How often to fill batteries ?

Dpopps

Last fall I filled my batteries all the way up. I have charged the cart about 8-10 times and then stored it all winter, charging it once a month. I got it out yesterday and noticed all the batteries needed water. I had to add over 2 gallons total, is this normal?

I just want to make sure the charger is not over charging or boiling water out. I know the batteries will need to be replaced soon, But I was hoping to get another summer out of them. Or is this a sign of soon to come battery failure?

BGW

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theboss20

Most of us check our water at least once a month...depending on use and average temp where you live...the hotter the temp the more water...plus older batteries tend to use more water. Most agree to check water before charging and to leave the charger on when not using the cart unless you are going to be gone for more than a month then use a battery maintainer. Those with auto-watering have it easier.

joesam

You didn't say how old your batteries are, but aging/declining batteries definitely use more water. I doubt you are overcharging. When my batteries were on their last legs (standing voltage 49.5v after full charge and 12 hour resting) I was adding about 2/3 quart every second charge cycle. Low resting voltage is a fairly accurate indicator of batteries needing replacement.

I replaced them when in their last month or so, the drive home from the golf course was getting noticeably slower.

mrgolf

You don't want to fill them ALL THE WAY UP. Just cover the plates about 1/4 inch.

Dpopps

Thanks for the info. The batteries are about 4 years old and about seen there life. When I fill them I have always left 1-1 1/2 inch space from the top. I will just keep a closer eye them for summer and hope they last and replace them next spring.

Volt_Ampere

Check them often. If you had to add that much water, the plates were exposed big time. That damaged the plates. You will need new batteries soon anyway based on age.

bjbbiker

i do mine once a month. my standing voltage is 50.4. i think i over watered them though the other day as i just charged it this morning and it is dripping from the batteries after a couple hours. weird it boiled over 2 days after filling them

Volt_Ampere

As batteries age, they lose more water during charging so you have to start checking frequently. Mine went months between water adds when they were new and went down to 1 - 2 weeks when they were 4 years old.