Properly maintaining your golf cart battery includes keeping the water level in each cell at the correct height.

Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

• Check the water level regularly: Inspect your battery cells at least once every two months to ensure the water level hasn’t dropped too low.

• Know the correct water level: The water line should be just above the lead plates and about one inch from the top of each cell.

• Add water when needed: If the lead plates are exposed or close to the surface, carefully add distilled water until the level reaches the proper height (tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can damage your batteries over time).

• Refill after charging: The best time to top off your batteries is right after a full charge. Refilling at this point helps maintain the ideal water level and prevents it from dropping too low during use.

• Understand the risks of low water levels: If the plates dry out, they can flake and lose their ability to hold a charge, eventually ruining the battery. Severely low water levels can also cause the battery to overheat and, in extreme cases, catch fire.