Here are 6 Tips to Making Your Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer.
- Always Use Distilled Water. Battery maintenance is best done in a well-ventilated area on a plain and level surface. ...
- Use a Proper Battery Charger. Attach the battery to a 3-phase charger, ensuring that the charger’s positive lead is attached to the battery’s red or positive pole and negative ...
- Trickle Charge the Battery. If you’re going to store your battery for a long time, use a trickle charger to keep charging it while it’s being stored.
- Prevent Corrosion. Corrosion of the battery’s connections and posts is a major factor in shortening its life. ...
- Pay More to Last More. Quality matters. Cheaper batteries have much shorter life spans compared to quality golf cart batteries that cost more.
- Use Anti-Corrosion Lubricants. The acid in a golf cart battery is one of the main agents for corroding its internal parts. ...
How to refurbish a golf cart battery step by step?
Step-by-Step Guide: Golf Cart Battery Reconditioning
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Apron
- Distilled water
- Epsom salt
- Bucket
- Baking soda
- Flathead screw
- Wrench
- Battery Reconditioning Chargers
How to recondition golf cart battery in 10 Easy Steps?
STEP 1 Before preparing your battery for reconditioning, you need to wear your protective gear: apron, gloves, mask, and goggles. Likewise, make a weak baking soda and water solution on the side to neutralize any sudden spills and splashes. STEP 2 You need to remove the corrosion in the battery terminal.
How do you refurbish golf cart batteries?
You will need:
- Battery charger
- Epsom salts
- Baking soda (and an old paintbrush)
- Distilled water (and a turkey baster)
How do you change batteries in a golf cart?
Steps to Determine the Voltage of a Golf Cart:
- Raise the seat of your golf cart upwards and find out where the battery compartment is located.
- Now that you have identified the location, check how many holes or cells there are on a battery. ...
- Now, multiply this number by 2 to get the golf cart battery voltage. ...
- Multiply the golf cart battery voltage by the total number of golf cart batteries. ...
How do you revive a dead golf cart battery?
Step 1: Tip the battery on its edge: Allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container. ... Step 2: Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water: Stir thoroughly. ... Step 3: Put the battery or batteries on a charger.
How do you charge a completely dead golf cart battery?
3:335:42How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on toMoreWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on to the next. One.
Does Epsom salt help golf cart batteries?
Mix 4 ounces of Epsom salts into a quart of warm distilled water and stir. Using a turkey baster fill each battery cell slightly over the lead plates. Do this for a cycle of 4 charges so the Epsom Salts remove the deposits on the battery plates.
Does aspirin help golf cart batteries?
Be warned that adding aspirin will shorten the battery life, as the aspirin will react with the sulfuric acid to form acetic acid. Good for a boost, but bad for the innards of the battery.
Can dead golf cart batteries be restored?
So being in a pinch a 12 volt battery charger will work to get some energy back into your dead golf cart batteries and revive them. The sole purpose here is to just get some energy back into the batteries so the golf cart battery charger itself can do the brunt of the charging and charge the batteries properly.
How do I know if my golf cart batteries are bad?
8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart BatteriesCharge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.
How do you revive a battery that won't charge?
First, you need to light a fire and let it burn down to hot ashes. Then remove the filler/vent caps from the top of the battery, take the battery off the car, and place it on the hot ash. Be careful and make you it doesn't catch fire. The hot ashes should warm the battery up.
What kind of water goes in golf cart batteries?
Distilled waterDistilled water is recommended but tap water works just fine if distilled water is unavailable. Once filled, a battery will only need water added periodically. Common Golf Cart Battery Mistakes Undercharging: • Leaving the golf car inactive for over 2 months will reduce the battery life.
Does Desulfating a battery work?
If you own a battery desulfator, you can lengthen its lifespan and enjoy even more miles on the road. Plug your car battery into a desulfator and you'll enhance its effectiveness even as it ages.
How do you rejuvenate a battery with Epsom salt?
2:228:45Is it Possible to Revive a Dead Battery with Epsom Salt - See For YourselfYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext you want to mix about 15 ounces of Epsom salt. With about one gallon of distilled water. AndMoreNext you want to mix about 15 ounces of Epsom salt. With about one gallon of distilled water. And similar to the baking soda you want to mix this slowly.
Can you put too much distilled water in a battery?
Don't Over Water While a battery is charging, the density of the electrolyte solution will increase. If too much water was added before charging, the electrolyte levels will expand and cause the battery to overflow and damage the battery.
Can I use bottled water in a battery?
If your car battery stops working or you get stranded out, bottled water is the first option to use.
How to know if there is any problem with the charger or battery?
Frequently, it is the battery that is the problem and seldom with the charger. To know if the charger is not working, you can test it with another...
Can my charger still charge my golf cart cells if their voltage is low?
For automatic chargers intended for golf cart cells, it cannot charge if the battery is completely dead. If you have 36 volts for your golf cart b...
What is the estimated life of golf cart batteries?
On average, if there are proper maintenance and usage, the cells can last between 4 to 6 years.
Can you refurbish Golf cart batteries?
Yes, it is reasonably possible to recondition your golf cart batteries. But, there will be a condition for that. If the battery is not fully dead...
What kind of batteries go in a golf cart?
There is a lot of confusion about golf cart batteries. There are three types of lead-acid batteries: flooded, gel and AGM. Golf carts use flooded o...
How does low temperature affect golf cart batteries?
A low temperature can slow down the charge and discharge rate of any golf cart cells. Likewise, it decreases its charging capacity.
What to do if golf cart battery is broken?
Again if the golf cart battery cables are broken or corroded they need to be replaced and reconnected accordingly. Also it is recommended to use some type of corrosion preventative on all terminal connections to avoid the elements eating away at your connector, cables or terminals.
What does it mean when a golf cart battery is bad?
So being if the golf cart battery cable lug connector or connection between two batteries is bad the cart will usually not work, drive or charge. So check all the connections and cables for signs of corrosion or wear or completely broken off battery.
How does a 12 volt battery charger work?
So being in a pinch a 12 volt battery charger will work to get some energy back into your dead golf cart batteries and revive them. The sole purpose here is to just get some energy back into the batteries so the golf cart battery charger itself can do the brunt of the charging and charge the batteries properly.
Why does my golf cart beep?
If you can get enough voltage and energy back into the batteries to make the golf cart move, beep or lights to work usually means there is enough voltage present at this point for the original golf cart battery charger to be plugged in and it will turn on to charge the batteries completely.
How many volts does a golf cart battery need?
Others require a little less. So for example a 36 volt battery charger would require approx. 25-30 volts to activate, whereas a 48 volt charger would require 30-35 or even 40 volts present to activate.
Why is my golf cart battery charger not working?
Ok…. So the first guess or main reason why your golf cart battery charger is not working right now is because the batteries in your golf cart are completely dead. ( Not always but usually 90% of the time) This is because the federal government years ago made it mandatory that all manufacturers ...
Can you baby sit your golf cart batteries?
Though due to recent advances in charging technology you can now purchase a Smart charger for your golf cart that will basically baby sit your batteries while you are away on vacation for the summer or whenever.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
Cheaper batteries have much shorter life spans compared to quality golf cart batteries that cost more. The latter may last up to 10 years if maintained properly. So, you end up gaining in the long run even if your initial investment is high. Also, be on the lookout for tax cuts from time to time.
How to prevent a golf cart battery from corroding?
In order to prevent this, coat its wire lugs, terminals, nuts, and bolts with any quality non-hardening sealant.
What type of battery does a golf cart use?
Most golf carts run on lead-acid batteries ( although this is changing ), much like other normal vehicles do. However, the difference is that a battery for a golf cart is usually of 6, 8, or 12 volt deep-cycle lead acid battery, whereas a normal vehicle uses a 12-volt starter or ignition battery. Moreover, the battery for a cart does not recharge ...
How to maintain a battery?
1. Always Use Distilled Water. Battery maintenance is best done in a well-ventilated area on a plain and level surface. After removing the battery cells’ plastic caps, top off each cell’s reservoirs with distilled water. Never use plain or tap water. Also, never allow the cell’s fluid level to dip below its plates.
Does a cart battery recharge itself?
Moreover, the battery for a cart does not recharge itself as the vehicle runs like batteries in cars do (cars have alternators). Therefore, regular use will drain the battery which, in turn, may shorten its life. That being said….
Do golf cart batteries work?
Though vehicular batteries are made similarly and out of similar materials, when used in golf carts, the way they are used is different. The maintenance of golf batteries will be somewhat similar to maintaining other batteries. However a couple of things are different. Follow the above mentioned tips to keep your golf cart batteries, in turn your golf cart, in prime working condition.
Why is it important to take care of a golf cart battery?
First, because it’s fairly easy to damage your golf cart battery by charging malpractices, and second, because golf cart battery replacement is not exactly cheap.
What happens if a battery is left half charged?
If left half-charged, batteries can form a "sulphation memory" and may not be able to accept charge beyond that point. Some batteries have built-in features to prevent overcharging and support long-term storage.
How high should water be in batteries?
Keep the water levels in your batteries at around 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the plates with distilled water to avoid the impurities in tap water that conduct electricity and can shorten battery life.
Do you unplug a golf cart charger?
If your golf cart charger does not feature automatic shut-off or trickle charging, you should unplug it when charging completes. The best solution is a modern automatic charger that does all of the work for you, worry-free!
Can you drive a golf cart uncharged?
Avoid driving your golf cart, or allowing it to sit uncharged, until the batteries are almost empty or totally dead. This can shorten battery life significantly and risk damage to other expensive parts.
Does a golf cart tire wear down?
Pushing your golf cart over the limits or adding more weight than its capacity will wear down your batteries fast. The quality of your battery has a significant role and this is one area where investing in good equipment will get you the best performance out of your golf cart. Note that adding larger, heavier golf cart tires can also affect battery life.
What do you need to recondition a golf cart battery?
Golf cart batteries are lead-acid types, so you need to wear your safety gear before doing the reconditioning process. The safety gear you need are goggles, rubber gloves, and apron.
Why can't you dispose of golf cart batteries?
You cannot readily dispose of these kinds of waste because it contains chemicals detrimental to the environment.
How many volts does a golf cart battery need to charge?
For automatic chargers intended for golf cart cells, it cannot charge if the battery is completely dead. If you have 36 volts for your golf cart battery set, then it must have at least 20V to 25V, for your automatic charger to recharge it back. For a 48-volt golf cart battery set, it must retain 30V to 35V for your automatic charger to recharge it.
How to know if a battery charger is not working?
To know if the charger is not working, you can test it with another cell. To examine if each cell has the right voltage capacity, use a voltmeter. Charge your battery to full capacity before reading its voltage with a voltmeter.
How many volts does a golf cart have?
In that case, you probably own a personal golf cart. It usually has 4, 6, or 8 6-volt lead -acid batteries – a lower capacity but similar cell to the ones used in standard lead-acid car batteries. There will come a time that your golf cart batteries will die out or reduce its charge capacity. Replacing all those 4 to 8 power packs would cost you ...
Can you refill a golf cart if it is not charging?
Check for the water level of your golf cart cells. If it is not at full level, do not refill unless you are done charging it to 100 percent full capacity. Filling the water at a full level before charging can cause spillage during the charging process. Work in a well-ventilated area for the reconditioning.
How long does a golf cart battery last?
The cheaper battery has a shorter life span when compared to the excellence cart battery which cost more. This can last for up to ten years if properly maintained.
What type of battery does a golf cart use?
Many golf carts usually run on the lead-acid batteries, much more like the normal vehicles do. Nevertheless, the difference which is there is that the batteries of golf cart are typically 6, 8, or 12-volt deep-cycle acid lead battery, whereas the normal vehicle uses the 12-volt ignition or starter battery. Furthermore, the cart battery doesn’t ...
How to attach a golf cart battery to a 3 phase charger?
You need to attach the golf cart battery to the 3-phase charger by ensuring that a charger’s positive lead has been connected to a positive pole or battery red and the negative lead has been joined with a negative pole. It is also wise to charge a battery each time a golf cart has been used. Limit the discharge rate:
Why do you need a trickle charger?
Choose trickle charge battery: If you want to store the battery for a long time, then you need to use the trickle charger which keeps it charging when it is stored.
Does a golf cart battery recharge?
Furthermore, the cart battery doesn’t recharge itself as the vehicle does with their batteries. Constant use all through the day can totally drain the battery of golf carts, where it can shorten battery life. Though with a short lifetime charge, you are required to do reliable service to lengthen their lifetime.
Can you turn off a golf cart if you don't use the battery?
Make sure you turn off golf cart when you are not using the battery. Just like the mobile phones, if you left it for long turned on, there will be a greater chance of the battery being fully discharged. You may require jump-starting the gas-powered cart when this happens.
Can you jump start a golf cart?
You may require jump-starting the gas-powered cart when this happens. Remember to turn off the radio, lights and also other devices if you are done from using it. Do not leave the key there; take it away before you left the cart. A way in which you drive will also create an impact on the life of the golf cart battery.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is bad?
Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the battery power and range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf after charging back to the advertised voltage using a full trickle charge cycle. 2 A “Shutter” feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake rapidly. This is a classic sign of low voltage. If this is experienced, your cart may be low on charge, the charger may not be functioning properly or you may have a battery issue. Use a volt meter to measure each battery individually to isolate individual battery health. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the speed controller not engaging, a faulty maintenance switch, or when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 A deep cycle battery charge time takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had a battery bank installed. As the battery bank ages, it will not hold a charge as well as it used to. The automatic charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the battery bank trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take a longer charge time for the batteries than normal.
What to do if battery is cracked?
If a battery is cracked and leaking acid, it should be replaced. With the cell caps removed, check the water level and ensure the battery plates in each battery cell are covered and not exposed. Add distilled water to any that are low. Replace the battery caps. Step 4.
How to clean battery terminals?
Clean the battery terminals posts using 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a 1 quart of water. A Wire scratch brush does the job nicely (it looks like a metal bristle toothbrush). Do not allow any of the baking soda water to enter the battery. Rinse the battery thoroughly and air dry or use a paper towel.
What does it mean when your cart is low on charge?
This is a classic sign of low voltage. If this is experienced, your cart may be low on charge, the charger may not be functioning properly or you may have a battery issue.
How long does a deep cycle battery last?
Battery charging is performed when you are parked for the day. With proper maintenance, a deep cycle battery only lasts a set number of years before the plates get corroded over and are no longer efficient. Some cart batteries are not too far gone and can be rejuvenated using Epsom salts.
How many volts should a 6 volt battery charge?
If you do not have a hydrometer, use a multimeter instead. Measure across the terminals on each individual battery. On 6-volt batteries, you should have a battery charge of slightly over 6 volts, like 6.1 to 6.3. If you get a reading of something like 4.1, then one of the battery cells in this unit is bad or shorted.
What color is a fully charged battery?
Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing. If you do not have a hydrometer, use a multimeter instead.