelt. ...
- Golf carts, like most vehicles, are operated using a key. ...
- If you notice that the vehicle’s engine is cold, engage the choke knob by pulling it out. ...
Should you leave golf cart plugged in when not in use?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Should golf cart batteries be charged after every use?
Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.
How long will golf cart batteries last when not in use?
They may last anywhere from months, up to 5-7 years under the right circumstances. But when left idly in high temperatures for long periods of time (such as in a hot garage in the summertime) or when left unused for months, it can really take a toll of the lifespan.
Should I disconnect golf cart batteries for storage?
It's important to either disconnect the batter- ies from the golf cart while in storage, to re- move any parasitic loads which can discharge the batteries, or based on the type of charger you have, keep the charger plugged into the golf cart.
How often should you fill golf cart batteries with water?
about once every 30 daysAlways fill the batteries after charging. The typical schedule is about once every 30 days, but this may vary by several days depending on your specific situation. When filling the batteries, add just enough water to bring it 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch shy of the indicator ring to prevent overfilling.
How often should I charge my batteries in my golf cart?
4) To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. Always remember to do a refresh charge every 45 to 60 days, and even more frequently in hotter climates.
How do you maintain electric golf cart batteries?
Golf Cart Battery Maintenance1) Keep the top of each golf cart battery dry, clean and tight. ... 2) Charge for 8 to 10 hours with the proper golf cart battery charger. ... 3) Fill all golf cart battery cells ONLY AFTER charging, and do not over fill. ... 4) Use golf cart batteries often.More items...
How long does a golf cart hold its charge?
Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery.
How can I extend the battery life of my golf cart?
Although golf cart batteries are designed to be deeply discharged and re-charged the battery life is improved if they are charged at about 50% discharge. Keep your golf cart battery in the top 50% of charge so that it takes less time to re-charge it.
How do I prepare my golf cart for storage?
7 Tips for Long-Term Golf Cart StorageStep 1: Fully Charge the Battery. The typical golf cart is run by a 6-volt battery. ... Step 2: Disconnect the Battery. ... Step 3: Refill Water Level. ... Step 4: Secure the Cart. ... Step 5: Take Care of The Tires. ... Step 6: Make Sure it's Clean. ... Step 7: Store it in a Secure Place.
Should I take the batteries out of my golf cart for the winter?
Simple, regular maintenance of your 6 volt golf car batteries during the off-season ensures that your car is ready to run when the time comes, but neglecting to care for them will leave you with a car that can't make it out of the garage, let alone 18 holes.
Can you leave an electric golf cart outside in the winter?
Golf carts can be stored outside for shorter and even longer periods. But one thing comes under consideration while keeping them outside and without any protection, i.e., they can quickly wear out. Golf carts left outside for weeks can cause severe exterior and surface damage and even sometimes become immovable.
How to keep a golf cart clean?
Keeping a balanced look to it will increase both impressions and the cart’s overall life. Wash the tires, underneath the axis, and make sure to polish the windows every now and then. Clean the inside as well, such as the battery compartment – it is best advised that an air pressure is used to do this. Make sure not to leave water on the cart too long or it may result in shortages.
How to check if a golf cart needs a tune up?
Driving the golf cart with improper alignment may result in faulty consequences. To check this, put both hands on the steering wheel allowing both wheels to appear straight. Put the golf cart in park and step outside the vehicle. If you notice a slight a slight alignment with the wheels, you might be in need of a tune-up. You may also notice this mishap when driving straight and suddenly feel your cart veering in a certain direction.
How to check battery gauges?
When charging a cart, you may find the charging meter sometimes resets itself to full after being plugged in for short periods of time; this may be a red flag for misreadings. The only manual way to check the gauges is to put an extreme load on the cart, then drive the cart quite a distance to see if the meter depletes. Battery load testers are another great option to test gauge activity. They provide you an exact reading, alerting you of any problems your battery may be having.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
New batteries range anywhere from $400 to a whopping $1,200, causing any sound-person to take good care of their batteries. They’re supposed to last five years, but with abusive methods, the average person has to buy a new golf cart battery every two years.
How does a voltmeter work on a golf cart?
A voltmeter works by moving a pointer across a scale in proportion to the voltage of the circuit; in other words, it detects the amount of electricity flow from the ignition to the engine. Weak flow equals weak start-up. Over time, this will ruin your battery. This is the most important component in regards to the gas powered golf cart and should be routinely checked every two months.
What does it mean when your golf cart lights are not working?
Check your turn signals, brake lights, and headlights; if all your lights are not working, usually it is a 12-volt fuse that has gone out, which can be simply replaced.
What is solenoid in golf cart?
The solenoid is a wire acting as a magnet when carrying an electric current and is primarily found in gas powered golf carts rather than electric. This ignition is key – literally – for starting your engine.
What to do if you have a problem with your golf cart?
If, at any point, you’re driving a golf cart and there seems to be a problem with it, put it in your garage immediately and stop using it.
Why is it important to maintain a golf cart?
Why Golf Cart Maintenance Is So Important. When appropriately maintained, golf carts won’t need replacing for a long time. You can get more life out of your golf carts by making golf cart maintenance a part of your regular operation.
How to reduce the strain on a golf cart?
As part of your golf cart maintenance, check to see how much weight golf carts can hold and avoid loading them up with too much stuff. Lessening the load will reduce the strain you put on your golf carts’ various parts.
Why are golf carts so popular?
Golf carts make it simple to get from point A to point B quickly and easily. They’re also straightforward to maintain compared to other forms of transportation, which is a big reason why they’ve become just as popular off the golf course as they are on it.
How to clean golf cart batteries?
You shouldn’t have any corrosion or dirt coating the connections within your golf cart batteries. If you do, create a solution using water and baking soda and clean them. It’ll help you maintain proper connections within your batteries so that they charge correctly.
Why is my golf cart leaking oil?
Have you noticed that your golf cart appears to be leaking oil? It could be the rear differential giving you problems.
How to keep employees safe on golf carts?
Make sure your employees load items up on golf carts properly as well. Securing the load will keep your employees safe while protecting your golf carts at the same time.
Why is my golf cart battery corroded?
As your golf cart batteries charge, they release gasses. These gasses can cause corrosion build up on the lead battery terminals. Cleaning the corrosion off of the battery terminals as soon as possible is important, leaving corrosion untreated can degrade the battery cables as well. Corrosion equals more electrical resistance and heat, which can lead to poor golf cart performance and electrical issues. Following tip #1 is the best way to reduce battery gassing during the charging process.
How fast can an electric golf cart go?
Many electric golf carts can reach speeds of 15-20mph or more. Having a braking system that functions properly is extremely important! Inspecting the brake shoes, cables, and parking brake mechanism annually is essential to keep you and your golf cart safe and able to stop effectively.
Is it hard to maintain an electric golf cart?
As you can see, maintaining your electric golf cart is not extremely hard or time consuming. Following these 10 easy golf cart maintenance tips will help you get the most life, performance, and enjoyment from your golf cart.
Can you do preventative maintenance on a golf cart?
Scheduling a preventative maintenance appointment at your convenience will help catch any issues while they are still small. This will save you time, money, and frustration in the future.
Can you kick tires with your foot?
No, we do not mean, kick the tires with your foot to make sure they aren’t flat. Once a month, the ACTUAL tire pressure should be checked with a tire pressure gauge and inflated to the recommended PSI as indicated on the sidewall of the tire. Properly inflated tires will give you the maximum tread life, proper steering and handling characteristics, and less rolling resistance (meaning less stress on your motor and batteries).
Do electric golf carts need maintenance?
Buying a new or used golf cart can be a major purchase. While electric golf carts don’t require a tremendous amount of maintenance, there are a few things that should be done on a regular basis. Following these 10 easy golf cart maintenance tips will insure that your golf cart performs at its best for many years to come!
How long does a golf cart last?
The rule of thumb is to charge for eight to ten hours, even if the cart was only used for a short time.
How often should you give a golf cart battery a shot?
Batteries do better when you are using them and then charging them after your round. You should at least give them a shot of juice every 45-60 days, and when it’s hot even more frequently. In extreme heat the cells can fail and then you’ve gained nothing but a bill for a new battery.
How to keep battery terminals clean?
For good battery hygiene, brush your battery terminals at least once a month with a solution of water and baking soda. This keeps corrosion at bay, but you’ll need to protect your eyes from the battery acid. That corrosion is toxic. While you’re at it, spray the cables with a non-corrosion product to keep rust and gunk off those critical connections. Do this and you power will be dry and clean, the way you want your swing.
How long do batteries last?
It helps also to check cable connections to make sure things are tight and to record the voltage. Batteries usually last about six years, but if your speed is diminishing and you’re finding your batteries dying quickly, you may need to bite the bullet and purchase new batteries.
Do batteries need water to go to the practice putting green?
Check the holes of each cell and make sure the water is at least ¼ inch above the plates. You’ll have to check more often at the ¼ inch level, but if you go to ½ inch you’ll get more acid accumulated on the battery tops. Let your battery go dry and you’re probably not going to get to the practice putting green. And, remember, only fill the cells after a full charge.
Do you need a refresher charger for a cart?
Overcharged batteries are almost as bad as undercharged batteries. Buy a good one and it will provide an automatic refresher charge when you cart is not being used but is still plugged in. That way it will be ready when you are. Most major cart manufacturers almost always have top-quality chargers.
How long can you leave a golf cart in the garage?
Parking your golf cart in a storage shed or garage and leaving it alone for up to three months will likely end with a golf cart that just won't start come spring.
What is the 'Run/Tow' switch on a golf car?
If your golf car is an electric RXV, make sure the 'Run/Tow' switch is set to the 'Run/Storage' position. Remember, if it's left in the 'Tow" position, it will continue to drain the batteries over time.
Do golf cart batteries self discharge?
Before leaving your golf cart, ensure that the battery is clean, fully charged, and has been disconnected from any source of electrical drain. Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don't disconnect your battery's wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart battery ...
Can you put away a golf cart in winter?
If you're the type to put away your golf cart or ATV for winter storage, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure that your battery stays in peak condition, even if you're not heading out on the course or into the woods during the colder months. We've spoken before about winterizing your ATV, but we haven't really taken a close look ...
Why won't my golf cart start?
Like any other electric vehicle, the batteries are mainly at the root of why your cart won't start. After all, they are the primary source of power for your electric golf cart. If your cart is not working, this is the first place to check. Generally, lead acid-based batteries are used for electric golf carts, and you must recharge them regularly so that they function correctly.
What is a direction switch on a golf cart?
The direction switch or forward/reverse switch controls whether the golf cart moves forward or backward. This switch is one of the most used parts in a golf cart, which means it will be subject to wear and tear. You'll find what the issue is if the switch is acting up. There is a big chance that it will need to be replaced. Again, it's best to choose a mechanic for repair.
What to do if your solenoid is bad?
Make sure to inspect it properly. If you find a damaged solenoid, the best thing is to take your cart to a garage. A mechanic can solve the issue and replace the solenoid if required.
Why are my ignition switches loose?
There might be issues with the wiring of the ignition switch. Due to wear and tear, wires may become loose and require replacement.
Can you fix a golf cart speed controller?
If you face issues with the speed controller, do not try to fix it yourself unless you can easily find and tighten the connection. It's best to take it to a specialist to diagnose the problem correctly.
Is an electric golf cart invincible?
Electric golf carts are convenient, durable, and efficient, but that doesn't make them invincible. Therefore, it is essential to understand that issues can arise in an electric golf cart. Do not panic if your golf cart doesn't start— chances are, it's going to be one of the following five most common reasons.