MAKING YOUR GOLF CAR
BATTERIES LAST LONGER
Nobody likes having to replace a set of 6-volt or 8-volt golf cart batteries every few
years, especially if you think you’ve maintained them by frequently charging and
watering. So what went wrong? There’s more to making your batteries last longer
than simple routine maintenance. According to Fred Wehmeyer, Senior Vice Pres-
ident/Engineering at U.S. Battery Manufacturing, there are three key factors that
maximize battery life.
The first is starting with a better battery. If you’ve always shopped for the less
expensive battery, you’re sacrificing capacity and extended operation. Premium
batteries cost a little more initially, but simply put, they have more lead plates and
better internal construction. This is one of the major factors in battery longevity
and with the benefit of greater capacity for longer run times between charging.
A better battery will also help with the second factor towards extending battery
life, which is the amount of discharge placed on the batteries. Battery manufactur-
ers recommend limiting the discharge rate to 50-percent for optimum battery cy-
cle life. A 50-percent Depth Of Discharge (DOD), can be determined by first apply-
ing a full charge to the batteries, and the run time increases, regularly check the
state of charge with a simple hydrometer. Battery manufacturers typically have a
specific gravity chart that shows what the hydrometer will read at full charge, and
also identify when it reaches various percentages of discharge. Periodically check-
ing the hydrometer readings will give you a good idea how much run-time the bat-
teries can operate before reaching 50-percent discharge. Charging the batteries at
this level, or before 50-percent DOD, will greatly promote longer service life.
The third factor is one you’re probably already doing, proper maintenance. This
includes checking water levels and topping off each cell to the battery manufac-
turer’s recommended levels as needed. It also includes visual inspections that
require looking for clean terminals and wiring, then making repairs as necessary.
Performing regular equalization charges at least once per month is also an im-
portant part of a proper maintenance routine that can prevent stratification and
shorten battery life.
Does this really work? The best examples come from new and used golf car dealers
who are seeing the benefits of providing training for their customers on these im-
portant factors, as well as proper maintenance procedures. Many report that they
have had customers get an average of five to seven years out of their batteries,
which can dramatically reduce the cost of owning and operating a battery-pow-
ered golf car over the long haul. For more information on battery maintenance and
selecting the right battery for a variety of applications, visit www.usbattery.com.
U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co.
1675 Sampson Avenue • Corona, California 92879
(800) 695-0945 • (951) 371-8090
WWW.USBATTERY.COM
38
WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM