How To Recondition Golf Cart Batteries For Improved Performance

Are you tired of replacing your golf cart batteries every year? It’s not only expensive, but it could be more environmentally friendly. 

Fortunately, you can recondition your golf cart batteries, which will not only save you money but also help the environment. 

But many golfers ask me How to Recondition Golf Cart Batteries? The answer is: Charge the battery and check its voltage and specific gravity. Clean the terminals and case with baking soda water. Discharge the battery with a resistor and recharge it. Add Epsom salt solution to the battery cells if needed. Repeat until the battery holds a charge.

This article will teach you how to recondition golf cart batteries with simple steps and tools. You’ll also discover the benefits of reconditioning your batteries and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is a Reconditioned Golf Cart battery?

A reconditioned golf cart battery is a battery that has been restored to its original condition. This means the battery has been tested and is in good working order.

Reconditioned golf cart batteries are an excellent option for people who want to keep their golfing experience smooth.They are also an excellent option for people who have older golf carts that may not be able to run on standard batteries.

Golf Cart Battery Reconditioning Equipment

You must prepare these materials in advance for reconditioning a dead golf cart battery.

• Security goggles
• Use rubber gloves
• Apron
• Purified Water
• Epsom sodium
• Bucket
• Baking Soda
• Phillips screw
• Wrench
• Reconditioning Battery Chargers
• An old or new toothbrush
• Aluminium oxide or sandpaper (optional)

What Are The Signs That Your Golf Cart Batteries Need To Be Reconditioned?

Several signs indicate that your golf cart batteries may need to be reconditioned. Here are some of the most common indicators:

1. Decreased performance: If your golf cart is struggling to maintain speed or is losing power quickly, it may be a sign that your batteries are losing their capacity.

2. Shorter runtime: If your golf cart runs out of power faster than usual, it could be a sign that your batteries are not holding a full charge.

3. Slow charging: If it takes longer than usual for your batteries to charge fully, it could be a sign that they are not holding a charge as well as they used to.

4. Swollen or leaking batteries: If you notice any bulges, cracks, or leaks in your batteries, they need to be replaced or reconditioned.

5. Low voltage: If you test the voltage of your batteries and find that they are consistently below their recommended level, it could be a sign that they need to be reconditioned.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to avoid damaging your golf cart or causing harm to yourself. 

Reconditioning your batteries can restore their capacity and extend their lifespan, saving you money and helping the environment simultaneously.

Read More: Best 6v Golf cart Batteries for Your Needs.

How to Recondition Golf Cart Batteries Step by Step Guideline

Step 1: Opening the Battery Compartment

Since most golf cart batteries are under the front seat, you must take the front seat out of the cart. Some models of coaches have a hinged front seat that you can lift straight up.

Step 2: Clean the Battery of Any corrosion

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 quart of water and stir well, wearing gloves and eye protection. Dip a paintbrush into this mixture and paint it all over the battery, especially on and around the battery terminals, where there is corrosion. When the baking soda and battery acid touch each other, the mixture will bubble and fizz.

Step 3: Clean the Brush and Dip it in Water.

Wipe all of the batteries’ surfaces with plain water until all of the corrosion is gone.

Step 4: Look at the Battery

Look for cracks or other damage to the battery. If a battery has a cracked case, take it out and replace it. This is especially true if it looks like acid is leaking into the battery compartment.

Step 5: Take off the plastic caps

Take off the caps that cover the battery cells. You may need to slide the end of a slotted screwdriver under the lid to remove the cell caps and pry them up.

Check each battery cell and add distilled Water with a turkey baster to any enclosure where the plates are exposed to air. Put enough Water on each plate to cover it.

Step 6: Charge the Battery

Overnight, charge the battery with a three-phase charger for 6-volt batteries. The charge voltage must be manually set between 2.3 and 2.35 volts on some chargers.

Connect the positive (red) wire to the positive (+) pole of the battery and the negative (black) wire to the negative (-) pole. Connecting the battery to the charger and then plugging it in and activating it is required.

Step 7: Examine the Charge

After a night of charging in the morning, check the charge level. If the battery charger indicates that the battery has been fully charged, examine the cells, add more distilled water to any cells where the battery plates are exposed to air, and replace the cell caps.

However, you must take additional steps if the charger does not indicate that the battery has accepted a full charge (see Step 8).

Step 8: Drain the Battery Acid

Allow approximately half of the battery acid to drain each cell and into a plastic container by tilting the battery on its side.

As described in Step 2, clean the battery with a paintbrush dipped in a baking soda solution. Rinse your battery with Water, ensuring that none of the Water enters any cells.

Step 9: Add New Blend

Combine eight ounces of Epsom salts with two gallons of warm distilled water. Combine thoroughly. Fill each battery cell with the Epsom salt solution using a turkey baster until the cells are completely covered.

Step 10: Recharge the Battery

Charge the battery again overnight, as outlined in Step 6. The Epsom salts should eliminate deposits on the battery plates that prevented the battery from receiving a full charge previously.

Inspect the battery each morning. If the battery refuses to accept a full charge, it is likely beyond repair.

If the battery has been charged, replace the cell caps and continue using the cart. Every night, use a trickle charger to keep the batteries optimal.

How Do You Test The Performance Of Your Reconditioned Golf Cart Batteries?

After reconditioning your golf cart batteries, it’s essential to test their performance to ensure that they are working correctly. Here’s how you can do it:

• Charge the batteries: Before testing your batteries’ performance, ensure they are fully charged. This will give you the most accurate results.

• Load test: Use a load tester to check the performance of your batteries under a heavy load. Connect the load tester to the batteries and turn on your golf cart. 

The load tester will simulate the heavy burden of driving your golf cart and measure how well the batteries perform.

• Voltage test: Use a voltmeter to check the voltage of your batteries. Test each battery individually and compare the results to ensure they all produce the same voltage.

• Hydrometer test: Use a hydrometer to test the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each battery cell. This will tell you whether each cell is fully charged or not.

• Run time test: Test how long your batteries last while driving your golf cart. Note how long your batteries last and compare them to their original run time.

By performing these tests, you can ensure that your reconditioned golf cart batteries perform at their best. 

If you notice any issues, you may need to recondition your batteries again or consider replacing them altogether.

Regularly testing your golf cart batteries can help you catch any problems early and avoid costly repairs.

How Do You Maintain Your Reconditioned Golf Cart Batteries?

Proper maintenance ensures that your reconditioned golf cart batteries last as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining your batteries:

1. Keep them clean: Dirt and debris can accumulate on your batteries and cause corrosion. Clean your batteries regularly with baking soda and water to prevent decay from forming.

2. Keep them charged: It’s essential to keep your batteries charged, even if you’re not using your golf cart. Leaving your batteries discharged for too long can cause irreparable damage.

3. Avoid overcharging: Overcharging your batteries can cause them to overheat and reduce lifespan. Use an intelligent charger to stop charging once the batteries are fully charged.

4. Check the water levels: Regularly check the water levels in your batteries and top them off with distilled water if necessary. Low water levels can cause your batteries to overheat and reduce their lifespan.

5. Store them properly: If you’re not using your golf cart for an extended period, store your batteries in a cool, dry place. Ensure they are fully charged, and check on them periodically to ensure they are still in good condition.

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your reconditioned golf cart batteries and keep them in good condition for years to come. Regular maintenance can also help you catch any problems early and avoid costly repairs.

What Are The Benefits Of Reconditioning Golf Cart Batteries?

Reconditioning golf cart batteries can benefit golf cart owners and the environment. Here are some of the critical benefits of reconditioning golf cart batteries:

• Cost savings: Reconditioning your golf cart batteries can be a cost-effective way to extend their lifespan and avoid the expense of buying new batteries. It can also save you money on maintenance and repair costs.
• Improved performance: Reconditioned golf cart batteries often perform better than older, worn-out batteries. They can provide more power and a longer lifespan, which can help you get more use out of your golf cart.

• Environmentally friendly: Reconditioning golf cart batteries is an eco-friendly option that can help reduce the amount of waste in landfills. By extending the lifespan of your batteries, you’re also reducing the need to manufacture and dispose of new batteries.

• Convenient: Reconditioning your golf cart batteries can be done at home with the right equipment, saving you time and hassle compared to buying new batteries or taking your golf cart to a repair shop.

• Customizable: Reconditioning your golf cart batteries allows you to customize their performance to meet your needs. You can adjust the voltage and other settings to optimize your batteries for your golf cart and the terrain you’re driving on.

Reconditioning your golf cart batteries allows you to enjoy these benefits and keep your golf cart running smoothly for years.

It’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly option that can also help you get more out of your golfing experience.

What Are The Common Mistakes To Avoid When Reconditioning

Reconditioning golf cart batteries can be a cost-effective way to extend their lifespan and keep your golf cart running smoothly. 

However, some common mistakes people make when reconditioning their batteries can do more harm than good. Here are some errors to avoid when reconditioning golf cart batteries:

1. Using faulty equipment: Reconditioning golf cart batteries requires specific equipment, such as a charger, load tester, and hydrometer. Using faulty equipment can damage your batteries or give you inaccurate results.

2. Overcharging the batteries: Overcharging your batteries can cause them to overheat and reduce their lifespan. Use an intelligent charger to stop charging once the batteries are fully charged.

3. Not testing the batteries before and after reconditioning: It’s essential to try the performance of your batteries before and after reconditioning to ensure that the reconditioning process is successful.

4. Using tap water to refill the battery cells: Tap water contains minerals and impurities that can damage your batteries. Use distilled water to fill the battery cells instead.

5. Not following the correct reconditioning process: Reconditioning golf cart batteries requires a specific process that involves discharging, cleaning, and recharging the batteries. Follow the proper procedure to maintain your batteries and make them more effective.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your reconditioned golf cart batteries are effective and long-lasting.

If you need to be more comfortable reconditioning your batteries yourself, it’s best to seek the help of a professional.

(FAQS) About How to Recondition Golf Cart Batteries

How to tell if the charger or battery is broken?

The issue is usually with the battery, not the charger. You can test the charger with another cell to see if it works.

Use a voltmeter to test each cell’s voltage capacity. Charge your battery fully before measuring its voltage. Using a 6-volt cell, the total capacity reading should be 6.2-6.3V. If it reads 4V, it needs to be repaired or replaced if there are any leaks or damages.

Can you repair golf cart batteries?

Yes, you can recondition golf cart batteries. But there will be a catch. If the battery is not entirely dead and can be charged, it can be refurbished.

Where do golf cart batteries go?

Golf cart batteries are a bit confusing. Lead-acid batteries are flooded gel and AGM. Golf cart batteries are flooded or AGM.

Can my charger charge my golf cart batteries with low voltage?

Automatic golf cart chargers cannot charge a dead battery. If your golf cart battery is 36 volts, your automatic charger needs 20 to 25 volts to recharge it.

An automatic charger can recharge a 48-volt golf cart battery set if it retains 30 to 35V.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

The cells can last 4 to 6 years with proper care and usage.

How does cold weather affect golf cart batteries?

Low temperatures can slow down golf cart cell charging and discharging. It also reduces charging capacity.

Can I recondition any type of golf cart battery?

You can recondition any golf cart battery, including lead-acid, flooded, and sealed batteries.

What is the price of reconditioned golf cart batteries?

On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a reconditioned golf cart battery. However, prices can go higher or lower than this range depending on the abovementioned factors.

How often should I recondition my golf cart batteries?

You should recondition your golf cart batteries every six months to maintain their maximum capacity.

Is it safe to recondition golf cart batteries?

If you take proper safety precautions, reconditioning golf cart batteries are safe. Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful gases.

Can regular tap water fill the battery cells with the Epsom salt solution?

No, you should use distilled water to prepare the Epsom salt solution and fill the battery cells. Tap water contains minerals and impurities that can damage the battery.

Final Opinion

Finally, the reconditioning of the golf cart battery is complete. If you intend to try this at home, I would appreciate your feedback and experience. I am open to questions and suggestions. You are welcome to include it in the comment section below.

If you want to learn more about battery reconditioning in-depth, you can visit Ez Battery Reconditioning Review, which offers numerous courses.

The information can be helpful and profitable if you intend to start a battery reconditioning service business.

You can also view my other articles for additional information, so I appreciate your visit.