by Randy Pairett
Electric Golf Carts typically are powered by six lead-acid batteries mounted on a metal rack under the seat. A 36 volt system has six 6 volt deep cycle batteries and a 48 volt system has six 8 volt batteries. This type of golf cart battery must have distilled water added on a regular basis. Each golf cart owner uses their cart differently and this pattern will determine how often the batteries will need to be maintained. If you utilize your golf car 5 – 7 days per week playing golf, working around the house, or on the job then you must check the water level in each battery every 10 – 14 days. If you use it less than that then it is important to check your batteries at least once a month. It is not recommended that you add any additional acid to any battery.
Do not over fill the batteries. Fill each battery cell to within about one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch from the lower lip of the fill hole. This will allow the battery to “breathe” during the charging process. Distilled water should be added, if needed, after the charging cycle has been completed unless the tops of the internal plates are exposed. If you over fill the battery it can cause the battery to overflow during the charging cycle and allow acid from the battery to get on the golf carts body, chassis, frame work, and more then the corrosion and rusting process could begin.
To help with the watering of your golf cart batteries many people utilize a battery watering system that can be purchased from your local dealer or from the many online dealers. Before charging you should inspect the batteries. Visually check all terminals for frayed contacts and loose or damaged terminals. Inspect all battery terminals to insure that they are clean (free of corrosion) and each battery wire is tight and securely fastened to battery post.
During the “off season” the golf cart batteries should remain fully charged. Once the batteries are charged then the golf cart should be stored in a covered area. Check the batteries during the “off season” at least once every 30 days. The batteries should be recharged and the charger should be disconnect once charging is complete. It is not recommended that you leave the battery charger connected to the golf cart during “off season” storage. It is also important to keep your golf car batteries clean and free of all debris. They should be washed and neutralized with a water and baking soda solution.
It sound like a lot of work but it really only takes a few minutes to properly maintain your golf cart batteries and when properly cared for your golf cart batteries will give you many years of quality performance which, in return, will save you a lot of money. If you need assistance or you have additional questions you should contact the service department at your local golf cart dealership.
This article is designed to help you get the most out of your golf cart. For more information visit http://www.ljpgolfcarts.com or http://www.egolfcarts.net
