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How To Tell If a Golf Cart Battery Is Bad

Golf cart batteries are essential components in running your golf cart efficiently. But how will you know when your battery is starting to show signs of failure? It is a difficult sign to tell when a golf cart battery is bad even just by looking at it. But knowing the signs of a malfunctioning battery will help you determine if your golf cart battery will need an upgrade, or if it needs maintenance. In this article, we will dive into how you can recognize when your golf cart battery is going bad and what kind of preventative steps you can take to save your golf cart battery from further damage. Additionally, we will provide tips on choosing the right replacement battery giving your golf cart the performance of perfection. Read more on how to identify and rectify any issues related to a failing golf cart battery!

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Inspecting the battery for signs of corrosion or bulging

One of the first things you will want to do to confirm if your golf cart battery is going bad is to give it a visual inspection. The battery in your golf cart is vital to its overall performance, so it is extremely important to keep it in mint condition. The first sign of inspection in your golf cart battery is by watching for its corrosion or bulging, both being critical signs of deeper problems.

Corrosion may occur when the battery in your golf cart’s acidic contents leak out and react with the metal components, causing bluish or greenish buildup on the contacts, resulting in weakened connections and preventing your golf cart battery from charging properly. A sign of bulging in your golf cart battery usually indicates that the battery has become damaged or severely overheated. By visually inspecting for corrosion or bulging on your golf cart battery on a regular basis, you will prevent any further issues to your golf cart before it becomes serious. 

Check the terminals and connections to ensure they are firmly attached

Although it may seem to be a small task, one of the biggest differences in the overall performance of your golf cart battery is checking the terminals and connections of the electrical devices. Loose terminals and connections may cause immense issues, such as intermittent power loss, poor signal strength, and even dangerous signs such as electrical arcing. That is why it is extremely important to take your time by inspecting and ensuring that everything is rigidly attached. This could involve tightening screws or plugs, repositioning wiring and replacing damaged components. By taking these additional steps, you will be relieved that your golf cart battery operates smoothly and safely, without any aggravating hiccups. 

Evaluating the Voltage of your Golf Cart’s Battery with a Voltmeter. 

Another way to ensure thar your golf cart battery is operating smoothly is by evaluating the voltage on a regular basis. By using a voltmeter, you will be able to measure the battery’s voltage with convenience and ease. This step is crucial for maintaining the battery’s optimal charge and confirming that your golf cart battery will last for a long time. So, when you connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals, you can determine whether the battery on your golf cart has been fully charged, partially charged, or in need of an added charge. With this added information, you can now take the necessary steps in maintaining your golf cart’s battery and extending its lifespan. In the long term, if you regularly assess your golf cart battery’s voltage, you will be able to keep your golf cart alive and run smoothly for more adventurous days out on the greens. 

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Looking For Physical Damage to the Battery.

While doing a careful visual inspection of your golf cart battery, examining the battery for any physical damage is another critical step in determining whether your golf cart battery is going bad. This will include any cracks or leaks that are currently present in your golf cart. A damaged battery in your golf cart will dramatically affect the overall performance and lifespan of the battery, resulting in a potential safety hazard. A recommendation that we have for you while checking your battery is to immediately address any newfound physical damage to the battery in your golf cart.

Taking this crucial and major step will guarantee the battery in your golf cart will last much longer and the overall safety of everyone out on the golf course. Additionally, you will always want to remember to manage the batteries with proper care and always find an opportunity to follow the guidelines in proper storage and disposal procedures, setting yourself up for success for a win on the first drive. 

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Measuring the Specific Gravity of Each Cell in Your Golf Cart Battery

Another crucial step we will recommend in determining whether your golf cart battery is going bad is to regularly measure the specific gravity of each cell in the battery. This will allow you to realize the state of charge and health of each cell, giving you insight into the overall performance of your golf cart battery. When you measure the specific gravity, you can identify if any cells could be underperforming or severely damaged. This step can assist you in addressing the potential issues before they become major problems, saving your time and your money overall. By getting the most out of your golf cart investment, take some time measuring the specific gravity of each cell in your golf cart battery, resulting in a safe and beautiful day out on the golf course. 

Concluding

To wrap it up, following these five steps will provide insight to determine whether your golf cart battery is going bad or not. When you follow these steps, you will be able to have more time out on the golf course, more money in your bank account, and most importantly, the overall performance and lifeline of your golf cart battery.

By inspecting the battery for corrosion or bulging, checking the terminals and connecting ensuring they are firmly attached, testing the voltage with a voltmeter, looking for physical damage and by measuring the specific gravity of each cell in your golf cart battery, you will have a much greater insight and understanding on how you can set your golf cart battery for success by telling the battery is as good as new.

And if your golf cart battery isn’t up to par after inspecting and testing, it will never hurt to replace it with an equivalent or better model. If you follow these amazingly simple steps at a regular pace for a few months’ time, you will confirm that your golf cart battery will continue to be working in mint condition. With just a little bit of maintenance and vigilance, you will be able to enjoy a more reliable and dependable golf cart transporting you to winning out on the golf course.