how to tell if golf cart batteries need to be replaced

1. It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. ...
2. Your Golf Cart loses power very quickly. Most Golf Carts can travel at least 7 miles or more on a single charge. ...
3. Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. Electric Golf Carts are known for being fast and having acceleration power. ...
4. The batteries are leaking acid and are beginning to bulge. If the previous 3 are not prevalent enough, then the batteries themselves will exhibit signs of deterioration.

Can you replace just one battery on a golf cart?

There will be times when it is appropriate to change only one or two batteries, but they occur only after you have replaced all of the batteries first. Replacing just one or two batteries in your golf cart battery pack can result in difficulties with charging and a shorter lifespan for the new ones you just purchased.

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

More items...

How do you refurbish golf cart batteries?

You will need:

• Battery charger
• Epsom salts
• Baking soda (and an old paintbrush)
• Distilled water (and a turkey baster)

How do you fill the battery in a golf cart?

Step-by-step Guide

• Step 1. – Insert pump into jug of distilled water! ...
• Step 3. – Once hand pump bulb is primed remove the dust cover from the end of the fill line on your battery watering system.
• Step 4. – Squeezing the golf cart battery watering system hand pump with firm steady pressure to pump water into the battery cells.
• Step 5. ...
• Step 6. ...

How often should you replace your golf cart batteries?

Properly maintained golf cart batteries will last on average about 6-10 years for private owners. For properly maintained fleet golf cart batteries that get used for 2-3 rounds of golf everyday, you can expect them to last 4-6 years. Fleet golf carts are generally used for golf courses or in maintenance facilities.

What is the average lifespan of batteries in 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.

What happens if one golf cart battery is bad?

Poor Battery Life Replacing just one or two batteries in your golf cart battery pack can result in difficulties with charging, as well as a shorter lifespan for the new ones you've purchased.

How do you check golf cart batteries?

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 much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

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 you leave a 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 do you refresh golf cart batteries?

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

What to do if your golf cart battery starts to weaken?

If you notice batteries starting to weaken after those first nine holes, you need to check out your battery. The last thing you want is for your cart to die before you can get it back to the clubhouse. Golf carts are heavy and pushing one up a hill won’t be an option.

How to protect golf cart batteries?

To best protect your batteries, make an effort to wipe down golf cart batteries every month or so. Get a brush for cleaning off corrosion and rags for wiping off leaking acid. If you see leaking acid, remove the battery immediately and replace it. Dispose of your battery carefully as lead-acid batteries can be an environmental hazard.

How far can a golf cart last?

You Don’t Get As Much Distance. At the very least, your golf cart should be able to last through the length of a golf course. On average, this should cover a few miles. When a golf cart battery is at its peak, it should easily be able to cover seven miles without needing to be recharged.

Why do batteries get spotty?

Batteries that have corrosion on top or along the sides will need to be cleaned or even replaced. Battery corrosion can cause connections to be spotty. If you notice that when you hit a bump, you lose or gain power, clean off your battery.

What happens if you drain golf cart batteries?

If you’re charging your batteries when they’re super low or about to die, you might find that they’ll need replacing more often. When you drain your golf cart batteries or leave them near empty before you charge them, you risk doing damage to them.

How to know when to recharge battery?

Here are six signs to look for when batteries need replacing. 1. Charge 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.

What is a battery charger made of?

Batteries are made up of chemicals that have a specific shelf life. When used a lot, they won’t give you the kind of power they did when they were new. Your charger will be doing everything it can to hit those maximum power levels regardless of how old your battery is.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

1. Charging Issues. First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out.

How to check if golf cart is charging?

First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out. Plug it back into the charger and follow the instructions. Just in case the charger is the issue, check that the battery charger is turned on. There should be an indicator light to show that it is charging the batteries. In the morning, disconnect ...

What hole does a golf cart stop dead?

It’s a real hassle if your golf cart stops dead and you’re only at the 15 th hole of play. Not only is this an embarrassing event, but it’s a major pain to have to arrange for the cart to be towed back to the parking lot.

Why won't my cart fire up?

But more often than not, your cart suddenly refused to fire up and go due to a dead or bad battery.

Can you top up golf cart batteries?

Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries. If this is the case, you will notice how several individual batteries have been “daisy-chained” together to form one large battery. 4.

Can you top up a golf cart battery with distilled water?

You need to leave enough room for expansion, so the acid should only be filled to just above the lead cells inside. Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries.

Do golf cart batteries last forever?

Golf cart batteries won’t last forever. In fact, each year they age a little bit closer towards their final use. If your battery is close to its warranty end date you may want to consider simply making the upgrade now.

What is a golf cart used for?

Golf carts are used for more than just teeing off and chasing that birdie. Your customers might use these carts around their gated communities, within a huge business complex or around a government institution. Regardless of the golf cart’s location, it always needs a reliable battery.

Why are deep cycle batteries reliable?

The reasons why deep-cycle batteries have these reliable charges is because of key, internal factors that include: Thick, internal plates for complete discharges with each ride. Extra, reserve capacity within the battery cells.

Does a golf cart need a battery?

Acceleration is possible when you have a good battery attached to your golf cart. This power is necessary for those inclines and hills that are encountered every day. The cart relies on the battery for much of its power. You might have a mixture of electric or gas-powered carts, but every model needs some battery for startup and acceleration processes.

Is a golf cart battery a deep cycle?

Battery is Visually Declining. Golf-cart batteries are also known as deep-cycle or lead-acid designs. Although there are many different types of batteries in the marketplace today, this particular style is still a go-to choice for cart engineers. The lead-acid battery is reliable, long lasting and inexpensive.

Is a lead acid battery good?

The lead-acid battery is reliable, long lasting and inexpensive. However, it does have a drawback. The chemicals within the battery that make charging and discharging possible are fluid. Once these chemicals break down or release from the battery’s housing altogether, it cannot be restored.

Do golf cart batteries surge?

New, golf-cart batteries have some surging power when the vehicle requires it on an incline. Don’t expect this surge to kick in when the battery is old, damaged or been in storage during the off season. Remain observant when it comes to cart operations. Each driver should be familiar with the acceleration power attributed to every cart.

How long does a golf cart last?

Your golf cart should last for the duration of an 18-hole game. In fact, it normally operates off and on for the entire day. If your vehicle putters out about halfway through your day, the battery is to blame.

Do golf cart batteries need to be charged overnight?

The average, golf-cart battery requires an overnight charge to fully power the vehicle tomorrow. If you notice that the best golf cart batteries are taking even longer to charge, it’s time to replace them.

Can a golf cart take on hills?

It’s time to replace that battery when hills become issues on your route. Golf carts aren’t designed to take on huge hills, but they should be nimble enough to traverse small knolls.

Do golf carts need batteries?

Golf carts and their batteries have advanced technology behind their functions. The vehicle should be responsive under your command. You probably need new, Trojan golf cart batteries when these situations occur, including:

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.