winter storage

chad23

I'm new to the golf cart world so I have a few questions? Thanks in advance

Cart wont get much use till April, what's the best way to keep the batteries alive?

Also what's the best method to charge the cart to get the most life out of your batteries?

BGW

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kab69440

If you aren't using the cart, a monthly charge would be the bare minimum. Make sure to keep the battery tops clean and the water level full as well. If it gets very cold and stays cold, you might consider a recharge after two weeks or so. It is best to put a few miles on it when you can to keep the electrolyte agitated. Recharge immediately after use.

JohnnieB

1. The BEST way is to float charge them. You still need to keep them watered properly and agitate the electrolyte because it stratifies when it sits.

I've got a new set of batteries sitting on the floor of my garage on float charge, so I initiate a regular charge cycle every couple of weeks and I keep the electrolyte mixed by drawing some of it into a hydrometer and squirting it back into the cell a few times every now and then.

2. For maximum battery lifespan, keep them as fully charged as possible or practical.
If you use the cart, put it on charge when you get back from whatever you used the cart for, or at least every night.

Unless I know I'll be using my cart again in the next hour or so, the charger is plugged into it. (I use DPI Accusense chargers that goes into float mode after the regular cycle completes)

chad23

I just have a ez-go charger that came with it. should I just leave it plugged in and check the water often?

JohnnieB

The EZGO charger does not have a float charge mode, so you have to do what Kab spelled out.

Leaving it plugged in won't keep the batteries charged, but it doesn't hurt anything to do so.

You will have to unplug it from the cart and plug it back in to initiate a charge cycle.
That should be done at least once a month, or preferably more often.
At first, check water level every time you recharge while in storage, once you get a handle on how much water the batteries use, you can adjust how often you check the water accordingly.

chad23

Thanks for all the input!