As winter approaches, it’s vital to ensure your golf cart’s battery stays in top condition. Cold weather can greatly affect a battery’s performance and lifespan. This guide covers how cold temperatures impact golf cart batteries and offers key maintenance advice to keep your vehicle running efficiently during the colder months.
Battling Self-Discharge in Cold Weather
Golf carts typically use deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, which can self-discharge when not in use. A common misconception is that leaving the charger plugged in will maintain the battery’s charge throughout winter. However, chargers usually do not restart automatically when the battery begins to self-discharge.
Actionable Tip: To prevent battery degradation, recharge your golf cart’s batteries every 30 days by unplugging and replugging the charger. This initiates a new charging cycle, ensuring the battery is ready for use when the weather warms up.
The Value of Battery Service and Testing
For golf carts in long-term winter storage, it’s wise to arrange a professional service and discharge test. This helps assess the battery’s health and performance, identifying any potential issues early.
Expert Recommendation: Reach out to our service team to arrange a comprehensive discharge test. This ensures your batteries are in the best possible condition for optimal performance.
Temperature’s Effect on Battery Performance
Temperature changes can significantly influence a battery’s efficiency. Cold temperatures increase internal resistance, which leads to a reduction in battery capacity and slower charging and discharging rates. For every 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit drop below 80°F, the battery’s capacity can decrease by about 10%.
Key Insight: A lower battery capacity means shorter run times and less power, which can affect your golf cart’s responsiveness and efficiency during winter.
Battery Lifespan and Maintenance
Golf cart batteries generally have a lifespan of 4-5 years. Using batteries beyond this period can lead to sudden stops and potential damage to the cart’s controller and motor.
Critical Reminder: Regular inspections and timely replacements are crucial to prevent unexpected breakdowns and to maintain peak performance.
Take Action: Schedule Your Battery Inspection Today
To keep your golf cart reliable throughout winter and beyond, schedule a battery inspection and maintenance service with our expert team. Don’t wait for performance issues to occur—proactive maintenance ensures you can enjoy worry-free rides in any season.
Contact us now to book your appointment and protect your golf cart from the challenges of cold weather.
