Print version of these Golf Cart FAQs.
What is the proper air pressure for golf cart tires?
Between 20 p.s.i. to 2 p.s.i. Is recommended for a standard 8 inch golf cart tire. 10 inch tires or tires with special rims may have a different p.s.i. For these tires the recommended p.s.i. is written on the side of each tire.
What is the difference between Lead Acid and Lithium batteries?
Lead acid batteries have been around for over a century and is the most common type of deep cycle battery. They are also the most affordable. One of the downsides of lead acid is the need to refill and monitor the batteries. Without careful maintenance the acid will corrode. Not to mention their constant need for replacement. All the batteries should be checked about once a month for proper water level. If the metal lead plates are visible through the hole then you should fill it with distilled water. The best level is just to the top of the lower plastic rim which is about ½ ” below to opening.
Lithium batteries are the new kid on the block. They typically last 4-6 times longer than lead acid batteries and are pretty
much maintenance free. They also provide more power, better reliability, and less weight than lead acid batteries. These
high quality batteries can easily last 10+ years.
What are the best lead acid batteries?
You get what you pay for. Cheap batteries will need to be replaced more frequently. Trojans/Continental are known to be one
of the best in the industry. In short it is really just a matter of preference as to which battery you should buy. You may want to consult with your local golf cart technician for his opinion.
What voltage are my batteries?
A 36 volt cart uses six, 6 volt batteries
A 48 volt cart uses six, 8 volt batteries, or four 12-volt batteries
A gas cart uses one 12 volt battery
What is the life expectancy of standard golf cart batteries?
With proper maintenance, cheap batteries usually last from 3 to 5 years. The best batteries usually last 5 to 7 years or longer.
How do I properly maintain my batteries?
Keep them filled with water and fully charged at all times. Failure to do either will most likely result in your batteries needing
to be replaced. More details below:
Proper water maintenance:
- Follow all manufacturers safety warnings and procedures. The following are just tips and do not take the place of
manufacturer information. - Battery manufacturers highly recommend using distilled water. You can also use the reverse osmosis water from
Culligan at the Rec Hall for .25 cents a gallon. While tap water is not recommended, you can use it. - Pop open the caps carefully and away from your face to not splash in your eyes.
- Add water to each hole in the battery, A turkey baster may help.
- Do not overfill your batteries. Water should cover the lead in each hole but do not fill past the lower edge of the hole
opening. Use a flashlight to see the level if needed. - Check the water level monthly, especially during warmer months.
How do I clean off the Corrosion?
There are several products you can buy at any auto parts store, however a mixture of water and baking soda will work just as well.
Let it soak for a few minutes then carefully wash it off. Do not use a pressure or power washer on the batteries as water may get
into some of the electronics. I have yet to find anything that will thoroughly remove rust stains from the driveway.
How do I charge my golf cart properly?
- Follow all manufacturers’ safety warnings and procedures. The following are just tips and suggestions.
- Plug your cart into the charger every night, even if you don’t use it. The charger is automatic and designed to shut off when the batteries are fully charged.
- You should charge your battery even when you’ve used it for a short period of time. Keep the charger plugged in while parked. Do not keep it off the charger for a long period of time.
- When you plug in the charger you will hear a ‘click’ sound after a few seconds and the charger needle will jump. If this doesn’t happen and the needle stays on zero, make sure you have power to the outlet. If it still doesn’t come on, a technician will need to come out to troubleshoot the cart and charger to determine the issue.
- If your charger never shuts off, the charger and/or the cart will need to be serviced.
- Don’t leave your charger out where it can get wet. Create some kind of cover for it but make sure that it is vented.
- New and are very expensive so you may want to secure it with a locking cable, bicycle chain, etc.
How do I prepare my golf cart for storage?
If you will be away for several months, follow these steps.
- Fill each battery, give your cart a full charge, then disconnect the primary positive cable (+) and primary negative (-)
cable. If you have a 48 volt cart and it has a Tow/Run switch, flip it to Tow. Put the Charger away until you return. - You do not need to put your cart on blocks as the tires will lose pressure even if they are on blocks.
- If you have an enclosure/side curtains, unroll them, zip them down and snap/clamp them to the cart.
- A tarp or cover of some kind can help reduce the damage from the Sun. Use ropes or bungee cords to secure it.
How do I clean mold/mildew from vinyl upholstery?
Light mold/mildew that is caught soon after it develops can often be cleaned. If it is heavy mold/mildeW or if the mold/mildew
has been on the vinyl a long time, the stain will likely be permanent and not come completely out. There are dozens of cleaning
tips and products on Google you can try. I use a mixture of equal parts of distilled vinegar and water, apply the mixture with a
rag or sponge and then use a dry nylon brush to scrub. I then rinse with clean water.
How do I clean the windshield?
The windshield is Plexiglas and scratches very easily. I use a microfiber cloth and a product called Invisib’® Glass that will not
only clean the windshield but also the clear plastic on enclosure/side curtains.
What causes corrosion around the batteries and spots on my driveway?
If you overfill your batteries with water, the water/acid will boil over during charging and escape through vent holes in the battery
caps.
My batteries are dead or very low, what can I do?
A charger will only charge batteries if they already have a sufficient charge. If yours are dead or very low, contact a technician to
come out and inspect your batteries to determine if they can be recharged with a booster or if they will need to be replaced. If
only one or a few batteries are bad, can I just replace the bad ones? It is always best to replace all batteries at the same time- If
you mix new batteries and old batteries, the power from the new batteries will be drawn down by the old batteries therefore lessening the life of your new batteries.
My cart makes a clunking noise. What is it?
These could be many things but most often it is worn, corroded or cracked bushings. Most carts have around 24 bushings. The
rubber bushings themselves are only a few dollars each but most often new bushing sleeves and bolts are required which is an
additional expense. A complete bushing job is very labor intensive and can take 5 hours or more with specialized equipment to
replace them. Bushings usually last from 3 to 7 years. Driving a cart with worn bushings is not recommended.
ALL OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE WAS PREPARED BY FUN N SUN RESIDENT BILL CONNOLLY
AND IS STRICTLY INTENDED TO BE AN ASSISTANCE AND STRICTLY NOT TAKEN AS ANY “OFFICIAL MANU-
FACTURES RECOMMENDATIONS”.
Connolly Wood Crafting and Golf Carts 