The actual amount of water you may have to add will vary based upon the current level of water in your golf car batteries, but the end result is that you should add as much as necessary to achieve a water level approximately 1/8 – 1/4th of an inch below the bottom of the vent well when fully charged. See diagram above.
How much water do you put in a golf cart battery?
The frequency of water requirement for golf cart batteries varies from time to time. Usually, golf carts do not have a clear water level indicator to indicate the level of water in the batteries. However, you can pour distilled water into the batteries up to the level mentioned above in this article.
Can you recharge an 8-volt battery in a golf cart?
Once you get enough power in them, you should be able to hook up the golf cart charger and take the batteries the rest of the way. To learn all about recharging 8-volt golf cart batteries, just continue to read our article.
What does 6 volt mean on a golf cart battery?
Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system. An 8 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 4 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell.
What kind of battery does an electric golf cart have?
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.
How much water does my golf cart battery need?
¼ to ½ inchFill battery cells (aka water fill holes) with distilled water (not tap water) ¼ to ½ inch above the plates. With ¼ inch of water you'll have to check your batteries more often, but at ½ inch you'll likely have more acid accumulation on the tops of the batteries. Either level is acceptable; it's really your call.
Can you put too much water in a golf cart battery?
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.
How much should I fill my battery with water?
Before charging, make sure there is just enough water to cover any exposed plates (rectangular metal parts visible when you look inside a battery). After charging, add enough water to bring the level to the bottom of the vent, about ¾ below the top of the cell.
Should golf cart batteries be full of water?
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 when you overfill golf cart batteries?
If you overfill golf cart batteries, the electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can leak out and cause a dangerous acid spill. If this happens, the acid can corrode metal and other materials in the surrounding area.
Can you overcharge golf cart batteries?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
Can you put too much water in a battery?
The answer is yes and the results are messy and potentially toxic and corrosive. The only time you add water to a lead acid battery is when it is fully charged. The reason for this is when a battery is fully charged the plates are thicker and the there is less space between them.
How do I know if my battery needs water?
Check to see if your battery has a green light on top. This usually tells you if the water level is good. If it's gone dark then your battery needs water, or if it turned yellow then your battery needs some assistance. You should not mess with your car battery on your own!
Can you use bottled water instead of distilled water in a battery?
Car batteries are designed to use only water-based solutions and not tap water. Tap water contains minerals that can corrode the battery if used in its replacement. It is better to use distilled or demineralized water for car batteries. It is a common misconception that all batteries are filled with distilled water.
What happens if a battery runs out of water?
An increase in specific gravity of electrolyte with plates not fully immersed in electrolyte results in heating up of cell on charge. The battery can get damaged since corrosion of internal components used in battery manufacturing is accelerated in the acidic electrolyte at elevated temperatures.
Where do you put water in golf cart batteries?
Most people put enough water to cover a one-quarter inch of their battery plates. This level is enough to cover the batteries evenly and minimizes acid-buildup on top of the battery. However, others may want to choose one-half inch over the plates instead.
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.
What happens when a deep cycle battery is discharged?
When the batteries are discharged, they will consume the electrolytes, causing the water levels to drop. 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.
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 overfill a battery?
Take care not to overfill it. An overfilled battery will leak acid, which can be harmful to both you and your battery.
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.
What are golf cart batteries made of?
Golf cart batteries consist of sulfuric acid and several other electrolytes. The battery plates must be submerged in them so that the required energy is produced to get the cart in motion. When the batteries are discharged, the level of the water that contains these electrolytes goes down.
Why is my golf cart battery completely discharged?
The batteries are completely discharged because the golf cart has been idle for a long time. Charge the batteries fully and fill the water to the desired level. You may want to first charge each battery partly and then charge the pack as a whole together fully.
Why does my battery get drained out?
This can result in the new battery getting drained out because the water tends to boil off.
What happens when batteries are discharged?
When the batteries are discharged, the level of the water that contains these electrolytes goes down. This is quite normal and there is nothing to worry about. The water quantity is usually restored to the optimum level automatically when the batteries are charged correctly.
Why is distilled water bad for batteries?
This is because distilled water is the purest form of water and is free of contaminants, minerals, or chemicals that can hamper the chemical process that takes place inside the batteries. The presence of contaminants, minerals, or chemicals in the water can damage the batteries.
Why do you need to allow water to go below the top of the battery plate?
Allow the water level to go below the top of the battery plates as it can reduce battery efficiency.
How powerful is a golf cart battery?
Let’s take a close look at Voltage in a battery pack. For comparison, we like to take a look at cars since we are familiar with horsepower and miles per gallon (MPG). Therefore, voltage in a battery pack inside of an electric golf cart has to do with power. It does not have to do with fuel. Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car. With this knowledge in place, we can determine a 72 volt system can be more powerful than a 48 volt system, and a 48 volt system can be more powerful than a 36 volt system. If you took notice, we said that it “can” be more powerful. The reason for this is due large in part to the controller inside the vehicle. A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?
A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.
How much does it cost to replace a golf cart battery?
Pricing varies from pack to pack. The general consensus for golf cart battery replacement ranges from $600 on the low end to $1600 on the high end. If you are buying batteries in the lower end of the price range, then they are most likely cheap golf cart batteries that will not last as long (you really do get what you pay for when it comes to batteries). Some packs cost as much as $2500 when you start dealing with 72 Volt systems and sealed for lithium batteries. But, for the typical lead acid battery pack, $900 to $1500 is about the norm. This price range is assuming you are working with a local golf cart dealer.
How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?
A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.
Why are golf cart batteries so expensive?
Simply put, Golf Cart Batteries are expensive because you aren’t visiting the gas station every week. When you purchase them, you are essentially pre-paying for fuel. Yes, you still have to charge the vehicle, however the electricity cost usually breaks down to pennies per mile. In some studies, it was shown a golf cart costs less than $.02 per mile to operate in terms of electricity cost. Buying higher quality batteries versus cheaper ones will be better in the long run and will actually cost you less since you are replacing them less frequently.
How many miles can a golf cart go in a day?
However, if you have determined your Golf Cart use will be driven less than 5 miles per day, than you can have your pick of battery packs. Keep in mind though that a standard 18 holes of golf ranges between 5-7 miles per round depending on your handicap ;).
What to do when buying an electric golf cart?
If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...
What voltage do golf carts use?
Outside of specialty carts, most carts operate on a 36V or 48V standard and need a series of cells to supply enough power.
How to tell if golf cart has 36V or 48V?
By multiplying these holes by two, you will determine the battery’s voltage. Multiply this number by the total number of batteries installed in your golf cart.
How long does a golf cart battery last?
With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.
What is amps in a car?
Amperage is akin to a gas tank in a car. Amps will determine how far the cart travels, and for how long, on a single charge. The more amps a battery generates, the further you’ll be able to drive. If you take your cart out for extended periods, this may be problematic.
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.
How to keep batteries clean?
Looking to keep your batteries clean? 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.
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 .”
What do I use to vacuum a car battery?
Especially with my car battery, which accumulates a lot of dirt and dead bugs on top of it, I use a shop-vac to vacuum any crevices around the caps for the battery cells.
How to pry a car battery plate?
You’ll need a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to pry the plate up on the car or marine battery. Work your way gently around the edge.
How to charge a battery that is not fully charged?
If the battery is not fully charged but the lead plates are exposed down in the cell, you’ll want to add only enough water to cover the plates. Charge the battery (manually or by driving it for a while) and then add the appropriate amount of water. Recharge again afterward.
Why is specific gravity important for batteries?
Just remember that the battery acid/electrolyte is composed basically of 75% distilled water and 25% sulfuric acid. When the battery heats up or goes through a thorough charging, it will naturally lose some water due to evaporation. That’s why we add the water back to the battery.
How to clean a battery?
Clean the top of the battery of all dirt and debris. A disposable rag with normal water or some window cleaner will be just fine for this task. Wipe up everything that you can see. Dry all surfaces that you got wet. You’re about to expose the cells of the battery and don’t want dirt or anything mixing with the acid.
Why is it important to clean the top of a battery?
This is also why it’s important to clean the top of the battery properly so that nothing enters into the exposed cells!
Where is the lead plate on a battery?
You can see the lead plates at the bottom of the hole, and the slot for the fill tube at the top of the hole. The water levels should be equal, and ideally about ⅛” below the bottom of the fill tubes that extend down from the opening of each of the battery cells.
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 many volts does a golf cart charger need?
Tip #3: you can connect the 12-volt charger across the 48-volt battery bank and produce enough power to let the regular golf cart charger kick in. When it does, disconnect the charge right away.
How to charge dead golf cart batteries?
How to Charge Dead 8 Volt Golf Cart Batteries: One way to recharge dead golf cart batteries is to use a smaller 6 volt battery charger. Once you get enough power in them, you should be able to hook up the golf cart charger and take the batteries the rest of the way.
How long does it take for a golf cart to charge?
Tip #4: You only need about a 25 to 30 minute charge time to see if enough power has entered the battery or batteries to switch to the normal golf cart charger and go the rest of the way
How many times does 3 8 volt batteries equal 24?
That is why one of our tips talks about placing 3 8 volt batteries in a series and using 2 12 volt chargers to handle the recharge. 3 times 8 equals 24 and 2 times 2 equals 24 so the voltages match and you should be successful.
Why do you put 8 volt batteries in series?
That is why some people say to put the batteries in a series so that your 12 volt battery chargers can bring power to those dead batteries.
What voltage does a gold cart come with?
Some will come with 8-volt batteries and others will come with 6-volt units. Do not assume which one your gold cart has. Double-check before you start your charging process or series set up. Then double-check to see if you have the right charger to handle the voltage required.
How many volts does an 8 volt battery need?
If you said 8, you would be incorrect. For an 8-volt battery to be fully charged, you need to have 9.2 volts inside it. This is not the only discrepancy when it comes to total volts needed in a battery.
How many batteries does a golf cart have?
A golf cart usually comes with 4 to 6 batteries. One of them can go bad at any time. This is why regular checkup is important. Additionally, checking the battery compartment when your golf cart is malfunctioning is a good step.
How many volts does a golf cart use?
Golf Carts operate on 6-volt or 8-volt deep cycle batteries. These carts will often come with their own charger, which makes it easy to keep the machine functioning.
How many amps does an 8V battery have?
Usually, the 8v battery should have anything from 1020 to 1800 total amps on it. The amperage is just like the gas tank in the car. This will in turn determine how much a single charge your cart can hold and how far you can go with it.
Do golf cart batteries need a charger?
Your golf cart batteries should have their own charger. However, for one reason or the other, you may not have access to one. So, you can resort to using your car charger. But, the procedure can be quite cumbersome.
Can you charge a golf cart battery?
There is no difficulty at all in charging your golf cart battery. All you need to do is connect the charger to the corresponding post on the battery. If the battery is dead, there are a couple of options. You can get a charger for 12-volt batteries to boost the battery.
Do you need to plug in golf cart batteries?
Remember, it’s important to always plug in your golf cart after every use, no matter the distance covered in each session. Doing this will prolong the lifetime of the batteries.
Can you charge a 6 volt battery with an 8 volt battery charger?
You can as well charge a 6-volt battery with an 8 volt battery charger. It’s also possible to use a 6v charger for an 8v battery provided that the output voltage on the charger is higher. However, this is not recommended in order to be on the safer side.