New batteries need up to four hours more charging time than "mature" batteries. Schedule enough charging time, if possible, so the charger shuts off automatically. Age of battery, condition of battery, state-of-discharge, temperature of electrolyte, AC line voltage level, and other variables affect charging time. Limit the use of new batteries between charging for the first 5-20 cycles. New batteries have less capacity than batteries which have been broken in. New golf car batteries should be limited to 18 holes between charges. Industrial vehicle batteries should not be discharged more than 20-30% before recharging.

Whenever possible, for longest battery life, recharge batteries as soon as they become 20% discharged (1.233 SG/37.38 volts). Never allow batteries to fall below 80% discharged (1.148 SG/35.94 volts). Deep discharging significantly reduces battery life. Batteries in storage self-discharge and should be recharged whenever the specific gravity falls below 1.240. The rate of self-discharge varies directly with temperature.

Battery state-of-charge can be determined by using a hydrometer, or by connecting the charger and observing the charging rate. If the ammeter needle jumps smartly to 20-25 amps and then tapers below 14 amps within 15 minutes, the battery is fully charged.

Never allow the electrolyte level to fall below the top of the plates. If the plates are exposed, add only enough water to cover the plates before charging.

Do not overfill batteries. Electrolyte expands and can overflow during charging. Water added to replace the spillage dilutes the electrolyte and reduces its specific gravity. Cells with lower specific gravity have lower charging capacity. Make sure the electrolyte covers the plates before charging and fill cells to the markers only after batteries are charged.

Use only distilled water. Electric vehicle batteries may use up to 16 quarts of water during their useful lives and non-distilled water may contain harmful minerals which will have a cumulative adverse effect on battery performance.

Do NOT hose wash electronic controllers, switches, solenoid and other electrical control devices. Cover them if necessary.

Wash the tops with a baking soda mixture (1/2 cup per quart of water) and a stiff bristle brush if a low-pressure hose doesn't remove the dirt. Rinse with clean water.

Make sure the battery tops are clean and dry before putting them into storage.

You should always refer to your own manufacturers operator workshop manual or technical document when caring for your battery.

Allowing your oil level to become low is probably the most harmful thing you can do to any engine. When you don't have the recommended amount of oil the engine can overheat and critical metal parts may lock up or even melt.

For help or advice regarding oil for your golf buggy, please call us at Motorculture.

Fuel is actually a mixture of different hydrocarbons and in as the lighter ones evaporate the heavier ones are left behind leaving gasoline that is slightly thicker than the original mixture and has an odour like varnish. The problem with stale petrol is that it can leave gummy varnish-like deposits in the jets in your carburetor. Of course you shouldn't go around smelling your petrol tank to see if it has a varnish odour.

If the carburetor has become clogged by these deposits it may need to be soaked in carburetor cleaner. First remove all the rubber pieces. After soaking the carburetor replace all the gaskets with new ones and reinstall the carburetor. Make sure the fuel tank is clean and dispose of the stale fuel properly. Don't pour it on the ground and don't leave it sitting out in the garage. If possible it is best to run the engine until the tank is empty.

If your golf buggy isn't used very frequently and a tank of fuel lasts you more than a couple of weeks, you may want to consider a fuel additive that will slow the oxidation process and extend the storage time.

Lifting up your golf buggy seat reveals the battery compartment and the water fill caps are located on each battery. Each battery cell covered by a cap is 2-volts. Simply count all of the battery fill caps on your batteries, multiply this total by two and you will have determined your golf cart's voltage. Petrol golf buggies utilize one 12-volt battery.