Golf Cart Battery Maintenance
- Keep the top of each golf cart battery dry, clean and tight. ...
- Charge for 8 to 10 hours with the proper golf cart battery charger. ...
- Fill all golf cart battery cells ONLY AFTER charging, and do not over fill. ...
- Use golf cart batteries often. ...
- Do not over charge your golf cart batteries. ...
- Do not discharge golf cart batteries beyond an 80% discharge. ...
- 1) 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.
How long do the batteries last on a golf cart?
- Charge after every use: Golf cart batteries are not like cell phones, they need to be charged after every use, even short drives.
- Water Regularly: Use only distilled water. ...
- Keep terminals and connections clean: A wire brush or terminal cleaner will do the trick. ...
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 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 revive golf cart batteries?
How to Revive Dead Golf Cart Batteries · Open the battery compartment and take out the golf cart battery. · Clean the battery using a paintbrush dipped in a solution. A golf cart battery, also called a deep-cycle battery, is a 12-volt battery with six 2-volt cells. A deep-cycle battery contains lead acid.
Do golf cart batteries need maintenance?
Most golf carts use deep-cycle batteries, which are made to be slowly drained and recharged on a level not required by cars. Deep-cycle batteries are similar to car batteries in that they contain an electrolyte solution made of acid and water, but they need much more maintenance in the form of watering and cleaning.
How often should golf cart batteries be checked?
once every two monthsYou should aim to check the water level in your battery cells every at least once every two months to ensure that your battery isn't ask risk of being ruined due to low water levels.
How do I know if my golf cart batteries are good?
0:426:18How to Test Golf Cart Batteries - Troubleshooting Batteries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe battery voltage can be buy tested by probing with a simple voltmeter by pushing the probesMoreThe battery voltage can be buy tested by probing with a simple voltmeter by pushing the probes deeply into the lead not in not into the stainless steel put into the lead.
How often should you check golf cart batteries for water?
about once a monthOne integral aspect of this maintenance is battery watering. Unless you have a sealed battery, you should check the water level of your battery at regular intervals, usually about once a month, to ensure it is within the recommended range.
Should I charge my golf cart 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 long do golf cart batteries last?
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 many volts should a fully charged 48 volt golf cart have?
The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.
Why are my golf cart batteries dying so fast?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps losing charge or drains quickly, may be due to loose wires, corroded connectors or an insufficient amount of water in the battery. The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded.
How do I know if my golf cart batteries need water?
According to most battery experts, your golf cart water should be about one-quarter inch below the top of the fill well. Another way to gauge this level is to make sure the water covers your battery cell plates but doesn't go too high above them. It should just cover them up without making them disappear.
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.
Do you put distilled water in golf cart batteries?
Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over. You'll want to add water to 1/2 inch from the top of the battery. 2) We recommend service once or twice a year. 3) Always use distilled water so you don't add additional minerals into your battery.
How to tell if your golf cart battery is bad?
Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. 2 A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. 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. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the controller not engaging when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. The charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the batteries trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.
How many amps does a golf cart battery take to recharge?
To recharge, the batteries will require 90 ampere-hours + 20% to make up for any charge deficiency.
How to tell if battery life is nearing?
Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer several times to allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of electrolyte and note the reading. Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing.
What is a golf cart battery charger?
The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time.
What temperature should a battery be when charging?
This will also initiate the equalizing charge. The batteries should begin gassing and bubbling. Keep the battery temperature between 115 degrees and 125 degrees.
What is a Trojan T-105 battery?
Trojan T-105 batteries are the best-known premium battery and have nearly 100 years of manufacturing experience. Trojan Battery Company was founded in 1925 and developed the golf cart battery for the Autoette in 1952. The distinctive maroon color of the T-105 makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors.
How to tell if your golf cart is low voltage?
You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage.
Why is my golf cart battery undercharging?
Undercharging: Undercharging caused by using a cheap golf cart battery charging system ( One that does not apply enough amperage in the charging cycle) can cause lead sulfate to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the. battery’s capacity and ability to be recharged.
What is the specific gravity of a battery?
If the specific gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be. recharged. If the specific gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to know if golf cart batteries are fully charged?
This way, you will always know your batteries are fully charged. 2. Check the Water Levels in Batteries. Keep a close eye on the water level in your batteries. If the water level is too low, you'll need to add water to bring them back up.
Why is it important to maintain a golf cart?
When you own a golf cart, it's important to keep it maintained for a smoother and trouble-free ride. Regular golf cart maintenance will keep your golf cart running for a long time without any issues.
How to keep golf cart tires from wearing out?
Check Tires Pressure. Make sure to check the air pressure in your golf cart tires every week or so. If you inspect that air pressure is low, fill air in your tires right away. By doing this, you'll protect your golf cart tires from wearing out.
What do you need to know about street legal golf carts?
Inspect Lights and Mirrors. Street legal golf carts are equipped with a street legal light package and side mirrors. If your cart is street legal, do not forget to check turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and mirrors. If any of your lights are not working, read out the owner's manual to find the fuse location. 9.
Can you replace golf cart batteries?
When you need to replace your golf cart batteries, it is best to replace all of the batteries simultaneously. If you put a new battery with an older pack of batteries, then the older batteries will reduce the new battery's life. The older batteries take a longer time to charge than the new ones, and eventually, you will destroy the new ones by overcharging.
Do golf carts need lubrication?
Like other vehicles, golf carts also require regular suspension lubrication. The steering wheel rack and pinion also need to be greased regularly. The frequency of lubricating varies by model, so be sure to read the owner's manual for the required timeframe. If you ever notice oil on the ground near or around your golf cart, get underneath your cart and inspect or just connect with a mechanic.
