how do i take care of golf cart batteries

Best Ways to Take Care Your Golf Cart Batteries – Easy 5 Steps

1. Refilling the Golf Cart Batteries with Water. This is the most important part of maintaining your golf cart batteries.
2. Cleaning the Golf Cart Batteries. Cleaning the batteries and outside of batteries can improve its working life. When...
3. Performing Schedule Maintenance. Scheduled maintenance is a...

Full Answer

How do you maintain golf cart batteries?

• Check the batteries frequently until you’re sure how much water they use.
• In warmer months, the batteries need to be refilled more frequently.
• Always inspect and recharge the batteries after storing the cart over the winter.

How long do batteries normally last in golf carts?

Usually, high quality golf cart battery can last from few months to almost seven years long. It mainly depends on its proper maintenance and the care it gets. So it is quite difficult to tell the fixed life span of a golf cart battery. Considering some major factors people can get a better life span to form a golf cart battery.

Can You restore golf cart batteries?

It can be handled in various ways, depending on the exact style of battery you’re using, as we’ll cover later. Additionally, lithium batteries do not like being over-discharged. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea not to let your batteries drop below 3.0 V per cell.

How to properly charge a golf cart battery?

When to Charge Golf Cart Batteries:

1. Charge your golf cart batteries before they get empty.
2. The cart batteries could get damage permanently if you left them without any charge for a few weeks or a month; because of the self-discharge ability of the cart ...
3. You should keep charging the batteries even when the golf cart is in rest. ...

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Should I charge my golf cart batteries after every use?

Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

Should I keep my golf cart plugged in all the time?

Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.

How do I prolong the life of my golf cart batteries?

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. ... Trickle Charge the Battery. ... Prevent Corrosion. ... Pay More to Last More. ... Use Anti-Corrosion Lubricants.

How often should you fill golf cart batteries with water?

about once every 30 daysAlways fill the batteries after charging. The typical schedule is about once every 30 days, but this may vary by several days depending on your specific situation. When filling the batteries, add just enough water to bring it 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch shy of the indicator ring to prevent overfilling.

Is it OK to charge a golf cart overnight?

Charge your batteries for 8 to 10 hours with the proper style of golf cart battery charger. The best practice is to charge overnight after you are done using your cart for the day. Even if you only used the cart for 5 minutes, you'll want to give the golf cart batteries a good charge.

Can you hose off golf cart batteries?

Put your hose on a light setting, and start spraying off your batteries. As long as you don't use too much water, you shouldn't have to worry about shorting the electrics. With the batteries all sprayed, you should now pour your water and baking soda mixture over all of the terminals.

What is the best way to charge golf cart batteries?

6:057:14How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo charge each individual battery for a half-hour. And then plug. In your old charger your regularMoreSo charge each individual battery for a half-hour. And then plug. In your old charger your regular golf car charger. And if it clicks on and starts to register voltage.

What type of water is best for 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.

How do you keep golf cart batteries charged in the winter?

Find an Indoor Storage Area The best place to store any golf-cart batteries is by looking for a cool and dry area. It shouldn't be cold, such as an exposed area to the elements, but cool. Cool temperatures will slow the battery's discharge rate. You want a slow discharge so that the battery maintains its charge.

How do I know if my golf cart batteries need water?

2:524:44How to Fill Your Electric Golf Car Batteries | Golf Cart MaintenanceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe proper water level is at the bottom edge of that gauge you want it to be a little gap betweenMoreThe proper water level is at the bottom edge of that gauge you want it to be a little gap between the below the bottom of that gauge in that battery.

What happens if you put too much water in your golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries produce electricity using electrolytes and water, which means you will need to occasionally add some more water. But be careful of the amount! Too much water can lead to the electrolytes overflowing. Too little water can cause sulfation, which damages the lead 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.

How to get rid of chemicals in golf cart batteries?

Turn off the golf cart and unplug the charger. Then, push against the vent caps on the batteries to make sure they are tightly in place. Leave the vent caps in place to avoid letting any chemicals get into the batteries. ...

How many batteries are in a golf cart?

Most golf carts utilize 4 to 8 batteries stored under the front seat. Each battery needs to be refilled with water and scrubbed clean on occasion. Set up a schedule so you remember to inspect and take care of your batteries at least once a month.

How to protect yourself from battery acid?

1. Put on acid-proof gloves and glasses. Although you likely won’t come into contact with battery acid, taking precautions is always a good idea. Wear eye protection and long-sleeved clothing. Slip on a pair of gloves to protect your hands . Take off any jewelry.

What to wear when you have acid in your battery?

Wear safety gloves and glasses. Acid leaks out of batteries over time, collecting on the terminals. Take safety precautions to avoid coming into contact with it. Wear long clothing and put away any jewelry as well.

How to neutralize acid in water?

Baking soda is a very effective natural cleaner that also happens to neutralize acid. Get a clean mixing container. Pour the 2 ingredients in, then stir them into a paste. For example, you can start by mixing 1 oz (28 g) of baking soda into 1 fl oz (30 mL) of water. Make more as needed.

Can acid ruin a golf cart battery?

Not only can the acid ruin your expensive ring, but the metal can ruin the battery. You can purchase chemical-resistant rubber gloves at many general and home improvement stores. Open the vent caps on the batteries. Make sure your golf cart is turned off and unplugged before you touch the batteries.

Why do we clean golf cart batteries?

The reason why we clean golf cart batteries is because they are filled with acid and acid can get on the top of the batteries. Also, when batteries charge up, they emit gasses that can cause corrosion and damage to battery cables and terminals. Any corrosion or damage can decrease current flow and also cause sudden loss of power while driving.

How to neutralize acid in batteries?

This can easily be done with a homemade mixture of baking soda and water. Mix 1 cup of baking soda per each gallon of water and spread evenly over the batteries. You know the acid will be neutralized due to a bubbling chemical reaction between the substances. Then, proceed by using water to remove the homemade mixture.

Does throttle muscle cleaner neutralize acid?

We recommend Throttle Muscle Battery Cleaner from personal experience. Not only does this battery cleaner neutralize acid, but it also will indicate where the acid is coming from. Knowing where the acid is coming from can indicate battery cells that are receiving too much water and also indicate battery casing leaks.

Can you clean batteries off of concrete?

Be aware that when cleaning the acid off the batteries, it will stain concrete and the ground underneath it. Therefore, try to clean the batteries off over rocks or dirt to insure the ground below does not get permanently stained. Once the batteries are clean, dry them off with a towel and wipe off any remaining grime. YouTube.

When to water batteries?

The best time to water your batteries is always at the end of the charge cycle however, if the plates are exposed to air, add just enough water to cover the plates before starting the charge cycle. When the charging process is complete, re-check the electrolyte and top off as needed.

Why is it important to water a battery before charging?

Additionally, watering the battery before charging may result in electrolyte overflow and unnecessary additional maintenance.

What happens when a battery is discharged?

Continually operating the battery in a partial state of charge, or storing the battery in a discharged state results in the formation of lead sulfate compounds on the plates. This condition is known as sulfation. Both of these conditions reduce the battery’s performance and may cause premature battery failure. Undercharging will also cause stratification.

How far down should the liquid level be from the battery?

Liquid levels should be 1/8 inch below the bottom of the vent well (the plastic tube that extends into the battery). The electrolyte level should not drop below the top of the plates. See Battery Watering Diagram.

What temperature should lead acid batteries be charged at?

When charging lead acid batteries, the temperature should not exceed 120ºF. At this point the battery should be disconnected from all charging sources and loads in order to cool before resuming the charge process.

How long can a vrla battery be stored?

Flooded batteries will self-discharge up to 15% per month at 77º F (25º C). VRLA batteries should not be stored for more than 6 months at 77º F (25º C) without recharged. The specific gravity or voltage of flooded batteries should be monitored every 4 – 6 weeks and should be given a boost charge when they are at 70% stat of charge (SOC). When batteries are taken out of long storage, it is recommended to recharge before use.

What temperature does a battery freeze?

As the state of charge in a battery decreases, the electrolyte becomes more like water and the freezing temperature increases. The freezing temperature of the electrolyte in a fully charged battery is -92º F (-69º C). At a 40% state of charge, electrolyte will freeze if the temperature reaches approximately 16º F (-9º C).

What is the 'Run/Tow' switch on a golf car?

If your golf car is an electric RXV, make sure the 'Run/Tow' switch is set to the 'Run/Storage' position. Remember, if it's left in the 'Tow" position, it will continue to drain the batteries over time.

Do golf cart batteries self discharge?

Before leaving your golf cart, ensure that the battery is clean, fully charged, and has been disconnected from any source of electrical drain. Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don't disconnect your battery's wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart battery ...

Can you put away a golf cart in winter?

If you're the type to put away your golf cart or ATV for winter storage, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure that your battery stays in peak condition, even if you're not heading out on the course or into the woods during the colder months. We've spoken before about winterizing your ATV, but we haven't really taken a close look ...

What happens if your golf cart battery fails?

Obviously, for electric golf carts, the battery is what provides power to your motor. If your batteries start to quit on you, the golf cart won’t move, or will drastically decrease in range. With a gas motor, the battery is what starts the motor and keeps it running by providing electricity to the spark plugs. Without it, your motor won’t crank.

Why is my golf cart battery failing?

The most common thing that leads to early golf cart battery failure is corrosion. The problem goes deeper, too. It will ruin your cables, terminals, and even cause damage to battery trays and tie downs. Replacing a whole battery cable can be costly and difficult, so it’s best to avoid that problem.

How to clean corroded battery posts?

Undo the terminals from the battery posts and soak the corroded area in the cleaner or baking soda solution for about 5 or so minutes, then put on some gloves, grab your wire brush, and keep scrubbing until it’s all gone. Repeat as necessary, then rinse with a lot of water.

How does a battery work?

Your battery works by having two metals, a cathode and anode, react to each other to create chemical energy that we harness as electrical energy. With wet cell lead-acid batteries, these metals are kept in a liquid electrolyte, a liquid solution comprised of pure water and hydrosulphuric acid mixed to a set specific gravity. Other types of batteries typically use a gel, mat, or solid electrolyte to perform the same function. For the purpose of this topic however, the only battery we’ll be discussing is the traditional lead-acid battery, as this is the only type of battery for which you will have to worry about electrolyte levels.

Why is my battery puddled?

If your battery gets dirty, muddy, grimy, or anything else, make sure to clean that off too. These things can cause extra resistance in your electrical system, putting an unnecessary drain on your battery and shortening its life.

How often should you check your electrolyte level?

These two metals are usually bound to each other in a series of plates called cells. You should check your electrolyte level about every couple weeks or so.

How long do batteries last?

All joking aside, every battery is different, but most properly maintained batteries will last about 4 to 6 years depending on usage, charge cycle, and a bunch of uncontrollable variables. Lead acid batteries will require a lot of maintenance to do so, however.

What to do with golf cart batteries in 2021?

June 1, 2021. by Nick Lomas. In terms of maintenance, the most important thing you can do for your golf cart battery is to ensure that its water levels are good. Without enough water, your batteries will eventually dry out and suffer irreversible damage. Fortunately, adding water to your batteries is pretty easy and won’t take too much of your time.

Why do you need to refill a battery with water?

You are only required to refill your battery with water in order to maintain the chemical makeup of the battery. However, accidents can happen, and a battery may be tipped or dropped, causing the acid to spill out. If this happens, you will need to replace the sulfuric acid that has been lost.

Why do batteries dry out?

The heat causes the water to evaporate, diminishing your batteries’ access to the crucial electrolytes. When the water levels are low, the battery plates will be exposed to the air for longer than they should be, which will cause them to dry out and flake off. This results in a condition called sulfation.

Why do you need distilled water for batteries?

Instead, you must use distilled water. This is because distilled water is essentially pure water, free of any contaminants that will harm your battery. Now for the process.

What happens when you recharge a battery?

This water evaporation is a normal part of deep-cycle battery functionality, and when you recharge the battery, the water quantity is usually restored to its optimal amount. However, after a number of charge cycles, or if the cart has not been used for a while, you might notice that the water levels are low even when the battery is not discharged.

Can you add water to golf batteries?

Fortunately, adding water to your batteries is pretty easy and won’t take too much of your time. In this guide, we’ll provide some more information on the importance of water maintenance, before explaining how to add water to golf batteries. Contents [ show]

Can you refill a golf cart battery?

The first thing to be aware of is that you should not necessarily refill your golf cart battery every time the water level is low . When a battery is discharged, the water level will be low by design. If you refill it, and then charge the battery, it will overflow. This will leak battery acid everywhere, which will then cause corrosion.

How to keep golf cart batteries charged?

Another good thing to have for your golf cart batteries is a watering system. Make sure you check the water level in your golf cart batteries monthly to make sure they are still saturated. ( always do this after your batteries are fully charged because if you check them and fill them before you charge them 100% you could over fill them and acid will leak out the top of the batteries while they charge and get all over your cart and in the garage or where ever you store the golf cart. Which is not good because battery acid will eat away at your concrete floor in the garage. Checkout Pete’s great deals on a new One point golf cart watering system to avoid over filling them and making a mess or getting battery acid on your cart, clothes or garage floor and do it with ease. ( In minutes – not an hour or more… weekends are meant to be spent with the family or watching the game not in the garage filling batteries… so get yours today!)

What to do if your golf cart battery hasn't taken a full charge?

If the battery has taken a charge, replace the cell caps and use your golf cart for a long ride and see how long the charge lasts.

How to clean a battery with acid?

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. Clean the battery with your paintbrush dipped in a baking soda solution. Rinse your battery with plain water, making certain none of the water gets into any of the cells.

Can you replace a golf cart battery?

If the ride and power is short lived it is still likely you will need to replace your golf cart battery. It is also quite possible that your golf cart battery charger is not charging properly. You will need a volt meter to check the power output of your battery charger.

How often should you charge golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries should be kept fully charged at all times – this means hooking them up to a charger as soon as you are finished using the cart. Regular charging will prevent damage to the battery and give it longer-lasting life.

Should golf cart batteries be charged after every use?

Yes. Charging your golf cart batteries after every use – even if you’ve only spent five minutes driving – is crucial for maximising their lifespan. Leaving batteries in a prolonged state of low charge can decrease their capacity over time and wear them out quicker.

Should you charge new golf cart batteries?

Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

Should your golf cart be turned on when charging?

No. You should turn your golf cart off when charging its batteries. Trying to charge a golf cart while it is running is a pointless exercise, as the battery will be draining while you’re trying to charge it. A golf cart should only be turned on once its batteries are fully charged.

Should golf carts be plugged in all the time?

No, you should not leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. While automatic battery chargers are designed to shut-off once at full capacity, leaving a battery connected to power for long periods leaves it susceptible to damage should the electrical circuit be overloaded.

Should golf cart batteries make noise when charging?

If your golf cart uses a standard 12 volt flooded lead acid battery, then it is quite normal to hear a bubbling sound when it’s charging. However, if your cart uses a sealed battery (such as a gel or AGM battery), then a hissing or bubbling sound may indicate damage.

How long should golf cart batteries last?

If you play golf twice a week – and use your golf cart for each round – you can expect a standard, brand-new battery to last just under 10 years before needing to be replaced. If you charge your battery correctly after use, you can maximise its shelf life.

General Maintenance

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Charging My New Golf Cart Batteries

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