what do you do with golf cart batteries when you are away for many months

If you’re storing your golf cart battery away for long periods of time, make sure you keep it somewhere cool. Long exposure to hot temperatures will have a deadly impact on your battery’s longevity. While cooler temperatures are undoubtedly best for battery storage, you’ll want to avoid storing it where freezing temperatures are expected.

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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. ...

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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.

How long will golf cart batteries last when not in use?

They may last anywhere from months, up to 5-7 years under the right circumstances. But when left idly in high temperatures for long periods of time (such as in a hot garage in the summertime) or when left unused for months, it can really take a toll of the lifespan.

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.

Should I disconnect golf cart batteries for storage?

It's important to either disconnect the batter- ies from the golf cart while in storage, to re- move any parasitic loads which can discharge the batteries, or based on the type of charger you have, keep the charger plugged into the golf cart.

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.

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 winterize golf cart batteries?

Batteries with anything less than a perfect level will break down over the colder months. Open up each fill section, and top off the level with distilled water. The best golf cart batteries require water to cover the internal plates. Reattach the fill covers afterward.

How do you winterize a Club Car golf cart?

How to Winterize a Golf CartThoroughly clean the golf cart with soap and water as well as a degreaser or other recommended cleaning products to remove dirt and grime. ... Inspect the brakes. ... Verify that the tires are properly inflated. ... Tune up the engine if you own a gas-powered golf cart. ... Disconnect the battery cables.More items...•

How do I winterize my EZ Go golf cart?

0:144:18E Z GO 2008 2014 RXV Winter Storage Instructions - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply by removing the cap. And checking all of the cells. In each individual battery each cell isMoreSimply by removing the cap. And checking all of the cells. In each individual battery each cell is individual they will not flood over and fill each other.

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.

How do you maintain golf cart batteries?

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance1) 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.More items...

How long do golf cart batteries last?

They may last anywhere from months, up to 5-7 years under the right circumstances.

What type of battery does a golf cart use?

These golf carts are commonly powered by lead-acid batteries with a 6, 8, or 12-volt deep-cycle. Unlike the battery in your car, golf cart batteries do not automatically ‘recharge’ themselves during use.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

The batteries of privately owned golf carts can be expected to last between 6 and 10 years.

What factors affect the battery life of a golf cart?

Another factor that affects battery longevity, albeit a lesser one, is the number of extras the golf cart has. For instance, some may be fully decked out with headlights, horns, and windshield wipers (as well as any other components that make a golf cart street legal) – features that put a bit more strain on the battery, affecting its longevity.

How does overcharging affect golf cart batteries?

This basically when the charger continues to pump power into the battery even when it is fully charged, over-cooking the internals. If this becomes a regular habit, it will drastically affect the lifespan of the battery.

Is it good to leave a battery empty?

Leaving them empty for long periods of time isn’t good for them. Going through a regular cycle of discharge and charge is healthy for a battery, and will help to prolong its lifespan. Also, be sure to charge them in a well-ventilated area. This will prevent them from overheating.

Do golf cart batteries expire?

But for all the benefits of deep-cycle battery power, there’s no avoiding the inevitable expiry date. No battery can last forever. But when, exactly, is this expiry date?

How often should I water my golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries need to be watered on a regular basis. By regular basis, I mean checking them AT LEAST once a month and then adding DISTILLED water if needed (Do not use tap water. It will hurt your batteries.). When checking them, make sure they are fully charged.

How many rounds of golf can you use a golf cart battery?

To give you some kind of comparison factor, fleet golf cart batteries, are used for two to four rounds of golf every day ...

What is the best way to not overcharge a battery?

This refers to a charger that does NOT sense when the battery is becoming fully charged and either shuts down at the right time or slows down to a trickle charge as the battery approaches saturation point. Newer battery chargers either close down or slow down as the battery becomes fully charged since they have a built in algorithm that knows when the batteries are fully charged. A lot of the time a manual charger will come with a built in timer that you set. However if this is not the case, it is highly recommended you get a kitchen timer or set an alarm clock, because over-cooking your batteries is a sure way to sacrifice longevity.

How long do batteries last?

In the worst case scenario, your batteries may only last you three years. In the best case scenario, they may last you ten years. If your batteries only last three years or less, then it means a combination of factors. It usually entails a few of the following items:

Can you recharge a cart with lead acid?

However, fully charging batteries before reusing the cart is recommended. That said, lead-acid batteries don’ t last as long if you let them drain down to zero before recharging them. And, remember, top quality chargers are recommended, so that recharging is safer and the charging is steady and fully automated.

Is battery life important for golf carts?

In a nutshell, battery duration is certainly a major concern and a major expense for golf cart owners. Taking the recommended maintenance steps very seriously will lead to extended life and keep costs down. author- Timothy Baler.

Do you need to fill batteries if they are discharged?

When checking them, make sure they are fully charged. You do not want to fill them if they are discharged as this could cause overfilling. One of the biggest “battery killers” is not properly maintaining them with water, so be sure to check them on a regular basis.

How to charge a golf cart battery?

Fill all of the battery cells to the proper levels. Remove the battery tops and use distilled water to raise the water levels in the battery cells to cover the plates. Electrolyte levels in your golf cart batteries are critical, especially when cold weather hits and you need to maintain a full charge to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. ...

How to revive a frozen battery?

First, bring the battery inside and thaw it out, then hook it to an automotive charger that is equipped with clamps to put on the terminals. Set the charger on the lowest charge rate setting and charge the battery for around an hour.

How to clean battery terminals?

Clean the battery terminals posts using 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a 1 quart of water. Use a wire scratch brush to remove the larger deposits. Keep any of the baking soda water from entering the battery. Rinse the battery thoroughly dry with a paper towel. 2.

What is a tow/run switch on a golf cart?

The Tow/Run switch is only installed on a golf car with a separately excited motor that produces regenerative braking. This uses a small amount of power even when the key is off and can take a full charge If your cart has this switch, Set it to “Tow” and set the parking brake.

How do batteries self discharge?

Batteries need to be dry and cleaned of any corrosion and dirt. Batteries can self-discharge by a small trickle of current slowly discharging your batteries through conductive debris.

Can you store golf cart batteries in cold weather?

Also, note that golf cart batteries will take longer to charge in colder temperatures than they will in warm weather.

Can golf cart batteries freeze?

Golf cart batteries can freeze if not charged, and once they have frozen, it is difficult to get them to recover. The more the battery is charged, the lower the temperature must be to freeze it. Here are some tips for storing your golf cart batteries over the winter.

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 hot should a Yamaha cart be?

The location of storage should maintain a temperature between 0 degrees celsius (32F) and 32 degrees Celsius (90F).

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 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.

Who makes electric golf carts?

The three major manufacturers of electric golf carts are Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha, and it seems most of the confusion surrounding the question at hand is their fault. Well, let’s not blame any of the three companies, but they are certainly responsible, for each of these three major golf cart manufacturers address the question differently.

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 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 prevent a golf cart battery from corroding?

In order to prevent this, coat its wire lugs, terminals, nuts, and bolts with any quality non-hardening sealant.

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 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.

Does a cart battery recharge itself?

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….

Can you use tap water on a cell phone?

Never use plain or tap water. Also, never allow the cell’s fluid level to dip below its plates. In addition, never let the level of water in the battery be too high. As in, it should never be touching the plastic lip that goes down into the battery from the plastic cap.

Do golf cart batteries work?

Though vehicular batteries are made similarly and out of similar materials, when used in golf carts, the way they are used is different. The maintenance of golf batteries will be somewhat similar to maintaining other batteries. However a couple of things are different. Follow the above mentioned tips to keep your golf cart batteries, in turn your golf cart, in prime working condition.