Tips For Maximizing Your Battery Life
- Charge your batteries fully after each period of use. Charge your batteries for 8 to 10 hours with the proper style of golf cart battery charger. ...
- Cleaning Proper golf cart battery maintenance is essential to the proper operation of your car. Batteries seem to attract dust, dirt, and grime. ...
- Water your batteries regularly. Flooded, or wet cell batteries require watering periodically. Check your batteries once a month after installation to determine the proper watering schedule. ...
- To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. ...
- Storage Periods of inactivity can be extremely harmful to lead-acid batteries. ...
- Do not overcharge your golf cart batteries. It is best if you have an automatic golf cart charger, in that way, this is not a concern for you! ...
- Do not discharge golf cart batteries beyond an 80% discharge. ...
- Record the battery voltage of each golf cart battery cell for future reference.
- Charge your batteries fully after each period of use. ...
- Cleaning Proper golf cart battery maintenance is essential to the proper operation of your car. ...
- Water your batteries regularly. ...
- To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often.
How do you charge a golf cart battery at home?
Use your charger correctly. Charge your golf cart battery between 8 and 10 hours with the proper charger and plug. Try not to allow your battery to drop below 20% capacity, especially for lead-acid batteries. When charging deep cycle batteries do not let these batteries discharge completely.
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
What kind 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.
How to tell how many holes in a golf cart battery?
You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes. 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. A Guide To Golf Cart Batteries: How Much Do Batteries Cost?
How can I get the most out 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. ... Final Note.
Should golf cart batteries be charged 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.
Why does my golf cart runs out of batteries 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 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.
Can you use a trickle charger on golf cart batteries?
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.
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.
What should a fully charged 6 volt golf cart battery read?
A 6V battery is actually fully charged when it reads slightly over 6V on a multimeter. A 6 volt charger is typically designed to produce about 7 volts so that it can attain a full charge.
How do you know when golf cart batteries are dying?
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.
How long should a golf cart run on a full 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 should batteries last on a golf cart?
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
What Are The Best Golf Cart Batteries?
These brands have shown a dedication to creating quality batteries. Quality control and innovation are the main focus of these companies, ensuring that buyers get the latest and greatest. Find out more below!
How long does a golf cart battery last?
With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.
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.
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.
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 is the best way to protect a golf cart battery?
To stop this, wire lugs, nuts, terminals, and bolts are coated with quality non-hardening sealant. The thin layer of petroleum jelly or pure Vaseline on a battery’s terminals provides added protection. Sealing any wires which are exposed at terminal lugs with the submersible rubber tape will extend its longevity. These products can generally be found at the local auto store parts.
How to attach a golf cart battery to a 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.
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 ...
How to remove sulfur deposits from golf cart battery?
In this, you are required to remove sulfur deposits which are through removing plastic caps from the cells. You can also use the turkey baster to approximately remove half of a liquid from every cell of a battery.
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 determine battery discharge rate?
You can determine a 50% DOD (Depth of Discharge) by applying the full charge to a battery, and run time increase. Often check the charge’s state with the simple hydrometer. The battery usually manufactures the particular gravity chart which shows what a hydrometer can read at the full charge, and identify once it reaches particular percentages of the discharge. Occasionally checking hydrometer readings can give you the right idea of how much the run-time of the golf cart battery can work before you reach 50% discharge. Charging the battery at 50% DOD, or before, significantly promotes the longer service life.
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.
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 to speed up a golf cart?
One of the easiest ways to speed up your golf cart is by increasing the tire size. If you don’t do anything else, but buy bigger tires, then you can speed up your golf cart by 2-4 miles an hour.
What is power in golf carts?
Power is defined as the rate of work being done. It’s supplied by the motor, and increasing it involves making your engine more efficient, which is different for gas vs electric golf carts.
How to get better torque on a golf cart?
Another way to get better torque is to replace drive axles. Each golf cart is different, but if your cart has jointed axles, meaning more than one piece to allow for movement of the suspension components, then you can upgrade to solid drive axles for a rear wheel driven cart or single joint axles for a front wheel drive.
How does an electric golf cart work?
By upgrading these two restrictors, you can increase the power going to the motor . These devices are called the solenoid contactor relay and the electronic speed controller.
How to increase intake?
The easiest way to increase intake is to buy a high-flow air filter like the ones from K&N. They can install directly on to your factory intake system and only cost about twice as much as a regular air filter.
Can a club car golf cart be 4 wheel drive?
Lastly, very few Yamaha, E-Z-GO, or Club Car golf carts come in 4 wheel drive, but there a lot of aftermarket manufacturers that sell kits for converting your cart into a 4X4.
Is a golf cart electric or gas?
Electric motors are quite a bit different from gas motors. If your Club Car, E-Z-GO, or Yamaha golf cart is electric, then making your golf cart go faster will be a very different challenge. Electric motors use induction, and don’t use the same physics as a gas motor.
How to Bring Golf Cart Batteries Back to Life?
When your golf cart batteries are completely dead, the best way of bringing them back to life is by charging them manually with a car battery charger. This is because your golf cart chargers are not designed to detect very low voltages and a regular car battery charger will jumpstart the process.
How Do You Charge a 36 Volt Golf Cart Battery?
If your golf cart has a 36-volt battery pack, it will probably have three 12v individual batteries or six 6v batteries. If you don’t have the charger that came with your golf cart, or if you need to run a maintenance charge, you can charge each battery in the pack individually and charge it.
What is the Proper Way to Charge an Electric Golf Cart?
If your electric golf cart batteries are in good shape, the proper way to charge an electric golf cart is to plug it into the electric network using the charger that came with your golf cart. If your golf cart didn’t come with a charger, you should find one that matches your vehicle’s charging socket and voltage specifications.
What Should My Golf Cart Charger Read when Fully Charged?
Modern cart battery chargers have LED lights to show the charge status. Most of these chargers will have a light displaying that the charger is plugged into the wall and another light indicating that the charger is working. Once the charge is complete, another light will turn on, generally in green next to a sign “charge complete”.
How Do You Trick a Golf Cart Charger?
When your golf cart’s batteries are completely discharged, you will have to “trick” your golf cart charger by using an automotive battery charger to manually charge them, at least to the point where your cart charger will read some voltage. That’s how you trick a golf cart charger.
Can You Overcharge Golf Cart Batteries?
Overcharging golf cart batteries is dangerous and can cause damage so it’s not recommended. Batteries have many chemical components that heat up every time you charge them. Overcharging a battery will overheat these chemicals, ruining the battery and the heat buildup may make it catch fire.
