If your golf cart has been in storage for a while, the battery may have lost its charge. A battery that is not properly charged or tested can lead to unexpected downtime during your golf game. Therefore, it’s essential to check the condition of your golf cart battery after storage. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to test a golf cart battery after storage.
Why Might a Battery Not Work After Storage?
A golf cart battery may not work properly after being in storage for a while due to several reasons. One of the main reasons is that the battery may have lost its charge over time. When a battery is not in use, it can self-discharge, which means that its energy slowly drains away. If the battery has been in storage for an extended period, such as several months or more, it’s likely that the battery has lost most of its charge.
Another reason why a golf cart battery may not work after storage is due to the formation of sulfation. Sulfation occurs when lead-acid batteries are not fully charged, and the lead sulfate that forms on the battery’s plates can harden and become difficult to remove.
Corrosion is another factor that can cause a golf cart battery to fail after storage. When a battery is not in use, it’s vulnerable to corrosion, which can occur on the battery’s terminals and other parts. Corrosion can prevent the battery from charging or discharging properly, and it can also be a safety hazard.
Lastly, if a battery has been in storage for an extended period, it’s possible that its internal components may have deteriorated due to age. The battery may have suffered damage from extreme temperatures or exposure to moisture, which can affect its performance and lifespan.
Step 1: Inspect the Battery
Before testing your battery, you need to inspect it for any visible damage or signs of corrosion. A battery that has been sitting unused for a while may have developed corrosion on the terminals or other parts of the battery.
To inspect your battery, remove it from the golf cart and examine it carefully. Check for any signs of damage or cracks on the battery case, as well as any leakage from the battery. If you notice any visible damage or signs of corrosion, you should not attempt to test the battery yourself. Instead, you should contact a professional like J’s Golf Carts to inspect and replace the battery if necessary.
Step 2: Charge the Battery
After inspecting the battery, the next step is to charge it. A fully charged battery is essential for accurate testing. You can use a battery charger to charge your golf cart battery or plug the golf cart into a charging station. Make sure that the charging station is compatible with your golf cart and battery.
When charging your battery, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Overcharging the battery can lead to damage or even a fire, while undercharging can result in a battery that is not fully functional. To avoid any problems, charge your battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Rest the Battery
Once your battery is fully charged, let it rest for about an hour or two. This allows the voltage to stabilize, which is essential for an accurate reading. A battery may show a false reading if tested immediately after charging.
Step 4: Check the Voltage
After waiting an hour or two, use a digital voltmeter to test the voltage of your golf cart battery. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the reading is below 12.4 volts, the battery may be partially discharged – meaning it is not fully charged.
If the battery is reading above 12.4 volts, it’s time to move on to the next step, which is load testing.
Step 5: Load Test
Load testing is a critical step in determining the overall health of your golf cart battery. It involves putting a load on the battery and measuring the voltage drop. A healthy battery should maintain its voltage under load, while a weak or faulty battery will show a significant voltage drop.
To load test your battery, you can use a battery load tester. Connect the tester to the battery terminals, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, press the load test button to apply a load to the battery. The voltage drop should be minimal, and the battery voltage should recover quickly after the load is removed. If the voltage drop is significant or the battery voltage does not recover quickly, the battery may need to be replaced.
Contact J’s Golf Carts Today
Testing your golf cart battery after storage is essential to ensure that it’s in good working condition. Inspecting the battery, charging it properly, testing its voltage, and performing a load test can help you identify any issues and prevent unexpected downtime when you want to use your cart.
If you’re not comfortable testing your golf cart battery yourself or if you notice any damage or signs of corrosion during inspection, it’s always best to contact a professional for assistance. J’s Golf Carts in Holly Springs, North Carolina, is a trusted and experienced provider of golf cart services, including battery testing and replacement.
At J’s Golf Carts, their team of experts can help you inspect and test your golf cart battery to ensure it’s in good condition. They can also advise you on the best course of action if your battery needs replacement.
Contact us here at J’s Golf Carts in Holly Springs, North Carolina, today to schedule a battery inspection and testing. With their help, you can be sure that your golf cart battery is in good working condition, allowing you to focus on enjoying your cart.
CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT YOUR CART NEEDS
