Because they require an electrolyte mixture to function, golf cart batteries are unique. This means that it may be necessary to add water to the power cells on occasion.

The electrolyte density of a battery cell is measured by its weight using a hydrometer. A higher electrolyte reading usually indicates better battery performance and a higher state of charge. On the other hand, a low electrolyte weight indicates that the battery is slowly losing capacity.

Do not perform hydrometer tests on battery cells that have been irrigated with fresh water. Give yourself a cycle of charging and discharging first.

Use of Hydrometer:

Use a clean, well-ventilated area to park your cart before using a hydrometer. Wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles when near the highly corrosive sulfuric acid in the battery.

If you want to examine any batteries, carefully remove the cell caps.

Carefully place the hydrometer inside every cell. The syringe opens, allowing battery acid to start flowing in. Continue in this posture until the hydrometer fills up.

After finishing, check the measured reading. Take note of it and keep checking the subsequent cells. Note the temperature, as it must be taken into account in the result.

Electrolytes are either 80°F or lower than 10°F. Every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, add or subtract 4 from your reading F.

A new battery cell typically has a reading of 1280. The better, the closer your reading is to this figure. Battery discharge can result in a score as low as 1140.

Expert tip: Be sure to test each cell at room temperature when using a hydrometer to compare results.