From game-day runs and off-road vacations to farm and warehouse errands, you could use a golf cart for various reasons. It’s even better when it’s a less expensive, quieter, and more environmentally-conscious electrical cart. But if you want the vehicle to run without problems, start your electric golf cart maintenance as soon as the New Year sets in. Here’s how to care for your golf car in 2023 and beyond.
Charge Your Batteries
Draining your battery could affect its capacity or destroy it altogether. An empty battery is also an inconvenience when you’re in a hurry to leave. Remember, charging the vehicle isn’t enough. You need to do it correctly to avoid smoke and fires. Observe the following precautions to preserve your battery and avoid accidents:
- Don’t smoke near a charging battery
- Ensure the charging area is well-ventilated
- Don’t leave your charging vehicle unattended
- Follow your manufacturer’s instructions
- Use the right charger
Clean & Water Your Battery
A clean battery is likely to last longer and perform better than a corroded one. If you see grime around the terminals, you can scrub it off with some battery cleaner or water and baking soda. A toothbrush also comes in handy to remove built-up dirt. Don’t forget to rinse—and air-dry the battery and spray terminal protector to keep away corrosion. When it comes to watering, only use distilled fluid that is free from minerals.
Otherwise, the impurities in tap water could accumulate on your plates and shorten run times and battery life. At the same time, underwatering the battery might cause sulfation, while overwatering it could dilute the electrolyte.
Inspect Your Brakes
It’s easy to overlook your brakes, considering the golf cart’s mechanical simplicity and low speeds. However, brakes are just as important as other components during electric golf cart maintenance. Whether you drive around campus, in your neighborhood, or off-road, you cannot compromise on functional brakes.
Besides replacing worn-out units, you need to adjust and clean your brakes. Note that braking goes beyond the brakes–you should also check tire pressure and lubricate moving parts. Similarly, address issues such as squealing and locking as soon as they occur.
Professional Electric Golf Cart Maintenance
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to take your vehicle to a professional. You may dedicate yourself to the golf cart, but certain things could still go unnoticed. Do you have any questions about electric golf cart maintenance? We are your one-stop shop for all your golf cart needs. Reach out to learn more!