The Importance of Safe Golf Cart Maintenance

Golf cart maintenance is important for your golf cart to run optimally, but there are some precautions that are necessary to keep you safe.

Working around golf carts requires some knowledge about electrical systems, sulfuric acid and hydrogen gases – all of which can cause some serious damage. Severe injuries can occur when safety precautions are not taken. Follow your golf cart manufacturers recommendations before starting any work on your golf cart. For golf carts that have a “Tow” selection, remember, “Put it in Tow and the cart won’t go.”

Did you know that the fluid in the battery cells contain sulfuric acid? It will and can burn your skin or eyes, destroy you clothes and any surface including your golf cart body. If you get any of the battery’s fluid on your skin or in eyes flush immediately with water and seek medical attention. Wear protective eye glasses, gloves, and protective clothing.

Keep wrenches, jewelry and other metal objects off the battery terminals. An arc can happen which will cause the battery to explode.Take off all jewelry including watches. Wear gloves and use insulated tools.

Explosive hydrogen gas is produced when batteries are being charged. Only charge batteries in well ventilated areas. Do not use any flame, cigarettes in the area. Keep sparks away. Ventilate when charging your golf cart or if you are using it in an enclosed place. Never smoke around lead acid batteries. Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced when charging lead acid batteries. These gases can be ignited by any spark or flame and cause a battery explosion.

Many new golf cart owners are unaware of the need to monitor the water/electrolyte levels of their lead acid batteries. When batteries become dry they can explode. Fill battery cells (aka water fill holes) with distilled water (not tap water) ¼ to ½ inch above the plates. With ¼ inch of water you’ll have to check your batteries more often, but at ½ inch you’ll likely have more acid accumulation on the tops of the batteries. Either level is acceptable; it’s really your call. Fill batteries only after fully charged.

Improper maintenance may lead to corrosion between battery terminals and wires connected to them. The corrosion may produce air gaps, which may cause sparks and thus the sparks may reach the battery terminal, and this will cause the battery to explode. If you find this, have a qualified technician look at it.