Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a country club member or resident of a golf cart community, one of the primary means of transportation is electric golf carts. I am a member of a country club and use my Club Car golf cart on a consistent basis. When owning an electric cart, it is essential to take proper care of the batteries to maximize battery life. Without question, replacing a set of 6-volt or 8-volt batteries is expensive. For this reason, it is imperative to maintain the appropriate level of water in the battery cells at all times. Here is how to add water to golf cart batteries.
Measuring Electric Golf Cart Battery Water Levels
One of the most important things to do when performing monthly maintenance on an electric golf cart is to maintain the correct level of water in the batteries. Importantly, the battery water levels should be checked on a monthly basis despite being in hotter climates or cooler climates.
To measure the water levels, make sure the automatic charger has been disconnected, the batteries are fully charged, and wear eye protection. Next, remove the battery caps one by one for each battery. However, avoid making skin contact with the water fill holes.
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Once the caps are removed, inspect for low water levels. The inside of the battery will have a honeycomb appearance. If the water level is below the plates, it is important to add distilled water until each has reached the proper fluid levels. Remember, the caps must be replaced after the batteries are filled.
Frequency Of Adding Water To Golf Cart Batteries
The biggest problem that electric golf cart owners face is adding water to the batteries when it is needed. Performing less maintenance than suggested is undoubtedly going to lead to a bad battery or a bad set of batteries.
For this reason, proper maintenance should be performed on a monthly basis. If the cart is used regularly, don’t fall into the trap of adding water on a seasonal basis. One of the biggest golf cart battery maintenance tips is to schedule a monthly reminder to inspect and fill the battery bank with distilled water as needed.
Failing to inspect and fill the batteries monthly will significantly cost you money, but it will reduce the best possible performance if the battery bank is underfilled. The best practice to maintain golf cart battery health is to top them off monthly by setting a reminder.
Steps For Adding Water To Lead Acid Batteries
Fortunately, adding water to lead acid batteries can be done in a garage, driveway, or parking lot. Here are the steps for how to add water to golf cart batteries. The process is more simple than you think. Take it from me; I do it on a regular basis as a golf cart owner.
Disconnect The Golf Cart Battery Charger
Remove the automatic golf cart charger plug from the golf cart charging port before beginning the charging process. Importantly, you should never fill a partially discharged battery with water. The charging process must be completed before adding water.
Gather Supplies
Fortunately, you won’t need much when it comes to supplies for filling the golf cart. All that is needed is a funnel, clean cloth, gloves, safety glasses, bristled brush, and distilled water. Make sure to have these supplies close by before filling the golf cart batteries.
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Remove And Inspect Each Battery One By One
In order to determine if the batteries have the proper water levels, it is important to remove the caps one by one. For best results, look into the fill holes and determine if they will require water. Remember, the battery requires water if the level is beneath the plates.
Insert The Funnel And Fill Each Water Fill Hole
Once you determine that a fill hole requires water, insert the funnel into the opening. After the funnel is in position, carefully and slowly add water into the funnel. Fill each opening until the water level is a quarter of an inch to half an inch above the battery plates. In some cases, very little water will be required. Repeat the process for each battery.
Replace The Battery Caps After Filling
Without question, the battery caps must be put back in place after being filled with water. Remember to position the caps properly to prevent water from spilling onto the tops of the batteries.
Dry The Battery Tops
It is important to dry the top of the batteries after completing the filling process. Failing to dry the battery tops puts you at a higher risk of developing corrosion on the battery terminals and cables. Importantly, the tops of the batteries should be cleaned with a clean cloth.
Inspect For Corrosion On The Cable Terminals
After the filling process is complete, inspect for corrosion. If lead-acid battery corrosion is present, which appears green or as a white flaky powder, it must be removed. To do so, scrub the cables and terminals with a wire bristle brush. After the corrosion is brushed free, I suggest adding an anti-corrosive spray. The spray will limit the onset of corrosion in the future.
Alternative Methods For Filling Electric Golf Cart Batteries
The traditional method of filling golf cart batteries is by way of a gallon of distilled water and a funnel. However, golf cart battery watering systems are available. The watering system is installed on the battery fill ports. Rather than needing to open the caps and fill manually, a pump and hosing will add water to each battery simultaneously.
Keep in mind, water level inspections are still required monthly. If it is determined that water is needed, the watering system will add distilled water more efficiently. I prefer the manual method versus a water-filling system. I am better able to determine the exact water levels by inspecting and filling on a battery by battery basis.
FAQ’s
What Happens If You Don’t Use Distilled Water In Golf Cart Batteries?
It is critical to use only distilled water when refilling golf cart batteries. Distilled water is essential to maintain the proper electrolyte level in each battery. Regular tap water contains minerals that will damage the internal components of batteries. I recommend keeping distilled water in the garage at all times. It will be needed for regular maintenance.
Can You Put Too Much Water In A Golf Cart Battery?
Yes, a golf cart battery can be overfilled. An overfilled battery will leak, causing sulfuric acid to exit the filling ports and cause corrosion on the battery terminals. Make sure that distilled water covers the top of the plates by a quarter to a half inch.
Should You Run Your Golf Cart Batteries All The Way Down
Lead-acid batteries should never be fully discharged. If the golf car batteries are fully discharged, they will be at risk of permanent damage due to sulfation. With that said, avoid discharging the batteries to more than 50%. As a golf cart owner, I am particular about my charge cycle to avoid having to purchase a new set of batteries too soon.
Follow Golf Cart Watering Tips To Maximize Battery Life
The steps for how to add water to golf cart batteries are simple and straightforward. Take it from me: I check and fill my batteries on a regular basis. I have had to replace my 8-volt Trojan golf cart batteries and can tell you that it is very expensive. Without a doubt, battery replacement should be avoided, and the best way to prevent it is to add water so it covers the battery plates. However, keep in mind that lead acid batteries will require replacement no matter what around the five-year mark.
