Golf Cart Battery Maintenance

• Newly purchased batteries require a full charge before use
• New batteries need to be cycled several times (20 – 50 cycles, depending on type) before reaching full capacity. Usage should be limited during this period.
• Battery connectors should be kept tight at all times. Periodic inspection is recommended.
• Vent caps should remain in place and tight at all times during vehicle operation and charging.
• Battery should be kept clean from all dirt and corrosion.
• Batteries should be watered after charging unless plates are exposed before charging. Plates should be covered by approximately 1/8″ of acid if exposed. Check level after charge. The acid level in the cell cover should be kept 1/4″ below the bottom of the fill well.
• Distilled or treated water should be used to replenish batteries. Care should be taken to avoid metallic contamination (iron).
• Batteries should not be discharged below 80% of their rated capacity for best battery life. Proper battery charging will help avoid excessive discharge.
• As batteries age, their maintenance requirements changes as well. Usually older batteries needed watered more often and require longer charging times. The capacity also is reduced.
• Batteries should be brought up to full charge at the earliest opportunity. Avoid operating batteries in a partially charged condition. This will reduce there capacity and shorten their life span.
• Avoid charging batteries above 120°F or ambient temperature, whichever is higher.
• Periodic testing is an important preventative maintenance procedure. Hydrometer readings of each cell while fully charged gives an indication of balance and true charge level. Imbalance could mean the need for equalizing, and is also sign of possible improper charging or a bad cell. Voltage tests (open circuit, charged and discharged) can locate a bad or weak battery. Load testing will pick out a bad battery when other methods fail. A weak battery will cause premature failure of companion batteries.
• Always use a matched voltage charger and battery pack system. An undersized charger will never get the job done no matter how long the battery is charged. An oversized charger will cause excessive gassing and heat which could cause explosions or other damage.