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How to Add Water to Golf Cart Batteries
Posted by Greg Sturwold on Mar 14, 2025
Just like human beings, traditional golf cart batteries require water to survive! And you might not know it, but neglecting your batteries can lead to big performance losses for your cart. And worst of all, a shorter lifespan for those expensive batteries you have in there. Ouch! And you might already be seeing signs of this decreased performance if you haven't been routinely filling your batteries with water.
But don't worry, our golf cart experts are here to help! If your cart isn't holding charge as long as it used to, or you feel that it is underpowered, it might just be time to top off your water levels in your battery! Here’s a full step-by-step guide (and a video) to help you fill your golf cart batteries using distilled water.
Get Prepped! You only need four things
- Distilled Water: Get a couple gallons of distilled water (the same kind you find at the grocery store)
- Funnel: Grab a funnel (to keep from spilling)
- Gloves: Put on a set of work gloves, to protect your hands from any battery acid water
- Flashlight: To see down into the battery cells
Steps for Adding Water to Golf Cart Batteries
Step 1: Remove the Battery Caps
Most golf cart batteries have removable caps covering the individual cells. Carefully take them off the top of each individual battery and set them in a safe place to avoid misplacing them. Some caps are twist-off, and some are simply pop-off.
Pro tip: If your battery has a watering system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions instead.
Step 2: Inspect the Water Level
Using a flashlight, take a peek inside each individual cell. There will be multiple cells per battery. For example, a 12-Volt Battery may have 6-Cells on top of each individual battery.
The water should be high enough to cover the battery plates but not so high that it overflows past the bottom of the battery well/vent. We always recommend 1/8 inch (3mm) below the vent line of each cell for a healthy water level.
- Too low? It’s time to add distilled water.
- Too high? Overfilling can cause acid spills when the battery charges, leading to corrosion and damage.
Step 3: Add Distilled Water
Using a funnel, slowly pour only distilled water into each cell. Avoid tap water—it contains minerals that will damage your batteries over time.
✅ Fill just to the proper level—don’t overdo it!
Step 4: Reinstall the Battery Caps
Once each cell has the right amount of water, put the caps back on and ensure they are tightly sealed. A loose cap can lead to leaks (evaporation), so double-check your work.
Step 5: Clean Up & Final Check
Use a damp cloth to wipe up any spills or drips around the battery compartment. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps your battery area clean.
Before closing everything up, do a final inspection to make sure:
- ✔️ The caps are secure
- ✔️ No excess water is sitting around the batteries
- ✔️ Everything looks clean and damage-free
If you are feeling uncertain, watch our quick video below to make sure you did all steps correctly.
Bringing it Home: Why Do Golf Cart Batteries Need Water?
Golf cart batteries are lead-acid batteries, which means they rely on a chemical reaction between lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid to produce power. Over time, this process causes water to evaporate, lowering the electrolyte level inside the battery. If the level drops too much, the lead plates inside can become exposed, leading to damage and reducing the overall lifespan of the battery. That’s why regularly adding distilled water is crucial—it keeps everything running smoothly and extends the life of your battery.
Benefits of Adding Water
✅ Maintains Electrolyte Levels
The electrolyte solution inside your battery is a mix of water and sulfuric acid. As water evaporates, the electrolyte level drops, making it harder for the battery to function properly. Topping off with distilled water keeps this solution at the right level, ensuring your golf cart gets the power it needs.
✅ Prevents Internal Damage
Letting the water level get too low exposes the lead plates inside the battery, which can lead to sulfation—an issue where lead sulfate builds up and reduces the battery’s capacity. This shortens the life of your battery and can leave you stranded. Keeping the water level up prevents this from happening.
✅ Helps with Cooling
Batteries generate heat while charging, and the water in the electrolyte plays a key role in keeping things cool. If the water level is too low, the battery can overheat, leading to potential damage. By maintaining the right water level, you help your battery stay at a safe operating temperature.
Bottom Line
If you want your golf cart battery to last as long as possible and perform at its best, regularly checking and refilling the water levels is a must. Investing in a battery watering system can make the job even easier, ensuring you never have to deal with the headaches of a dead or damaged battery. Keep it watered, keep your cart rolling!
If you have any questions regarding golf cart batteries or golf cart accessories, call us any time at 1-844-422-7884. We are always happy to help!
