Golf cart batteries need the correct level of electrolytes in order to properly perform the chemical process of creating electricity. The solution that creates electricity consists of electrolytes and water. Your batteries will consume a considerable amount of water over their lifespan due to the charging process.

The rule of thumb for watering is: Overfilling and having too little water in your battery cells can both have a “negative” effect on your batteries. So it is important to find the correct level.The correct level should be:

½” above the plates and ¼” to ⅜” below the vent
Having too much water will cause the electrolytes to overflow during the charging process. An easy way to prevent overfilling is by using a golf cart battery watering system or by using a watering gun. Both options are fast and accurate because they automatically stop filling the batteries when the appropriate level is achieved.

Also, having too little water will cause sulfation which is a direct result of the lead plates not being covered by water during the charging process. Sulfation will cause permanent damage to the lead plates inside the battery which will lead to a replacement. 

The proper time to fill the cells up with water to the correct level (½” above the plates and ¼” to ⅜” below the vent) is after the batteries have been charged. Do not add water to the correct level to discharged batteries. Adding water to the correct level to discharged batteries will cause the electrolytes/acid to overflow onto other components after charging causing damage. The charging process increases the electrolyte level and that is why you add water to the correct level after charging. The only time you should add water to the cells before charging is if the plates are not covered by water. So if the plates are exposed to air, add just enough water to cover the plates, charge the batteries fully and then continue to add water to the correct level.

To be clear, covering the plates and adding water to the correct levels are not the same thing. Do NOT use regular tap water to fill your batteries because tap water contains contaminates that can cause damage, so we HIGHLY recommend distilled water. If you were wondering, the image above is that of a water distillery. Regular tap water has other contaminants that can prevent the proper chemical reaction from occurring.

So here is a recap concerning watering your batteries:

Check and maintain the proper water level in each cell monthly

Open the vent cap and look inside to check the water level

Use distilled water only

If the plates are not covered, add just enough water to cover them before charging

Otherwise, always charge the batteries fully then add water to the correct level if necessary

After a complete charge, open the vent cap and check the levels