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how do we put life back into golf cart batteries

by Deontae Bauch PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. Tip the battery on its edge: Allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container. ...
  2. Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water: Stir thoroughly. ...
  3. Put the battery or batteries on a charger

  1. 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. ...
  2. Step 2: Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water: Stir thoroughly. ...
  3. Step 3: Put the battery or batteries on a charger.
May 17, 2016

Full Answer

How to make your golf cart batteries last longer?

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… Here are 6 Tips to Making Your Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer. 1. Always Use Distilled Water

How to add water to golf cart batteries?

To add water to golf cart batteries, you need to fill the battery cells with distilled water. Fill the water above the battery plates by 1/4 – 1/2 an inch, but below the level of the vents. When you pour water, make sure that it does not overflow on to the battery.

How do I know if my golf cart battery needs replacing?

Check the battery after it has charged for several hours or the next day. If the battery still hasn’t taken a full charge, they cannot be saved and it is time for some new golf cart batteries . 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 do you stop a golf cart battery from corroding?

Use Anti-Corrosion Lubricants The acid in a golf cart battery is one of the main agents for corroding its internal parts. In order to prevent this, coat its wire lugs, terminals, nuts, and bolts with any quality non-hardening sealant.

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Can you restore dead golf cart batteries?

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 you recharge golf cart batteries?

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.

What do you refill golf cart batteries with?

0:354:44How to Fill Your Electric Golf Car Batteries | Golf Cart MaintenanceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese plates have a material on them that help hold the charge. If. The water level drops down thatMoreThese plates have a material on them that help hold the charge. If. The water level drops down that material drives in flakes off that battery and it makes the battery run time less and less and less

How do you keep golf cart batteries good?

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance1) Keep the top of each golf cart battery dry, clean and tight. ... 2) Charge for 8 to 10 hours with the proper golf cart battery charger. ... 3) Fill all golf cart battery cells ONLY AFTER charging, and do not over fill. ... 4) Use golf cart batteries often.More items...

How often fill golf cart batteries with water?

about once every 30 daysThe 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.

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.

What kind of water do you put in a golf cart battery?

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.

Do you need to put water in golf cart batteries?

Overwatering and under watering can both be detrimental to your battery. Before attempting to fill your battery, it should be completely charged. Only add water to a discharged battery if the battery plates are exposed, in this instance only add water to cover the plates.

What happens if golf cart batteries run out of water?

If the water level in your golf cart battery is too low, the plates inside the battery will dry out and begin to flake off. When this happens, you will lose the ability to recharge your golf cart, and you will have to replace your battery altogether.

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.

Should you leave your 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.

What is the average life of golf cart batteries?

That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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 ...

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 long does a golf cart battery last?

With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.

How many batteries are in an electric cart?

Your electric cart will accommodate either 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. If you are not able to determine if it’s a 36V or a 48V electrical drive system, lift the cart seat so you can bring the battery compartment into view. You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes.

What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?

An underpowered charger will cause a buildup of sulfation on the negative plate, affecting its performance. An overpowered charger causes an accumulation of corrosion on the positive plate. Ideally, you do not want your batteries to die, as charging a dead lead-acid battery can cause strain.

What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?

Two main electrical quantities you will want to focus on when replacing batteries are voltage and current. Voltage is measured in volts, or “ V ,” and Current is measured in amps, or “ A .”

How to clean lead acid batteries?

Use a bristle brush and a mild solution to clean the top of each battery. You can also use anti-corrosive solutions and sprays to prevent corrosion, which can be a problem with lead-acid batteries. Alternatively, you can use battery covers. Check battery wiring.

What are AMG batteries?

Also called absorbent glass mat batteries, these are different from their lead-acid counterparts – the electrolyte is held in the glass mats as opposed to it free floating. These tend to hold their charges better than lead-acid batteries. Deka Solar Batteries.

Do you need to maintain a standard for a 36V cart?

To ensure effective and safe pass-through of power, you will need to maintain a standard. For example, if you own a 36V cart that requires a pair of 6v batteries, it’s essential to use that same combination when finding a replacement. While you can “upgrade” batteries, it’s not for the faint of heart.

How many batteries does a golf cart have?

Because golf carts can have 6, 8, or 12 Volt batteries, you’ll want to pay attention to match that voltage on your charger if possible by setting it to the correct voltage or connecting it to the right number of batteries at a time to equal its voltage.

What happens if your cart battery isn't hooked up?

If your cart's batteries aren’t hooked up in the correct way, or there's a weak connection between them, it can lead to a loss of power and cause your charger to fail.

Why is my golf cart charger not turning on?

This is because golf cart chargers get commands to turn on and off by receiving voltage back from the cart when plugged in. So, if your batteries have been run down all the way or left without charging for a long while, your charger may not activate when plugged in.

Can you charge a battery one at a time?

Ideally, your charger will match your batteries individual voltage and you can charge them one at a time, just like so. There is no need to disconnect battery cables, you’ll simply be sending low amp voltage into one battery at a time. Some owners may have to do some math here.

Choosing The Right Battery Charger

Choosing the right battery for your golf cart is crucial to keeping your battery running smoothly. The first thing you’ll want in a battery charger, is to make sure that the charger has an automatic cut-off when the battery is fully charged.

Cleaning Your Batteries

Batteries need loving too. It’s always smart to keep your battery clean, and the best way to do this, is by cleaning your terminals at least once a month.

Keep Driving Distances Down

Like most vehicles, the more you drive it, the more power or gas is getting used. If you don’t hit the ball tee to green every time, then your golf cart is going to get a lot more use. Believe it or not, a golf cart can use quite a bit of juice for 18 holes of golf.

Watering The Batteries

After your round of golf, chances are, the battery is going to need a drink just as much as you. No, we’re not talking about whiskey, we’re talking about distilled water.

Using Your Golf Cart

Your golf cart wants to do exactly what it was built for, riding around! Your batteries are going to run better when you use them regularly. Charging after use is also a great way to keep your battery running optimally.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your batteries is the most important thing you can do for your custom golf cart. The batteries are what power the vehicle, so keeping those healthy is crucial.

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