Tips on how to use your golf cart battery charger

36 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger Crowfoot Connector

36 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger Crowfoot Connector

Golf carts run on lead acid batteries. The efficacy and performance of a golf cart battery are directly proportionate to the levels of maintenance in general and how the battery is charged in particular. Improper and irregular maintenance may damage the vehicle and at times explosions may occur as a result of overheating. Hence proper charging of the batteries with the right golf cart battery charger is primary for a trouble free and safe golf cart.

Golf cart battery charger safety tips

It is a good idea to keep at hand some general purpose utility accessories like acid proof gloves, a good adjustable wrench, anti-corrosion gel, baking soda, distilled water and post cleaner. Make sure that the area where you charge the batteries is well ventilated and do not smoke there. Hydrogen emissions are common during charging. Hydrogen concentration and accumulation can cause explosions. Hydrogen detectors can be used to ensure safety.  Never expose the plates of the battery to air nor add any acid to batteries. Check connection of the batteries to the steed.

Charging itself becomes defective if the cables, posts and connectors are fractured or corroded. Check and correct that situation first before charging the batteries. Inspect and replace the damaged vent caps of your golf cart battery charger and tighten them. Use baking soda and water to clean the top and external surfaces of the battery. In addition to cleaning, the solution can neutralize acid spills. Use acid resistant gloves during charging. Clean and dry surrounding for the battery is mandatory while charging.

Maintaining proper water level is primary at the time of charging. Make sure that the water levels are sufficient enough to cover the lead plates in the battery. The plates must be completely submerged in water at any point of time. Yet, overfilling may cause boiling over during charging time. Also check for any cracks or leaks in the container. A leaking battery could be potentially dangerous while charging. Avoid using mineral water as mineral deposits may damage the plates. Fill the batteries only with distilled water for a prolonged life.  The water used should be absolutely clean and clear of any foreign particles. These particles can cause a serious damage to the battery.

The charging itself is not difficult but can be very tricky. Choose the right golf cart battery charger designed specifically for your cart. Mount the chargers properly and make sure that they are properly connected to power source and protected from wind, sun, snow and rain. Scrupulously follow the instructions of the manufacturer and pay attention to all safety tips and measures. Just 2 hours time is sufficient for about 80% of recharge.   But the remaining 20% may take 6 hours of time. Always charge the battery to the full. Charging overnight or two to three times longer than you have used it is preferable. Ensure that the voltage settings of the charger are right. As several battery chargers do not work on dead batteries, do not use up all power in the battery. Never attempt charging a frozen battery. Charging must be done on daily basis. Most importantly check for self discharge.

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  3. Importance of Golf Cart Battery Maintenance
  4. Golf Cart Batteries –Types and Tips
  5. Golf Cart Batteries: Are You Throwing Money Away?