How to Add Water To Golf Cart Batteries (Everything To Know)

Golf cart batteries need water to operate properly or they may end up malfunctioning.

As a cart owner, you need to know how to add water to your battery.

This simple guide will help you better prepare for and understand this process and ensure that you don’t make any unfortunate mistakes.

How to Add Water to Your Golf Cart Battery

Understand Your Proper Water Levels

Before you start trying to fill your battery, you need to understand a few different elements.

These include how much water you need in your battery and what type of water you need to use.

The last question is the easiest to answer – distilled water is the only type you should ever use.

Never, we repeat, never use tap water.

This water contains minerals that may affect your battery’s operation.

Now, how much water should you put into your batteries?

Here’s the trick: it all depends on how often you want to check your batteries.

Most people put enough water to cover a one-quarter inch of their battery plates.

This level is enough to cover the batteries evenly and minimizes acid-buildup on top of the battery.

However, others may want to choose one-half inch over the plates instead.

At this level, your battery will need less frequent watering because it will run out a lot less quickly.

However, you’re also more likely to get a higher level of acid buildup on top of your batteries.

As a result, the amount you add is up to you and how you want your battery to operate.

Some people compromise and go to three-eighths of an inch above the plates, as this is halfway or so between one-half inch and one-quarter inch.

Time Your Watering Properly

At this point, you are probably just about ready to water your batteries.

Slow your roll there for a minute!

You can’t water your battery at just any time.

Instead, you need to make sure that you time your filling properly to ensure that you don’t overfill.

First of all, you should check your battery water levels every month to make sure that they are at the levels that you want them to be located.

If you find that the level is too low, you need to wait until after you charge your battery before you add water.

Why do you wait until after you have charged?

If you add water before your charge, you have a stronger chance of acid spilling.

Therefore, you should wait until a few minutes or so after you charge your battery to add water.

And pour it very slowly in the top to make sure that you can gauge its level.

If you follow this timing, you shouldn’t have any difficulty filling your batteries properly.

However, you may also want to get them checked at least once or twice a year by professionals.

This servicing helps you to spot any potential problems and gives you an insight into how your batteries operate.

Just as importantly, it helps you watch a professional who fully understands how to fill batteries.

With their guidance, you should have no difficulty properly filling your battery.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Watering Your Golf Cart Battery

Now that you’re ready to start watering your batteries, you need to understand a few common mistakes that many people make during this process.

These errors are understandable but can be very costly if you don’t take the time to properly assess the dangers that they may cause you.

For example, some people fill discharged batteries instead of waiting until they are charged.

As mentioned before, this may cause acid spills.

Even worse, it could cause a chemical displacement that may even cause damage to the battery and cause it to malfunction or stop working.

You should also make sure that you don’t over- or under-fill your battery, either.

Overfilling can cause electrical problems that affect how well the battery works.

Underfilling can cause the battery to misfire or run too hot.

Remember the one-quarter to one-half inch guide and you should be fine.

Watering the Battery

Now it is time for you to water your battery to keep it safe.

Make sure that you follow each of these steps to avoid any problems.

Though they may differ slightly based on your cart model, they should include:

1. Open up the top of your battery very carefully
2. Check the water level by placing a ruler on the plates
3. Carefully pour distilled water into the cell
4. Gauge the water level as it rises
5. Stop pouring when it reaches the proper height
6. Reattach your battery cover

Wait for a few moments before you start your golf cart again to ensure that it has enough time for the water to sit.

Now, your battery should be good for a minimum of one month up to two months.

Demonstration On Properly Filling The Electric Golf Cart Batteries