Do you want to keep your golf cart batteries in tip-top shape? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Best golf cart batteries tend to be a great investment in terms of lifespan and better performance over the years. Luckily, there aren’t any secrets— all you need to do is properly maintain the golf cart batteries and prevent dirt, grime, or corrosion build-up that can significantly impact battery life and output.
Continue reading, as this comprehensive guide will teach you how to clean golf cart batteries like a pro. By the end of it, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to keep your batteries sparkling clean and ready to power your adventures. So, grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started on this battery-saving journey!
How To Clean Golf Cart Batteries: 7 Steps Guide
As everybody knows, golf carts are driven over golf courses, so they get dirty easily. And if you don’t clean it timely, the corrosion gets over on it, which affects the battery performance.
So, it is important to check all the batteries before you wish to drive the cart smoothly on the golf course.
Remember that golf carts are not powered by just one battery. Instead, they typically contain a power bank of six batteries connected together. This battery power bank provides the driving force for a golf cart.
But before cleaning your golf cart batteries, You should take safety precautions, as corrosion can cause eye and skin irritation. Below are some safety precautions you can take before cleaning golf cart batteries.
Safety Precautions
Before you start cleaning your golf cart batteries, taking some safety precautions is important, as battery acid is harmful. Safety equipment includes:
- Gloves
- Goggles for eye protection
- Plastic apron on top of your clothing
- Face shield
Ensure the golf cart is turned off, the keys are removed, and the battery charger is disconnected. Avoid wearing jewelry during cleaning because battery acid can damage it.
Here’s a step-by-step process you should follow while cleaning batteries.
Step 1: Make Your Place Ready
Getting your work area ready is an essential part of ensuring your safety and preventing any damage. As cart batteries emit hazardous fumes, it is better to clean them in an open area.
It is better to place batteries on top of stones or gravel, as they are less affected by acid leaks. Besides this, you should keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any unanticipated event.
Step 2: Prepare the Golf Cart
Make sure your golf cart is turned off before you begin golf cart battery maintenance. The batteries are located under the seat.
Make sure the batteries, which are located under the seat, are disconnected from the golf cart and that the battery vents are fully closed. Further, disconnect the charger.
If your golf cart contains any accessories or covers that affect the batteries, remove them properly. If your golf cart contains dirt or grime, I suggest you properly clean the golf cart first before you deal with the batteries.
Don’t start the cleaning process if you’ve just returned from a long drive. Wait for the batteries to cool down, then start cleaning.
Step 3: Make the cleaning solution
To prepare a cleaning solution, you will need baking soda, warm water, a toothbrush, a clean cloth, a battery terminal cleaner, safety glasses, and rubber gloves.
Add one tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water to make the cleaning solution (add more for a larger mix). The mixture shouldn’t be a thick paste or pure liquid— try to make it somewhere in between.
Step 4: Remove Excessive Dirt
To remove excess dirt, dip the soft brush into the baking soda mixture and scrub the batteries. You must pay special attention to specific areas, especially where corrosion builds up. You can even use a wire brush.
Use a damp paper towel to wipe away any corrosion on the corroded terminals before using a wire brush to remove any additional residue where hard corrosion builds up.
Step 5: Clean Battery Terminals
To clean the battery terminal:
- Pour the baking soda solution into all battery terminals.
- Leave it for five minutes; then, use moderate force to scrub battery terminals.
- Again pay attention while cleaning stubborn corrosion.
Step 6: Rinse The Solution
After scrubbing the batteries and terminals:
- Rinse them off with clean water.
- Make sure that the tap water pressure should set at a high volume, as it will help you clean all the baking soda. And then, use a wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion.
- Dry the batteries with a soft towel, and for further drying, leave it for two to three hours.
Step 7: Inspect & Protect
When all the batteries and terminals are dry, you need to inspect them individually. Check for scratches or cracks that occurred during the cleaning of batteries.
If you want batteries and terminals to run for a long time, you can use a battery terminal protector spray as well. It will help you decrease corrosion in the long run and keep your batteries operating efficiently.
Last but not least, check the clean golf cart batteries’ water level in your batteries. To maintain your battery’s optimal performance, check its water level twice a month and utilize distilled water instead of regular water.
Learn more about how to maintain golf cart batteries here.
How To Clean Battery Terminals Without Baking Soda?
Several options exist for cleaning battery terminals without baking soda, but vinegar is the most practical. As vinegar has fewer negative effects than baking soda, it can be an effective cleaner for electric golf cart batteries.
If you want to clean battery terminals using vinegar, make sure you follow these steps carefully.
- Deactivate the device and remove the battery.
- Mix the cleaning solution well.
- Submerge the toothbrush in the cleaning agent.
- Clean the battery terminals.
- Use a rag to clean up.
- Reattach the battery and switch on the device.
You can use the vinegar solution to remove corrosion as well. Learn more about how to clean battery terminals without baking soda here.
What Happens If Golf Cart Batteries Get Wet?
Golf cart batteries are often designed to withstand moisture and splashes of water. But if the batteries get wet fully, it can cause several problems that can affect battery performance and lessen lifespan.
Here are the possible consequences that clean golf cart batteries occur when golf cart batteries get wet.
- When water and other liquid get into the battery, it reduces its capacity to connect longer with the charger.
- Exposure to moisturizer can cause corrosion on terminals and other metal things. Plus, corrosion leads to a loose connection between the battery and charger or battery failure.
- If water and other liquid enter the battery house, it can also lead to short circuits that affect battery performance.
So, it’s necessary to stop when you watch rainy weather and use a golf cart when the rain stops.
Conclusion
The batteries on golf carts need to be maintained, especially after they build up with dirt and corrosion. Cleaning a clean golf cart battery is a simple, easy process that should be done on a regular basis. It only takes thirty minutes to clean out. Be sure to follow the above steps when cleaning your golf cart battery.
