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22 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2022 | The first aspect to understand about golf cart batteries is that, although they look like standard automobile batteries, they are very different. Most golf carts use deep-cycle batteries, which are made to be slowly drained and recharged on a level not required by cars. Deep-cycle batteries are similar to car batteries in that they contain an electrolyte solution made of acid and water, but they need much more maintenance in the form of watering and cleaning. The following will give you a few tips on properly maintaining your golf cart batteries. Charging Your Batteries When charging the batteries for your golf cart, always follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the battery charger. The amount of time it takes to charge your batteries depends on the charge left in them and the specifications of the charger. If the batteries are flat after 36 holes or an otherwise long day, they may take longer than eight hours to recharge. Should this happen several days in a row, it may be necessary to give the cart a day off so that you can perform a catch-up charge. Giving your cart a full day's charge helps to equalize the charge in each battery, which extends their overall lifespan. You must also ensure the AC power attached to your charger is reliable. If the electricity flowing into the charger from the AC outlet is not sufficient, your batteries may not charge at all. Lastly, be aware that the batteries do not need charging every day the golf cart goes unused. Overcharging batteries may lead to corrosion and shorten their life. Watering Your Batteries The liquid in your golf cart batteries is mostly water, but it also contains sulfuric acid. Because the water slowly but continually evaporates, it must be topped-up regularly, but you will only need to add acid should the solution accidentally spill out of the battery. The type of water you use to refill the battery is critical because if the mineral content is too high, it could damage the cells or affect their performance over time. The best water to use is distilled water which you can find at virtually any grocery store. To know when to fill the water, check the indicator ring located inside the filling well, but never let the electrolyte solution fall below the top of the plates inside the battery. Allowing the electrolyte solution to fall below the top of the plates could permanently damage the cells, compromising the battery's safety and strength. Always fill the batteries after charging. The typical schedule is about once every 30 days, but this may vary by several days depending on your specific situation or geographic location. When filling the batteries, add just enough water to bring it to about a ¼ inch shy of the indicator ring to prevent overfilling. Overfilled batteries may leak acid, which causes corrosion and reduces the total capacity. Always ensure the vent caps are secure, so the electrolyte does not spill out the next time you use the golf cart. Golf cart batteries should always be clean and free from contaminants, especially those that can carry an electrical charge and cause a short circuit. If the cells are dirty or grimy, they can be sprayed down with a hose. If the hose does not do the trick, then they can be scrubbed with a stiff-bristled brush dipped in a mixture of water and baking soda. Quick Checklist • Daily - Charge daily. • Weekly - Check battery levels. • Monthly - Clean batteries properly, add water if required, check tires, inspect light and mirrors, check the steering wheel. • Yearly - Check the entire brake system and replace it if needed. Annual servicing with a trained technician for preventative maintenance and lubricating. Following the above maintenance checklist will help you get the most out of your golf cart batteries and will maximize the time before they need replacing. Good golfing! ~ Brian Garlington, PGA, Director of Golf Effectively Maintaining Your Golf Cart Batteries

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