Golf carts are convenient vehicles for navigating courses and communities, powered by batteries that require careful maintenance. One common question among golf cart owners is whether it’s advisable to leave the cart plugged in when it’s not in use.
The Golf Academy LA today will delve into the considerations, benefits, and potential drawbacks to answer your wonder should you leave golf cart plugged in when not in use.
Should You Leave Golf Cart Plugged In When Not In Use?
The answer depends on several factors:
Battery Type and Charger
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Leaving these batteries plugged in can lead to overcharging, which can reduce battery life. It’s crucial to use a charger with an automatic shut-off feature or a float mode to prevent overcharging.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: These batteries are less susceptible to damage from overcharging. They can often remain plugged in without significant negative effects, but it’s still advisable to follow manufacturer recommendations.
Another factor to consider is the battery’s capacity. Check out another article to understand how long do golf cart batteries last on one charge can help you determine the optimal charging frequency.
Frequency of Use
- Daily Use: If you use your golf cart daily or regularly, it’s generally safe to leave it plugged in when not in use, especially if you have a modern charger with built-in safeguards.
- Infrequent Use: For carts used infrequently, such as seasonal or occasional use, it’s better to unplug the charger once the batteries are fully charged to prevent potential damage from overcharging.
Benefits of Leaving Golf Cart Plugged In
Maintaining a golf cart can be simple and hassle-free if you follow some key practices. One such practice is keeping your golf cart plugged in when not in use. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
Convenience
Leaving your golf cart plugged in ensures it’s always ready to use without needing to wait for a full charge.
Battery Health
Modern chargers have features like float mode or automatic shut-off, which help maintain battery health by preventing overcharging.
Temperature Management
Some chargers also include temperature compensation features, which adjust the charging rate based on ambient temperatures to optimize battery performance and lifespan.
Drawbacks of Leaving Golf Cart Plugged In
While it might seem convenient to keep your golf cart perpetually plugged in, there are some notable drawbacks to consider. Over time, this practice can negatively impact your golf cart’s battery life and overall performance.
Reduced Battery Lifespan
Constantly charging your golf cart batteries can accelerate their degradation. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles, and keeping them topped off all the time essentially wastes these cycles. This leads to a shorter overall lifespan, meaning you’ll need to replace your batteries sooner than expected.
Increased Risk of Overcharging
Even with modern “smart” chargers, leaving your golf cart plugged in for extended periods can increase the risk of overcharging. This can cause the battery to overheat, potentially leading to damage or even a safety hazard.
Water Loss and Sulfation (Lead-Acid Batteries)
If your golf cart has lead-acid batteries, leaving it plugged in continuously can lead to water loss through evaporation. This can damage the battery’s internal structure and reduce its capacity. Additionally, lead-acid batteries are prone to sulfation when left in a discharged state, which can also shorten their lifespan.
Energy Waste and Increased Electricity Bills
While the cost might seem negligible, leaving your golf cart plugged in all the time does consume electricity unnecessarily. This can contribute to higher energy bills and is not environmentally friendly.
Best Practices for Golf Cart Battery Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and performance of your golf cart batteries, consider the following best practices:
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
You should keep your battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid residue, then apply a thin coat of battery terminal protector spray. One more thing is inspect your battery cables for any signs of damage or fraying. Replace any damaged cables immediately. And lastly, check the water levels in your lead-acid batteries (if applicable) and top them off with distilled water as needed.
Proper Charging Habits
- Charge your golf cart batteries after each use, even if you’ve only driven a short distance.
- Avoid overcharging your batteries, as this can reduce their lifespan and potentially cause damage. Use a smart charger that automatically shuts off when the battery is fully charged.
- Don’t let your batteries sit in a discharged state for extended periods. This can lead to sulfation (in lead-acid batteries) and reduced capacity.
Temperature Management
Store and charge your golf cart in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan. If you live in a cold climate, consider using a battery blanket or heater to keep your batteries warm during the winter months.
Professional Maintenance
Have your golf cart batteries professionally serviced at least once a year. A technician can check for any potential issues and perform maintenance tasks like equalization (for lead-acid batteries).
Additionally, consider upgrading to lithium batteries. While more expensive upfront, they offer longer lifespans, faster charging times, and require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries.
To understand the best charging practices for your electric golf cart, it’s important to understand how to properly charge it. Check out our comprehensive guide on How to Charge an Electric Golf Cart, which covers everything from choosing the right charger to optimizing your charging routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, should you leave golf cart plugged in when not in use depends on the type of batteries you have and the charger you use. For lead-acid batteries, it’s generally advisable to unplug the charger once the batteries are fully charged to avoid overcharging. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries can often remain plugged in without significant negative effects, but it’s still wise to follow manufacturer guidelines.