Golf Cart Myths

Below are common fallacies about golf carts and the operation of golf cars.

Myth: Driving a golf cart will recharge a battery.

Fact: Some of the factors affecting a charger's ability to charge a battery are: how much current is diverted to the battery, how long the current is available and the temperature. Generally, idling the engine or on short stop-and-go trips during bad or hot weather or at night will not recharge a battery.



Myth: A golf cart battery cannot explode.

Fact: Recharging a wet lead-acid battery normally produces hydrogen and oxygen gasses. While spark preventing vent caps help prevent battery explosions, they have occurred rarely when jumping, connecting or disconnecting charger or battery cables, and starting the engine. Although generally not fatal, battery explosions can cause eye and burn injuries- so be just be cautious.



Myth: A battery will not lose its charge sitting in storage.

Fact: Depending on the type of battery, it has natural self-discharge or internal electrochemical leakage that will cause it to become sulfated and fully discharged over time. Higher temperatures accelerate this process. A battery stored at 95° F (35° C) will self discharge twice as fast than one at 75° F (23.9° C).

Myth: Maintenance free batteries never require maintenance.

Fact: In hot climates, water in the electrolyte is decomposed due to the high temperatures and normal charging of a wet maintenance free battery. Water can also be lost due to excessive charging voltage or charging currents. Non-sealed batteries are recommended in hot climates so they can be refilled with distilled water when this occurs.



Myth: Batteries last longer in hot climates than in cold ones.

Fact: Batteries last approximately two thirds as long in hot climates as cold ones. Heat destroys batteries, especially sealed wet lead acid batteries.



Myth: Deep cycle batteries have a memory.

Fact: Lead acid deep cycle batteries do not have the so-called memory effect that first generation Ni-Cad batteries have.



Myth: "Lightning never strikes twice."

Fact: This is not true. Lightning can strike any place during bad weather. Golf Carts do not provide protection from lightning; seek proper shelter.

Myth: The engine should be warmed up before driving.

Fact: Idling is not an effective way to warm up your cart, even in cold weather. The best way to do this is to drive the vehicle.



Myth: Idling is good for the engine.

Fact: Excessive idling can damage the engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs and exhaust systems.



Myth: Shutting off and restarting your vehicle is hard on the engine and uses more gas than if you leave it running.

Fact: Frequent restarting has little impact on engine components like the battery and the starter motor. Over ten seconds of idling uses more gas than restarting the engine.



Myth: Oil brands can't be switched.

Fact: You can change the brand oil used any time; only remember to use the same high quality level recommended by the engine manufacturer.

Myth: Motor oil brands can't be mixed.

Fact: No serious problems occur if you add a different brand of equivalent quality between oil changes to maintain the proper oil level. However, mixing brands is not a good practice because the additive systems in each may be different and when mixed may not function as efficiently as desired.



Myth: The oil change intervals recommended by the manufacturers can be safely extended.

Fact: Driving creates very severe conditions for the engine oil and makes the engines demand more oil. It is not advisable to exceed OEM engine oil drain interval recommendations.



Myth: The higher the octane, the slower the burn.

Fact: In many cases, high-octane gasoline has faster burning characteristics than low octane gasoline. It is rarely slower.

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