Mistake #1: Storing Batteries with Low Charge

Storing golf cart batteries with a low charge increases the risk of sulfation and accelerated self-discharge rates, which can diminish the battery's performance and cause permanent capacity loss resulting in an overall shorter lifespan.

To preserve battery health it's best to store batteries fully charged and pair them with a battery charger that has a float mode, which automatically adjusts the current to maintain a full charge without overcharging the battery.

Mistake #2: Failing to Clean the Battery Terminals and Connections

Battery terminals and connections play a crucial role in delivering the flow of electricity between the battery and the rest of the system. Naturally over time, dirt, grease, and acid residue can accumulate on these surfaces, leading to corrosion. This buildup can cause poor battery performance, increased self-discharge, and potentially damage the terminals.

Regular cleaning is essential to keep terminals free from debris and prevent premature battery failure. A simple baking soda and water solution can be used to clean the terminals, while a wire brush can be used to remove any corrosion. After cleaning, applying petroleum jelly or a terminal protector helps aid against future corrosion buildup.

Mistake #3: Storing Batteries in Extreme Temperatures

Batteries are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can severely impact their performance and lifespan. When left in extremely cold temperatures, lead-acid batteries can freeze, especially if their charge level is low. Excessive heat can cause water evaporation in lead-acid batteries, increasing the risk of sulfation and reducing their overall lifespan.

While lithium batteries do not freeze, cold temperatures can significantly reduce their performance, lowering capacity and slowing their internal chemical reactions down. In extreme heat, lithium batteries can face significant reduction in lifespan and possible cell damage. In severe cases, lithium batteries can experience thermal runaway, which is the result of excessive heat and can lead to combustion.

To maintain battery health, store your batteries in a cool, dry, and temperature-stable environment, such as an insulated garage, to protect them from extreme temperature changes.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Regular Maintenance Checks During Winter

Not performing regular maintenance checks on your golf cart batteries can leave you with many avoidable issues. By regularly checking on your batteries, you can stay on top of any sulfation or corrosion, frozen or damaged batteries, and ensure they are maintaining their charge and not degrading over time.

It’s best to set reminders to perform battery maintenance checks every month to every two months. If you have lead-acid batteries, it’s important to check on the water levels and top off any low battery cells with distilled water.

Mistake #5: Not Disconnecting or Improperly Disconnecting the Battery

Batteries naturally discharge on their own, however, if they’re not disconnected before storing your golf cart for the winter, the golf cart’s electrical system can slowly drain the battery even when it’s not in use. When left for the entire winter, this slow discharge from the cart can cause the battery to become deeply discharged, making it extremely difficult to recharge the following spring, and possibly lead to irreversible damage.

When disconnecting your battery, the negative terminal should be disconnected first, followed by the positive terminal to avoid any unintended discharge. If possible, remove the battery from the cart entirely and store in a temperature-stable environment.

Conclusion:

Cold weather can really put your batteries at risk for many avoidable issues and can leave you with a costly bill to fix them. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you are ensuring your batteries stay in optimal condition and are ready for use in the spring.

FSIP Electronics offers a variety of battery maintenance products to ensure your batteries avoid any damage this winter. Our battery watering and cleaning products help keep your lead-acid batteries properly watered and free from sulfuric acid, while our ChargePlus and TORO720 battery chargers begin charging as low as 2 volts and are compatible with lead-acid and lithium batteries.

Interested in FSIP’s battery maintenance products? Contact our expert team today at sales@fsip.biz or 800-333-1194!