Charged Up: Proper Battery Maintenance
If you’re driving an electric cart, proper battery care and maintenance is paramount to the performance of your vehicle. Consider these tips to get the most out of your batteries!
Charging your batteries. Charge your batteries after each use, preferably for 8-10 hours overnight. Never operate at more than an 80% discharge, meaning, that when you go to charge your batteries, they should still be at 20% capacity. Frequently going below a 20% capacity can affect the life of your battery over time.
Filling your batteries. First and foremost, fill your batteries before and after charging, and always use distilled water. Never use tap water or water from a hose. It is important to never let the water level dip below the plates. However, you also do not want to overfill them. Too much water can lead to acid overflow on top of the batteries. You’ll want to fill with water to about ¼ inch to a ½ inch above the plates.
Keep the top of your batteries clean. Clean your batteries with a bristle brush and a solution of baking soda and water. Be sure to wear eye protection, gloves, and no jewelry. Ensure that battery connectors and vent caps are tight at all times. You may also spray your cables with an anti-corrosive spray to prevent corrosion and rust.
When well-maintained, batteries can last up to 5 years. If your cart is running a little sluggish, contact one of our parts and service professionals at 800-940-8068 to evaluate and test your batteries.