The best solution to fill flooded lead-acid golf cart batteries is distilled or deionized water, which maintains proper electrolyte levels without introducing harmful minerals. These batteries require periodic refilling as water evaporates during charging cycles. Lithium-ion alternatives like LiFePO4 batteries don’t require liquid maintenance, offering a maintenance-free option for modern golf carts.
Why use distilled water instead of tap water?
Distilled water prevents mineral buildup that occurs with tap water, which can corrode battery plates and reduce capacity. Impurities like calcium sulfate form insulating layers on electrodes, diminishing conductivity by 15–30% over time.
Flooded lead-acid batteries rely on a sulfuric acid electrolyte solution that loses water during hydrogen/oxygen gas venting. When refilling, only pure H₂O should replenish the lost liquid—never add acid. Pro Tip: Check electrolyte levels after full charging cycles when plates are fully submerged. For example, a Trojan T-105 battery typically needs 4–6 ounces of distilled water monthly under moderate use. Overfilling above the fill line risks acid spills during charging, accelerating terminal corrosion.
How often should golf cart batteries be refilled?
Refill every 4–6 weeks depending on usage frequency and climate. High temperatures accelerate water loss, while frequent deep discharges increase gassing.
In hot climates like Arizona, weekly checks may be necessary during summer. Golf carts used daily for 18 holes typically consume 8–12 oz of distilled water monthly per cell. Use a hydrometer to monitor specific gravity—a drop below 1.225 indicates undercharging or sulfation. Transitional Tip: If plates are exposed between charges, immediately add enough water to cover them by 1/8 inch. Overlooking this leads to irreversible plate oxidation, cutting battery lifespan by 30–50%.
| Usage Level | Refill Frequency | Water per Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Light (1–2x/week) | Every 8 weeks | 2–4 oz |
| Moderate (3–4x/week) | Every 6 weeks | 4–6 oz |
| Heavy (Daily) | Every 4 weeks | 6–8 oz |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—even high-quality filters leave 10–50 ppm dissolved solids. Only distilled/deionized water meets the <5 ppm purity standard for lead-acid batteries.
What if I overfill the battery cells?
Use a turkey baster to remove excess fluid to the fill line. Left uncorrected, bubbling acid will corrode terminals and battery trays within weeks.
