You must store your golf cart properly during the off-season to maintain its longevity and performance. One essential step is disconnecting your batteries before storing them. While this is a simple step to take, many do not and suffer the consequences. Knowing how to disconnect golf cart batteries for storage can leave you with many advantages. If you want to ensure your golf cart is ready to hit the ground running next season, follow our guide on disconnecting your golf cart batteries safely and efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Disconnect Golf Cart Batteries for Storage
1. Remove the Battery Cover
Locate the battery and remove the cover to access the battery terminals. The battery cover is meant to protect the terminals and the wiring. It must be removed to locate positive and negative terminals.
2. Disconnect the Negative Terminal
ALWAYS start with the negative terminal. You should see a black cable and a red cable. The negative terminal is identified with the black cable. The reason you start with the black cable is to avoid short circuits. You minimize the risk of electrical sparks and damage to the battery by disconnecting the negative terminal first.
3. Disconnect the Positive Terminal
Next, locate the red wire to identify the positive terminal. Be cautious when handling the positive terminal and wiring. Make sure it does not come into contact with metal surfaces as this could cause a short circuit.
4. Store the Cart Properly
After you have disconnected the battery correctly, store your golf cart in a dry cool, place. A garage or a shed is optimal. The goal is to protect the golf cart from moisture and environmental damage. Whichever storage area you find, ensure there is proper ventilation and no potential hazards. Think of things shifting over time, avoid hanging things above or around the golf cart and especially the batteries.
Golf Cart Seasons Approaching
- Reattach the terminals
After the winter weather fades and its time to use the golf cart again, reattach the terminals one at a time. First, attach and secure the positive terminal, then the negative terminal. Doing so in this order prevents accidental short circuits during reconnection.
2. Put the Cover Back On
After you have triple checked the terminal connections and secured them properly, replace the battery covers. Take extra time to ensure the cover is secure so you can protect the battery and its connection points.
3. Charge the Battery
Before using the golf cart, charge the battery to full. It is critical to the battery’s health, especially if you are not using a battery tender while not in use.
Additional Tips for Storing Golf Cart Batteries
Safety First: Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling batteries to protect yourself. When dealing with lead-acid batteries you could encounter acid, and all batteries have a chance to injure you with an electrical shock.
Inspect for Corrosion: Look at each battery terminal and connection point for corrosion. Clean any corrosion with baking soda mixed with water. Use a wire brush and scrub until clean. Dry and replace all components.
Avoid Terminal Contact: DO NOT touch both terminals at the same time, either with a tool or your hands. This will likely cause a short circuit.
Why Proper Battery Storage is Important
Disconnecting and storing your golf cart batteries properly is your best bet for extending their lifespan. Batteries left connected can discharge over time, leading to damage and the need for costly replacements. To keep you golf cart in tip-top condition, follow these steps on how to disconnect golf cart batteries for storage.
Conclusion
Knowing how to disconnect golf cart batteries for storage is vital skill for any golf cart owner. Not only can you make sure your golf cart stays in good working condition, but you can avoid unnecessary expenses. By following the detailed steps provided, you can safely and efficiently store your golf cart batteries. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy golfing!
Hopefully this helps you disconnect your golf cart batteries for storage this winter so you can save big on golf cart batteries. Let us know if we can help further. Also – check out Hartville Outdoor Products Garages should you need a prefab garage building for your golf cart.
