Some users assume that the batteries that operate their golf carts are maintenance-free. A lack of knowledge about basic golf cart battery maintenance can lead to all kinds of problems. However, the key to achieving optimum performance and long life is a solid golf cart battery maintenance program.

It is recommended that you obtain following equipment for use in golf cart battery care and maintenance:

A wrench; distilled water; a voltmeter (an instrument used for measuring the voltage between two points in an electric circuit); a hydrometer (a tool used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution); a post cleaner; some baking soda; petroleum jelly and possibly the most of all – goggles and gloves.

You should always wear acid proof gloves, protective clothing and goggles when handling lead acid batteries and remove all jewellery. It’s important to have lots of water and baking soda nearby as this will neutralise any acid spills from battery refilling and prevent further corrosive damage. Remember, the electrolyte is a solution of acid and water, so skin contact should be avoided and, do not smoke near batteries and never add acid to a battery.

Remember, do not fill the water all the way up to the cap and do not allow the plates to be exposed to air. Do not use water with a high mineral content. Only use distilled or deionised water.

Water should only be added after fully charging the battery. There should be enough water to cover the plates, prior to charging. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should be above the plates.

Check water levels in each cell of each battery weekly to ensure that the leaded plates in the battery are submerged in liquid. Don’t fill the cell all the way up — add just enough water to cover the plates.

For additional information on golf cart batteries including how lead acid batteries work; how to use a hydrometer; changing batteries and troubleshooting golf cart batteries, please visit:

Golf cart battery maintenance

How To Maintain Your Golf Cart Batteries

Here’s some tips to follow for the proper storage of your electric golf cart during winter:
First of all you should clean your batteries and ensure that all the cell caps are snugly attached. Wash the battery compartment and unplug the charger. Start on one side of the golf cart and spray Battery Neutralizer all over the tops of the batteries.

Be sure to spray between the batteries, down on the battery racks, and the inside walls of the body panels, if they are metal. Use an old paintbrush to scour all the battery tops and sides. Water from a garden hose using plain water, or use a solution of Baking Soda (about 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water) to neutralize the acid.

Check, clean, tighten and treat all of the battery terminal connections. be sure to tighten the cables to the post. Carefully wriggle each cable end side-to-side and then gently up & down. there should be almost no sideways movement or looseness. If your battery terminals are badly corroded, you will need to do some serious cleaning.

Check the water levels in each cell. Use distilled water to fill and be sure the electrolyte (water) in each battery cell is above the plates. In cold climates, when the cart will be left uncharged for several months, leave the water level a little low. This raises the specific gravity of the acid, which will help prevent freezing. A lead acid battery keeps much better in the cold than in the heat, as long as the charge stays up.

A fully charged battery will not freeze until 60 to 70 below zero whereas a discharged battery can freeze at 20 degrees above zero. As a battery discharges, the acid turns into water by the basic chemical nature of the lead acid battery. The more discharge, the more water and the more likely it is to freeze. Also a dirty, acid covered battery will self-discharge at a faster rate than a clean treated battery, even in cooler temperatures.

Don’t leave your electric golf cart plugged into the charger for extended periods of time. After the charge is done, unplug the charger from the cart and from the wall.

Leave the cart in Neutral and turn the key off. Either way, scotch the wheels so you can leave the hill brake released. This stops cable strain helping the brakes avoid lock-ups.

Charge your Golf Cart batteries for a few hours once a month during winter to maintain charge. The charger should be unplugged from the car and the wall after charging.

Finalize for winter storage by checking the tire pressures and inflate to 20-25 psi.
Roll down the rain curtains and zip them part way down. If you have to leave the car out in the open, or under an open shed, neatly fold the rain curtain and bring it in the house till spring. Very cold weather will cause the see through vinyl to become very brittle and a puff of wind will blow it out.

For additional information on electric golf cart batteries including how lead acid batteries work; how to use a hydrometer; charging batteries and troubleshooting golf cart batteries please visit Golf Cart Battery Tips.