Best Practices for Storing Your Golf Cart Battery During the Off-Season
With the close of the golf season, the carts will retreat to the garage until the next show time. This is where proper storage of the battery becomes crucial. Following proper storage practices is essential to extend battery life and maintain peak performance.
In this blog, we will discuss the best practices for storing your golf cart battery during the off-season so as to ensure that the cart is ready to go when the game season resumes.
Maintenance Practices
1. Clean the Battery Before Storage
Ensure to clean your golf cart battery thoroughly before putting it away. The accumulation of dirt, dust and corrosion can significantly weaken the performance and lifespan of the battery.
Here are some cleaning pro tips:
- First of all, disconnect the battery from the cart.
- If you notice any acid corrosion on terminals, use a mixture of water and baking soda to neutralize it.
- Most importantly, dry the battery thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
- Additionally, you can apply a thin coat of petroleum jetty to the terminals to resist corrosion.
2. Charge The Battery Fully Before Storing
Be sure to charge the battery fully before storing. If the battery is left partially charged for a long time period, it will lead to sulfation (in lead-acid batteries) and gradually lose its capacity. Similarly, overcharging can cause the battery to overheat, thereby damaging the cells. In the case of lithium-ion batteries, it is recommended to maintain a 50-70% charge if storing for several months.
3. Proper Storage
Extreme heat can cause battery degradation for all types, while extreme cold can freeze the lead-acid batteries in particular.
Make sure to store the battery in a well-ventilated space at an optimal temperature range (10-25°C), away from direct sunlight.
4. Disconnect the Battery
It is advised to disconnect the battery, if you are not planning to use the golf cart for an extended period.
Disconnecting the batteries have various advantages:
- It allows for the safe charging of the battery, giving away the need to move the cart.
- It also prevents the slow discharge from electrical components.
- In the case of lithium-ion batteries, it is better to store them separately in special packages as recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Use a Battery Maintainer
When left unused, batteries tend to naturally self-discharge over time. Use a smart battery maintainer that adjusts to the battery’s needs. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm the maintenance charging intervals.
It is best to avoid cheap or unregulated chargers that can potentially overcharge and damage the battery.
6. Schedule Inspection Even During The Storage Period
Battery storage doesn’t mean that you should leave it unchecked until the next golf match. Schedule a monthly check-up and ensure that the optimal charge level is maintained. Keep the terminals clean and the connections secure. Monthly inspection will help to detect the early signs of leakage, corrosion or swelling, thereby extending the longevity of the battery.
7. Stick To The Manufacturer Guidelines
The maintenance requirements for different types of batteries are different. Always refer to the specific storage guidelines of the kind of battery in use. This is essential to ensure that you comply with the warranty, thus enhancing the long-term performance of the battery.
Related Read: Tips to Improve Golf Cart Battery Life in UAE’s Extreme Temperatures
Conclusion
The battery is the heart of the golf cart. As the major golf season begins from October in the UAE, it is more than a necessity to maintain the batteries in good shape. At SBR Batteries we deliver premium- quality golf cart batteries across the UAE and GCC.
Our team of trained technicians are available 24/7, to provide expert solutions in selecting, maintaining and storing the battery. For further information, contact us today to choose the correct battery for your needs.
