For Snowbirds, Seasonal Residents & First-Time Owners
Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Tips
Lead acid batteries are simple to take care of — if you know what to do. Whether you're heading north for the summer or just bought your first cart, this guide covers everything you need to keep your batteries healthy and your cart running.
Arizona Is Hard on Batteries. Here's How to Fight Back.
Heat is the number one killer of lead acid golf cart batteries in the Valley. When temperatures climb above 90°F — which is most of the year here — batteries self-discharge faster, water evaporates quicker, and the plates take more stress. If you're a winter visitor leaving for the summer, what you do before you go makes all the difference between coming back to a working cart and coming back to dead batteries that need replacing.
Section 1
Inspection
Look before you charge. A quick visual check catches problems before they become expensive.
Check the tops of the batteries — they should be clean, dry, and free of dirt and corrosion.
If you see fluid on top of a flooded/wet battery, the battery is being over-watered or overcharged.
Check all battery cables and connections. Replace any damaged cables. Tighten any loose connections.
Look for cracks, bulging, or swelling in the battery case — these are signs of overcharging or heat damage.
Section 2
Watering
Flooded/wet lead acid batteries need water. AGM and gel batteries do not — never add water to those.
Always fully charge the batteries before adding water. Only add water to a discharged battery if the plates are exposed — just enough to cover them, then charge first.
Use distilled or de-ionized water only. Tap water contains minerals that build up on the plates and shorten battery life.
Fill to 1/8 inch below the vent well — the plastic shield inside the vent hole. Do not overfill.
Check new batteries every few weeks to establish your watering schedule. Batteries need more frequent watering as they age and in hot weather.
A single-point watering system makes this a 60-second job. Ask us about Battery Watering Technologies kits — we install them.
Section 3
Cleaning
Corrosion on terminals is one of the most common causes of poor performance. It's also one of the easiest things to fix.
Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water. Use a brush or cloth to scrub the tops of the batteries, terminals, and connections.
Do not let the cleaning solution get inside the battery through the vent caps.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
Apply a thin coat of terminal protector spray after cleaning to slow future corrosion.
Keep the battery tray and surrounding area clean and dry. Acid residue on the tray eats through metal over time.
Section 4
Charging
Both undercharging and overcharging kill batteries. Proper charging is the single most important thing you can do.
Charge your batteries fully after every use. Lead acid batteries do not have a memory effect — partial charges are fine, but always finish with a full charge.
Make sure your charger is set to the correct program for your battery type — flooded/wet, AGM, or gel. Using the wrong setting damages batteries.
Check that all vent caps are secured before charging. Flooded batteries will gas (bubble) near the end of a charge — this is normal.
Never charge a frozen battery.
Do not charge at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). In Arizona summers, avoid charging in direct sun or unventilated spaces during peak heat.
Do not discharge your batteries more than 80%. Running them completely flat repeatedly shortens their life significantly.
Section 5
Storage — Especially for Snowbirds
If you're leaving for the summer, this section is the most important one on this page.
Fully charge the batteries before you leave. A fully charged battery is far more resistant to heat damage and self-discharge.
Disconnect the batteries from the cart to eliminate any parasitic loads that could slowly drain them while you're gone.
Store in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. A shaded garage is far better than an outdoor storage unit baking in the Arizona sun.
Batteries self-discharge during storage. In Arizona heat (above 90°F), check the voltage or specific gravity every 2–4 weeks if someone can do it for you — or arrange for a neighbor or property manager to give them a boost charge.
Give stored batteries a boost charge when they drop to 70% state of charge or below. A battery left dead for months in summer heat is usually not recoverable.
When you return in the fall, recharge fully before your first ride. Then call us if anything seems off — we'll come to you.
Not Sure About Your Batteries? Just Call.
We've been doing this for 16 years. If you have a question about your batteries — whether to water them, whether they're still good, or what to do before you leave for the summer — call us. We'll give you an honest answer. No trip fee, no pressure.
Call (602) 663-5870Need New Batteries Before You Head Out?
We come to you, install on the spot, and haul nothing away. Serving the entire Phoenix Valley.
Call (602) 663-5870