Why Are My Golf Cart Batteries Bubbling When Charging?

Why Are My Golf Cart Batteries Bubbling When Charging?

If you own and operate a golf cart, those trusty batteries that power your vehicle are incredibly important. However, you may notice some concerning issues when charging your golf cart batteries, especially bubbling coming from the battery. Bubbling is never a good sign when charging batteries, so what causes this and what should you do about it?

What Causes Bubbling in Golf Cart Batteries

There are a few potential causes of bubbling golf cart batteries:

• Overcharging - If your battery charger applies too much voltage, it can cause the battery fluids to boil and bubble.
• Faulty battery - An old, worn out, or damaged battery may bubble due to issues with the internal plates and connections.
• Low battery fluid - If the fluid level inside the battery, also called electrolyte, falls too low it has an increased risk of bubbling when charged.

Out of these, overcharging is the most common culprit for golf cart battery bubbling. The resulting bubbles are typically hydrogen gas that forms when too much electrical current charges the battery. This excess current breaks down the water in the electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Dangers of Bubbling Batteries

You should address bubbling golf cart batteries right away since excessive bubbling leads to some serious problems:

• Loss of fluid/electrolyte - As more bubbles form, electrolyte leaks out which decreases battery performance and lifespan.
• Overheating - Bubbling batteries tend to severely overheat, sometimes to the point of melt down and complete failure.
• Explosion hazard - Concentrations of hydrogen gas within a battery present an explosion risk due to sparks or open flames.

Over time these dangers only get worse if left unchecked. A bubbling battery will fail quicker while also posing a safety threat to anyone nearby due to potential noxious gas leaks and explosions. Preventative care goes a long way for maximizing golf cart battery lifespans.

How to Stop Golf Cart Batteries From Bubbling

Stopping your golf cart batteries from bubbling requires addressing the root cause. Here are tips on correcting overcharging, battery issues, and low electrolyte fluid levels:

Fixing Battery Overcharging

Since overcharging often causes bubbling, check the following to prevent your batteries receiving excess voltage:

• Use a proper battery charger - Ensure you use an automatic, smart golf cart charger that automatically stops output when batteries reach full charge.
• Check charger settings - If able to manually adjust charge settings, reduce the voltage (if adjustable) to prevent overcharge.
• Charge more often - Fully charging batteries less often avoids forcing too much current during long charge times.
• Replace old chargers - If issues persist, replace an old inefficient charger not regulated for 6 or 8-volt golf cart batteries.

Diagnosing Battery Failure

While bubbling typically links to charging issues, failing old batteries also bubble due to natural wear over time. Warning signs of a failing battery include:

• Inability to hold a charge - Faster than normal discharge times signal shorted internal cells.
• Case damage or leaks - Cracks and electrolyte leaks mean replacements needed.
• White powdery substance - Battery acid crystals around posts caused by overheating.
• Unusual odor - Strong sulfurous smells indicate extreme battery damage.

At the first signs of aging batteries, have them load tested by a professional to measure overall health. Load testing analyzes voltage stability under electrical load simulating real golf cart operating conditions. Based on testing, you can either replace weak individual batteries as needed or buy an entire new set if multiple batteries fail.

Maintaining Proper Electrolyte Level

Lastly, low electrolyte fluid levels increase bubbling chances during charging. Check electrolyte at least monthly or more often in hot weather when faster evaporation occurs. Use distilled water to top off battery cells when low, but avoid overfilling.

Keep the vent caps secured on each battery whenever possible to lessen evaporation. Also clean any acid corrosion buildup on top of batteries using a baking soda/water paste to avoid seepage into cells. With regular fluid checks and cleaning, your batteries charge smoothly for years.

When to Replace Bubbling Golf Cart Batteries

Recharging issues cause plenty of bubbling batteries, but still might not require complete replacement right away. However, if you address charging problems and battery bubbling continues, replacements provide the only permanent solution.

Reach out to a golf cart dealer or battery retailer when buying new batteries. They can recommend ideal batteries for your make and model based on intended use, capacity needs, lifespan goals, and available budgets. Just beware that continuing to use bubbling batteries risks damaging your golf cart.

While waiting on new batteries, limit use of your golf cart to essential short trips only. Park outdoors away from structures in case of explosions. Also recharge bubbly batteries in a well-ventilated area while carefully monitoring the entire charging cycle.

Staying Safe Around Bubbling Batteries

Before replacing them, bubbly golf cart batteries still require some care when charging and using to avoid accidents:

• Always open charge in a garage or outdoors - Contains potential gas leaks.
• No sparks or flames nearby - Avoid ignition sources around batteries.
• Wear protective gear - Use heavy gloves and goggles in case of fluid spills or battery damage.
• Monitor while charging - Check batteries at least every 30 minutes for overheating issues.

Getting More Life from New Batteries

With fresh new batteries installed, use these tips to maximize lifespan and performance:

• Break-in new batteries properly - Fully charge new batteries before first use according to manufacturer guidance.
• Charge after every use - Never let batteries sit discharged even if only used minimally.
• Check fluid monthly - Ensure plates always submerged; add distilled water when low.
• Store indoors in cool areas - Park your golf cart protected from weather elements when possible.

Following battery best practices keeps your golf cart ready for reliable fun whenever needed. But if issues ever arise again, address odd battery behaviors right away before permanent damage occurs.

FAQs

Why are my golf cart batteries bubbling and leaking fluid?

Bubbling and leaking battery fluid is usually caused by overcharging the batteries. Using an incompatible or faulty charger can cause excess voltage flow into the batteries. This boils the battery acid and separates the water in it, producing hydrogen gas bubbles. Ensure you use a compatible automatic smart charger to avoid overcharging issues.

How can I tell if my golf cart batteries are failing?

Signs of failing batteries include faster loss of charge, visible case cracks or leaks, white acidic residue around posts, unusual odors, and general difficulty powering the golf cart. Have an aging set of batteries tested by a professional to determine if individual or multiple replacements are needed.

Is it safe to charge my golf cart if the batteries are bubbling?

No, you should stop charging batteries that have started actively bubbling. The risk of dangerous hydrogen gas buildup, overheating issues, battery acid leaks, and potential explosions make charging unsafe. Only drive when essential while monitoring the batteries closely until you can replace them.

How can I prevent issues with my new replacement batteries?

Properly break in all new batteries and utilize an automatic smart charger to prevent overcharging. Fully recharge batteries after every use, check fluid levels monthly, and store your golf cart indoors or protected from weather whenever possible. Following battery best practices maximizes performance and lifespan.