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how to keep golf cart batteries charged during periods of time

by Dr. Price Lebsack IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

During prolonged storage, owners should remove the batteries from their cart and keep them in a cool, dry place. The location of storage should maintain a temperature between 0 degrees celsius (32F) and 32 degrees Celsius (90F). Charge the batteries every 60 to 90 days to make sure they maintain their charge and avoid damage.

How To Store Your Golf Cart During The Summer
  1. Charge Batteries Completely. a. Turn Key OFF and Remove Key. ...
  2. Refill Water Levels. a. Refill water levels to 1/4" above plates, using DISTILLED WATER ONLY. ...
  3. Disconnect Battery Charger. a. ...
  4. Disconnect Main Positive and Negative Connections. a. ...
  5. Lift Golf Cart Of The Floor. a.
Apr 25, 2018

Full Answer

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. ...

More items...

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

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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.

Should I keep my golf cart charger 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 often should you charge golf cart batteries when not in use?

Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use. Nobody likes to be stranded. It takes several hours to re-charge golf cart batteries that have gone completely dead. To lengthen the lifespan of batteries, make sure they are fully charged before each use.

How do you keep golf cart batteries in off season?

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.

Should I charge my golf cart batteries every night?

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. Allowing your batteries to sit in a low state of charge for extended periods will decrease their capacity and life.

Can you put a trickle charger on a golf cart?

If you tend to use the golf cart during the warmer months and store it during the winter, pick a trickle charger to make the battery last longer. These chargers connect to the battery over weeks or months at a time. They provide enough power to the battery to keep it charged but without harming the internal components.

How often should I add water to my golf cart batteries?

DO: You have to get your timing right. After charging your battery is when you want to add water. Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over. ... We recommend service once or twice a year. Always use distilled water so you don't add additional minerals into your battery.

Should I take the batteries out of my golf cart for the winter?

Simple, regular maintenance of your 6 volt golf car batteries during the off-season ensures that your car is ready to run when the time comes, but neglecting to care for them will leave you with a car that can't make it out of the garage, let alone 18 holes.

How do you store a golf cart for 3 months?

7 Tips for Long-Term Golf Cart StorageStep 1: Fully Charge the Battery. The typical golf cart is run by a 6-volt battery. ... Step 2: Disconnect the Battery. ... Step 3: Refill Water Level. ... Step 4: Secure the Cart. ... Step 5: Take Care of The Tires. ... Step 6: Make Sure it's Clean. ... Step 7: Store it in a Secure Place.

What is the best way to store an electric golf cart?

You should store your electric golf in a covered dry area, away from any water exposure. A golf cart storage shed would be the best place, but if you don't have a small storage building with a door, make sure you place it under a shelter, and away from where the elements can get to it.

Should I charge my golf cart in tow or run?

Your golf cart needs to be charged in Run. Tow should only be used in long term storage or if you are going to remove the battery.

How long does a golf cart battery last on one charge?

Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery. Times depend on the age of the battery, with newer batteries having longer run times.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

Golf cart batteries can last anywhere up to 10 years if you charge them correctly.

How many volts does a golf cart battery use?

Most modern-day golf cart batteries come in either 6, 8 or 12 volts (the voltage being the force needed to create an electrical current, indicating the strength of the battery).

Why does my golf cart make a hissing sound?

However, if your cart uses a sealed battery (such as a gel or AGM battery), then a hissing or bubbling sound may indicate damage.

What type of lead acid is used in golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries do come in different types and models – including Flooded Lead Acid; Gel Lead Acid; and AGM Lead Acid – so it’s important to seek clarification if you’re uncertain about which replacement to buy.

Why does my charger make a noise?

Some chargers may pass a current through the battery at a higher level, and this can intensify the noise that it makes.

What is the most fun way to navigate the golf course?

Golf carts are one of the most fun ways to navigate your way around the golf course.

How long does it take for a battery to recharge?

Your batteries should be fully recharged after 8-10 hours, but may require longer if they are older.

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 charge a golf cart battery?

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 lead is joined with the negative pole. It’s also prudent to charge the battery after every time the golf cart is used.

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 ...

What is the best way to protect a golf cart battery?

In order to prevent this, coat its wire lugs, terminals, nuts, and bolts with any quality non-hardening sealant. A thin layer of pure Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the battery’s terminals also provides extra protection. Finally, sealing any exposed wires at the terminal lugs with submersible rubber tape also extends the battery life. These products can typically be found at your local auto parts store.

How to keep a battery charged while stored?

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. Using a solar charger also works and prolongs the battery’s life. For a good trickle charger , we recommend a Battery MINDer produced by VDC Electronics.

Why is it important to keep a battery charged for longer than its rated reserve?

That’s why you need to ensure that the battery is never discharged for more than seventy percent of its rated reserve capacity. This is because the longer it takes to recharge, the more it creates heat and destroys itself gradually by eroding its plates.

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.

How to prevent golf cart batteries from overcharging?

My best advice to prevent overcharging your golf cart batteries is to set a timer while you charge the battery. You will also want to ensure that you check the battery’s heat and charge at regular intervals to ensure the battery doesn’t overheat and hasn’t finished charging too soon.

Why won't my golf cart battery charge?

Putting too much or too little water in your golf cart batteries can be detrimental to the battery’s lifespan. Too much water and you can flood or overflow the acid tanks inside the battery as you charge it. Too little water and you’ll find the battery won’t charge as there is not enough water to allow the electrolysis charging process inside of the battery to take place.

How long does it take for a GPS golf cart to charge?

It also has the capability of being fully charged in approximately five hours. As it was designed for multiple golf games, the battery will take you up and down the straights of the course and help you improve your golfing game.

How to ensure electric golf cart longevity?

One other way to ensure the longevity of your electric golf cart is not to overwork its battery when out on the course. Stick to pathways and flat terrain as much as possible and don’t over-rev or work the cart as you move up and down the course’s undulation s.

How many volts does a golf cart battery have?

A standard golf cart battery will have between 38 and 46 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the golf cart’s battery will last, and the more power you’ll get out of that cart – that depends on the speed you’re using on the golf cart and how you use that cart over its terrain.

Why is it bad to leave a golf cart plugged in?

Leaving your cart plugged in for too long can increase electricity consumption, which will inevitably cost you more money the longer you charge your cart. So when not in use, it’s wiser to avoid overcharging your golf cart to the extent that you are overloading the battery’s voltage.

How long does it take to charge a golf buggy?

Depending on what type of cart you are using, on average, it can take around eight to ten hours to charge up a golf buggy.

What happens if golf cart batteries are not charged?

If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate and provide less capacity. When there are experienced and inexperienced owners asking the same question, you have to wonder if this question is being addressed by golf cart manufacturers and where the confusion surrounding the questions is sprouting from. ...

Why do golf cart batteries deteriorate?

The main reason would be a concern for the golf cart battery. Manufacturers recommend leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time, but only if using an automatic battery charger. This will keep the batteries topped off and ready to go. If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate ...

What type of batteries does a club car use?

They have produced carts with 48V lead-acid configurations and lithium ion batteries. However, the 48V lead acid carts are the most common. The Club Car guidelines for charging such a cart are as follows:

How cold should a golf cart battery be?

As we know, it is a pain to uninstall and reinstall golf cart batteries, my recommendation would be to make sure your golf cart is stored above 32 degrees F and keep them charged and maintained throughout winter. This will prolong their life and keep older batteries running for a long time.

Can you leave a golf cart plugged in?

In conclusion, the answer to the question at hand is most likely: No, you shouldn’t always leave your cart plugged in when you are not using it. However, depending upon which type of golf cart you have, the proper guidelines from your manufacturer will differ. According to Club Car, you should leave your cart plugged in during storage and let the computer detect when the batteries need a charge. According to E-Z-GO, you can leave your cart charging during storage, but you should consistently check on your power source. And, according to Yamaha, you should remove your batteries from the cart completely.

Can you leave RXV on charger?

We throw our RXV on this charger and are able to leave it plugged in and it will automatically top off the batteries if need be.

Can you leave a battery charger plugged in?

The battery chargers can be left plugged in during prolonged storage, if the charger is plugged into an active electrical source. If the electrical source is not consistent, you should not leave the battery chargers plugged in , for the battery charger will automatically continue to address the battery pack.

How to turn off golf cart battery?

Turn the ignition key of the golf cart to the OFF position. Although there is no battery draw when the key is left on, doing this is considered to be a safe practice.

How to charge a deep cycle golf cart battery?

The following tips give an insight into the effective charging of a deep-cycle battery. Charge the deep-cycle battery fully between two consecutive uses of the golf cart. The battery must complete at least one full cycle before use. Check the water level periodically.

How many volts does a golf cart charger have?

There are about 8 different types of charger plugs that you can find across various golf cart models. While some of plugs are exclusively for either 36 volts or 48 volts carts, others will work with both voltages.

How to choose a golf cart battery charger?

How to Choose the Best golf Cart Battery Charger. You must choose a battery charger according to the voltage of your cart to prevent the possibility of damage to your batteries. Check the charging receptacle of your golf cart and select your charger accordingly.

What is the power of a golf cart generator?

The generator can charge the batteries that supply the power to an electric motor responsible for moving the cart. The 48 volts system in a golf cart usually features an onboard computer (OBC) that controls the battery pack charging process and restricts the charging when the cart is moving.

How to keep golf cart from accumulating?

Keep the golf cart where there is good ventilation to prevent gases from accumulating during the charging process.

Why does my golf cart go into tow mode?

Your golf cart usually runs in tow mode when it does not have enough power to get moving on its own. One reason may be that the batteries are old and do not have the same power as new ones. If this happens with new batteries, the most likely reason is that they don’t have enough charge.

What to do if your golf car charger isn't working?

If you notice that your charger isn't working as it should, you may need to get someone to check it out. This may not be a problem with the charger, but rather your golf car battery or other equipment on board.

Why shouldn't you expose your golf car to extreme heat?

Don't expose your golf car to extreme heat because this can damage the cells of a battery, leading to a reduced life span for your golf car.

Can you leave a golf cart charger plugged in all the time?

There's a bit of conflict, though, on the subject of leaving your charger plugged in all the time, according to E-Z-GO's manual. There's a line that says it is okay to leave the golf cart plugged in all the time, but later on, there is a section that says it's best not to.

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

In conclusion, the next time you ask yourself the question 'should I leave my golf cart plugged in all the time' is by contacting the manufacturer. It's a 100% efficient way to find out the best practices for that particular style and brand of charger. It is the best idea for safety and because it can prevent many problems before they happen. Addressing the issue early can save you time and money and keep the charger in the best shape. Aside from the provided manual you will find on the charger and golf car, make sure you read any relevant paperwork that came with your vehicle.

Can you put a charger in water?

Never submerge or immerse any part of the charger into the water at any time because it may cause electrocution or other hazards. Ideally, the charger should be placed in an area where it is away from any moisture at all times and cannot get wet.

Do all chargers have automatic charging?

Many people find that their chargers have this automatic function built into them - but not all do. If you wish to have a reliable charger, it is important to make sure that your charger should have this function.

Do golf cart chargers have timers?

Some golf cart chargers will have a timer built-in. This can be set up so that the battery only charges for a certain amount of time. If you are planning on playing golf every weekend, it is best to plug in and set up your timer so that the battery only charges at a certain time. This will give you enough juice throughout the course without overcharging or damaging your battery in any way.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

Depending on the use and maintenance, your golf cart battery can last up to seven years. However, regular maintenance can make your battery serve its intended lifespan.

How to stop a cart from rolling?

Disengage the brake. Free the hand brake and ensure the cart is secured from rolling.

Is it better to leave a gold cart plugged or cold?

Research has shown that heat is more detrimental to a battery than cold. Leaving your gold cart plugged always heats the cells. It is cost-saving to observe proper battery maintenance to avoid replacing your battery soon.

Can you store a battery in a dirty condition?

Ensure the batteries are clean. Never store your battery in a dirty condition before storage; this could destroy the terminals.

Can you leave a golf cart plugged in all the time?

While some people had no unfavorable consequence leaving their cart plugged all the time, you may not be as lucky. The best practice is to unplug your golf cart when it’s fully charged. Else, you risk shortening the lifespan of your batteries.

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