Battery Maintenance & Servicing

Golf cart users often assume that the batteries used to operate their golf carts are maintenance free batteries. Any lead acid, deep cycle battery will require periodic maintenance – this guide will cover simple steps to help you get the most out of your golf cart batteries.

Golf Cart Battery Safety Precautions

Before you get started, it’s important you have the right equipment for golf cart battery maintenance:

• Adjustable spanner
• Distilled water
• Voltmeter (this instrument is used to measure the voltage between two points in an electric circuit)
• Post cleaner
• Baking soda
• Petroleum Jelly
• Goggles
• Gloves

Remember – Always wear protective clothing, acid proof gloves and goggles any time you are handling lead acid batteries. In the event of an acid spill from battery refilling and in order to prevent further corrosive damage, keep some water and baking soda nearby, Avoid skin contact and do not smoke near the batteries.

Golf carts can be configured in a number of ways depending on the make and model. Here are some examples:

• Club Car Precedent – 4 x 12V or 6 x 8V
• Club Car DS – 4 x 12V or 6 x 8V
• EZGO RXV – 4 x 12V
• EZGO TXT – 6 x 6V
• Yamaha G22 – 6 x 8V
• EMC Elite – 6 x 8V
• EMC Utility – 8 x 6V

Once you have the required tools, examine the appearance of the batteries. Look for any cracks in the battery casing. Check the posts and connections for any dirt, fluids or corrosion. Damaged batteries should be replaced. Check the vent caps are tight, then use a cloth or brush and a solution of baking soda and water to clean the top of the battery - Make sure that none of the solution enters the battery. Rinse the battery with clean water and a dry, clean cloth. The battery terminals and inside of the cable clamps can be cleaned with a post and clamp cleaner. Reconnect the clamps to the terminals and apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals. It’s important you keep the area around the batteries clean and dry.

If you need to add water to any of the golf cart batteries, the vehicle will need to be charged. Before you do charge the vehicle, confirm there is enough water to cover the plates. You should not expose the plates to air and when filling the batteries be sure not to fill water all the way up to the caps. Do not use water with a high mineral content – only use distilled or deionised water. Check water levels in each the battery cells weekly and make sure the leaded plates are submerged in liquid. Again, only ever add enough water to cover the plates. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining your golf cart batteries.

If you have any other questions, please view our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us for more information.