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why do my golf cart batteries keep losing water

by Mr. Gus Ortiz II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Why Golf Cart Batteries Lose Charge / Drain Quickly

  • The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded. ...
  • The water level in the golf cart batteries is far below the desired level. ...
  • The golf cart is kept in a very cold area. ...
  • The battery charger is at fault and not charging the batteries properly. ...
  • The batteries are getting overcharged because the charger is continuously on. ...

More items...

During charge, discharge and recharge cycles of batteries, the water decreases. With more charges, the water gets lower and lower. Especially in summer, when it's all hot, the water in the battery evaporates. If you don't check and maintain the batteries regularly, you risk the water level getting low.

Full Answer

Why is my golf cart battery leaking water?

This happens during the summer or in places with higher temperatures. When a golf cart is exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time, the water inside the battery tends to evaporate. As the water continues to evaporate, the water level becomes lower and lower.

What happens when a golf cart battery quits?

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.

What happens if you put water in a car battery?

This type of water doesn’t contain any chemicals or minerals that may interfere with the normal chemical process inside the battery. Most importantly, don’t overfill your battery with water. Just give your battery some breathing room because an overfilled battery may cause water to overflow.

How to take care of your golf cart batteries?

Taking proper care of your golf cart batteries can help you get the best out of them and eliminate the need for their frequent replacement. You can follow these simple steps to avoid spending a huge amount on replacing the batteries. When charging the batteries, ensure that they’re not overcharged.

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How often should you add water to 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.

Why are my golf cart batteries draining so fast?

Low water levels are far and away the most common reason for golf cart batteries dying too fast. This problem is so common because it's difficult to catch without performing regular checkups and maintenance on your golf. Most golf cart owners aren't even aware that they need to regularly balance their water levels.

How often do you need to add water to a battery?

A battery should only be watered after it is completely charged. But, you should always check the water level before charging. Before charging, make sure there is just enough water to cover any exposed plates (rectangular metal parts visible when you look inside a battery).

Why are my new golf cart batteries not holding charge?

If your batteries aren't hooked up correctly, or the connections between them are weak or frayed, this can quickly lead to a loss of power and cause your charger to fail. Make sure you check each battery terminal for corrosion; any buildup will impede the flow of electricity, and could likewise cause problems.

Why does my cart battery keep dying?

There are several reason why your e-cig battery might be dying so quickly. Over charging, over discharging, incorrect storage, low resistance atomizer coils and wattage being set too high can all contribute to an e-cig battery not lasting as long as you might expect.

How often should you charge your golf cart batteries?

4) To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. Always remember to do a refresh charge every 45 to 60 days, and even more frequently in hotter climates.

What causes batteries to lose water?

They lose water because of the gassing that they go through with every charge. Gassing is an important part of the recharge process. The gassing allows the electrolyte to mix well and helps the battery get back to a fully charged state at the end of the charge process.

What happens if you put too much water in a battery?

Don't Over Water If too much water was added before charging, the electrolyte levels will expand and cause the battery to overflow and damage the battery. Additionally, excessive watering of a battery can result in additional dilution of the electrolyte, resulting in reduced battery performance.

Should you leave golf cart plugged in when not in use?

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 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.

Does aspirin help golf cart batteries?

The acetylsalicylic acid from the aspirin will combine with the battery acid and increase the charge in the battery, and the water will help restore the electrolyte in the battery.

How do I extend the battery life on my golf cart?

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.

Why does my golf cart battery leak?

One reason why your cart battery leaks is due to not using the golf cart correctly. Rough driving and crashing into trees around the course can result in the battery case cracking. A crack in the battery case will cause the water inside to leak out.

Why do golf cart batteries need water?

Why Golf Cart Batteries Need Water. Golf cart batteries need water for storing their energy along with the acid. Lead acid battery operated cart needs water to prevent the battery from getting overheated. When the battery is charged, the acid level tends to move up and release energy via the battery plates.

Why does my golf cart keep bubbling?

Extensive usage of the golf cart can trigger bubbling when charging because of the battery discharge. Because of this, water may leak through the top vents. Take care to see that the batteries are not overfilled.

Why do electric golf carts have batteries?

This is because liquid levels will increase during the charging process and result in a leak.

What kind of batteries do golf carts use?

Often, they use either lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Occasionally you may find your golf cart batteries leaking. In this article I will tell you why they leak, and the next step you should take to fix the issue.

How old is a battery to leak?

Water will then start leaking out which is never a pleasant sight. This scenario is more likely to happen if the battery is at least 12 months old however. A battery acid leak is likely to occur when you pour acid into the battery along with water. This is a very common mistake.

What are the two types of battery leaks?

Types of Battery Leakage. There are 2 main types of battery leaks; water and acid. This is because both water and battery acid is stored inside the battery. Both water and acid together provide the energy for the battery to operate.

What the best time to refill your golf cart battery water?

It is best to refill your golf cart batteries water when it’s low. Read your battery maintenance manual to know how to check your battery water level. You can also consult your golf cart maintenance expert to check or teach you how to check the water level.

How often do golf cart batteries need water?

If you noticed the water level falls below the maximum line, it is advisable to refill with the recommended battery water.

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Why does my golf cart water evaporate?

This happens during the summer or in places with higher temperatures. When a golf cart is exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time, the water inside the battery tends to evaporate. As the water continues to evaporate, the water level becomes lower and lower.

Why do you need to refill a golf cart battery?

These components submerge the plates in order to produce energy. When the battery is discharged, the water level that contains electrolytes becomes lower.

Why do you need to refill a battery with water?

The idea behind refilling your battery with water is to prevent the plates from getting exposed. When you refill, make sure the water level is above the plates. You might also be wondering what level is right so you don’t overfill it. In your battery, you can use the plastic vent as your gauge. Make sure the level is slightly below the bottom ...

What happens when a battery is discharged?

When the battery is discharged, the water level that contains electrolytes becomes lower. This is normal as the water gets back to its normal level after recharging. The critical condition is when the water level becomes lower even if the battery is not discharged. This happens during the summer or in places with higher temperatures.

Can you recharge a golf cart battery?

This condition is called sulfation, and when this happens, you can no longer recharge the battery. To avoid this, you should refill the water in your golf cart battery regularly.

Can a Trojan 6 volt battery go bad?

Every battery can go bad, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a Trojan 6 volt, 12 volt, or any other brand. The truth is that there is still no such thing as a perfect battery. The most common problem with the Trojan 6 volt is gassing, which is caused by an imbalance spread of the amount of electrolytes and acid.

Can you keep a golf cart battery in water?

Nevertheless, this can be avoided through keeping the water at normal levels. Golf cart batteries may seem to be complicated to use, but it’s easy to maintain once you know the proper way of using it as all batteries need to be taken care of.

How to maintain golf cart battery?

Here are a few other tips to follow regarding golf cart battery maintenance: Use distilled water: Only ever water your batteries using distilled water. Tap water contains trace salts and minerals that adversely affect your battery’s performance, or cause it long-term damage.

How to prevent battery spillage in golf cart?

The key to avoiding golf cart battery spillage is simple: avoid over-watering your golf cart batteries. Watering batteries is the act of replacing water that naturally evaporates from within the battery casing, either due to excessive heat or daily use. Water accompanies the acid that facilitates energy storage within your battery, ...

Why does my golf cart leak on the floor?

Why Does My Golf Cart Sometimes Leak on the Floor? If you own a golf cart, chances are, the batteries have leaked acid onto the floor of your garage or patio at some point in the past . This can be an alarming sight, particularly if it’s your first time encountering battery acid.

When to disconnect battery when not in use?

Disconnect when not in use: If you’re not using your battery, unplug it! Disconnecting batteries when they aren’t being used is a great way to preserve their lifespan and ensure that you’re making the most out of your investment in energy storage technology.

When to water battery when charging?

If you water your battery when it’s discharged, when you charge it or use it, the liquid levels will rise and the battery water and acid will spill out onto the ground. To avoid this, only water your battery when it’s fully charged.

Does water evaporate out of a battery?

Water accompanies the acid that facilitates energy storage within your battery, and makes the storage and transfer of energy possible. While water naturally evaporates out of a battery and needs to be replaced, acid does not evaporate. You should rarely, if ever, need to add more acid to a battery. Depending on where you live ...

Can you turn off the radio on a golf cart?

Any lights, radio, or electric components in your cart should always be turned off when you stop using it. Leaving the radio or lights running on an idle golf cart can run down the battery incredibly quickly. In the case of a gasoline-powered golf cart, you may end up having to jump-start the cart to get it working again if this happens.

Can you use an automatic battery charger when it is fully charged?

It's important to make sure you're using an automatic battery charger that will stop being active as soon as the battery is fully charged. We've had clients come in with what they felt were "bad" batteries, only to have to explain to them that the battery had simply been damaged by being overcharged too many times.

Can you drive a golf cart up steep hills?

Forcing your golf cart up very steep hills or to go longer distances than it is made for will run the battery down and could leave you stranded. Just keep a careful eye on distance traveled and consider using a truck or trailer when transporting your golf cart longer distances.

Should golf cart batteries be charged?

Another common issue is golf cart owners who think that golf cart batteries should only be charged when they've become very low. If you drive your golf cart that day? Charge the battery. Letting golf cart batteries run down until near-empty or totally dead will damage them over time just as much as overcharging them.

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.

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.

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 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.

What happens when hydrogen gas is released from a battery?

Look for corrosion often, and neutralize it immediately. It’s a long and never ending war, but your wallet will thank you. Corrosion happens when hydrogen gases, released from your battery, mix with other chemicals and gasses in the atmosphere, and then bond to the metals of cables, terminals, and battery posts.

Why does my golf cart keep powering off?

If the cart starts powering off after a new installation, then you will know that the issue is caused due to errors with the installation.

How to check battery water level in golf cart?

How to Check Battery Water Levels in a Golf Cart. Check if the voltages in both the batteries are at the designated levels. Also, if the water in the batteries has dried up, it could cause this issue. Check for the electrolyte and water levels in the batteries. Make sure that you are not overcharging or undercharging your batteries as these could ...

Why does my cart have a loose solenoid?

If the connections from the solenoid have become loose or if there is some other loose contact, the cart might behave in this manner. It can also be caused by a faulty motor or a faulty key switch.

Why does my golf cart cut out?

Another reason why golf carts can cut out is due to problems with the battery voltage or water levels.

What happens if you charge your golf cart?

You would have charged up your cart fully but after driving it around for an hour or two, the power would have got drained off completely. If this is a frequent occurrence with your cart, then you will need to take a look at the batteries.

Can you fix a golf cart on your own?

Under NO circumstances should you attempt to fix your golf cart on your own. Doing so is dangerous and could result in serious bodily harm. The information on this website has not been verified for accuracy and should only be used for general information purposes only. Use this information at your own risk.

Is my speed sensor broken?

There is a magnet associated with the speed sensor. Sometimes your speed magnet may be broken but will still be clinging on; only being held by the screw. Unfortunately, you may not realize it is broken until you take the mechanism apart. The speed sensor may not even show any issues. Check if the magnet is broken and if it is, ...

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