Here are some of the main things that can drain a gas golf cart battery:
- Parasitic Draw - Accessories wired directly to the battery like GPS or radios can slowly drain the battery if the cart is parked. A parasitic draw test can identify this.
- Bad Alternator - The engine's alternator recharges the battery while driving. If it fails, the battery may slowly drain from starting/running accessories.
- Cracked Battery Case - Damage allowing electrolyte leakage can cause self-discharge and drain the battery even when parked.
- Damaged Cells - Internal damage like shorted plates in one or more battery cells can provide a current draw draining the battery.
- Age and Sulfation - As batteries get older, sulfation buildup increases internal resistance causing faster discharge. Older batteries self-discharge quicker.
- Cold Temperatures - Low temperatures reduce battery capacity and ability to hold a charge. Storing in cold weather can accelerate drain.
- Infrequent Use - Batteries left sitting unused for extended periods will naturally self-discharge faster than those used regularly.
- Electrical Shorts - Faults in the wiring like bare wires touching can provide a path for battery drain when parked.
Routine inspections, testing for parasitic drains, monitoring charge levels, and replacing aging batteries can help avoid excessive draining of the battery in gas golf carts.
Post time: Feb-13-2024
