When your golf cart starts acting a little differently, you cannot ignore it, as these minor signs can indicate problems inside the cart.
Just as a car engine needs oil, a golf cart battery needs care and timely servicing to stay powerful.
The following points outline the signs indicating it’s time to service the golf cart battery.
1. Slow Acceleration
One of the earliest signs that your battery is struggling is slow acceleration. If your golf cart doesn’t respond quickly when you press the pedal, it is likely due to a weak battery. Over time, the battery cells lose their ability to hold a charge, meaning the battery is fully charged but not storing enough power.
Call out the technician who tests the voltage levels. Sometimes, proper cleaning and adjusting the water level can fix the issue. If the cells get weak, replacement is the only option.
2. Reduced Runtime
It is the clearest sign that your battery’s efficiency has dropped. Golf cart batteries naturally lose capacity with each charge cycle.
But if this problem has suddenly started, maybe one or two cells have gone bad. Keep track of how long your cart runs after a full charge. A sharp decline indicates it is time to service the golf cart battery.
3. Longer Charging Time
Another significant sign is the charging duration. Suppose your golf cart takes a long time to reach full charge; it is not a typical sign. Sulfated battery plates or internal corrosion cause it. This corrosion stops the flow of current, hindering battery charging.
Use a professional charger and have the battery tested by professionals in golf cart battery servicing. Sometimes equalising can restore the battery health.
4. Dim headlights and a Weak Horn
The dim lights and a weak horn are clear indicators that your battery’s voltage output is inconsistent. When you turn on the headlights, they dim, indicating the battery is not handling the proper load.
It happens due to corroded terminals, loose battery cables, and internal voltage drop. Take the regular servicing, which includes terminal cleaning, tightening, and anti-corrosion coating, to double the battery’s life.
5. Strange Smell or Leakage
If you smell something like rotten eggs or see a drop near the battery, it is a clear sign to stop using your cart immediately. That smell is sulfur gas, indicating overcharging or internal damage.
The leakage releases the acid that is not only dangerous for you but also damages the wiring. In this case, do not touch the liquid directly, disconnect the charger, and call an expert to inspect it. Ignoring this sign can permanently damage your golf cart’s electrical system.
6. Corrosion on Terminals
The greenish powder on your battery terminals is a sign of corrosion buildup. When acid fumes escape during charging, they react with the metal, causing corrosion. This corrosion stops the flow of battery current, resulting in power loss.
During servicing, the experts clean the terminals with a baking soda and water mixture. These experts also apply the petroleum jelly to stop further corrosion.
Final Thoughts
A golf cart battery is not the power source. Ignoring the minor signs like slow speed, dim lights, and long charging time can cause significant problems, so schedule a quick golf cart battery service. It is not an expense, but it is essential for performance, safety, and reliability.