Hints to bring down the cost of golf cart batteries
If you're a keen golfer you know that the game can be quite expensive. You have to buy clubs, tees, balls, bags, shoes, towels, gloves, putters and pay for each round of golf or session at the driving range.
These are often between US$200 - 500 and depending on your cart, you may need several at a time. So if you can extend the life of your battery, you can use that money to buy a new driver or putter. Read on to find out how.
Charging the batteries properly. If you listen to the instructions on the batteries or on the manufacturer's website you can't really go wrong. It's just that most of us don't read instructions and prefer to learn life the hard way through trial and error. AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries, also referred to as 'deep cycle' batteries charge in a particular way and if you let them run empty before charging each time, this has a serious impact on their lifespan. If you invest in a solar powered trickle charger you can extend their longevity and of course put them on charge each night after you've used the cart.
Proper water levels in batteries. AGM batteries have water inside, like car batteries, and these levels must be properly maintained. If the water is too low, charge won't be generated nor conveyed properly and the result will be a poorly performing and possibly deteriorating battery. It's also prudent to use pure water to fill the battery, so if you don't have access to this at home, just get some bottled water at the supermarket (again to prevent corrosion).
Caring for your batter properly. Batteries aren't simple and AGM batteries certainly are not. Ensure the battery isn't dropped or bumped or smashed around when you're carrying it and of course drive safely and carefully and not over rough terrain at high speeds. The battery isn't the only component of your golf cart that will suffer if you drive recklessly! If your battery breaks down when you're half way around an 18 hole course, you will be upset that you didn't care for your battery the way you should have.
Clean your leads. The battery's leads are just as important as the battery, as without them the charge can't go from the battery to the engine. If the leads aren't in good condition, the battery can't do its job and this can easily be mistaken for a battery fault. Don't replace your batteries until you have inspected the leads (ask an electrician if they can do a test on the leads' conductivity).
Happy golfing!
These are often between US$200 - 500 and depending on your cart, you may need several at a time. So if you can extend the life of your battery, you can use that money to buy a new driver or putter. Read on to find out how.
Charging the batteries properly. If you listen to the instructions on the batteries or on the manufacturer's website you can't really go wrong. It's just that most of us don't read instructions and prefer to learn life the hard way through trial and error. AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries, also referred to as 'deep cycle' batteries charge in a particular way and if you let them run empty before charging each time, this has a serious impact on their lifespan. If you invest in a solar powered trickle charger you can extend their longevity and of course put them on charge each night after you've used the cart.
Proper water levels in batteries. AGM batteries have water inside, like car batteries, and these levels must be properly maintained. If the water is too low, charge won't be generated nor conveyed properly and the result will be a poorly performing and possibly deteriorating battery. It's also prudent to use pure water to fill the battery, so if you don't have access to this at home, just get some bottled water at the supermarket (again to prevent corrosion).
Caring for your batter properly. Batteries aren't simple and AGM batteries certainly are not. Ensure the battery isn't dropped or bumped or smashed around when you're carrying it and of course drive safely and carefully and not over rough terrain at high speeds. The battery isn't the only component of your golf cart that will suffer if you drive recklessly! If your battery breaks down when you're half way around an 18 hole course, you will be upset that you didn't care for your battery the way you should have.
Clean your leads. The battery's leads are just as important as the battery, as without them the charge can't go from the battery to the engine. If the leads aren't in good condition, the battery can't do its job and this can easily be mistaken for a battery fault. Don't replace your batteries until you have inspected the leads (ask an electrician if they can do a test on the leads' conductivity).
Happy golfing!
About the Author:
Learn about the cost of golf cart batteries and Trojan golf cart batteries at Jack Smith's website.