Common Misconceptions About Batteries - Club Car Gasoline Service Manual

1995-1996 ds golf cars
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creating electrical shorts. It must be porous enough to allow charged ions to pass through between the posi-
tive and the negative plates, but never allow the two materials to contact each other.
Whenever two unlike metals are immersed in an acid solution, an electric current is generated.
In a "deep cycle" battery, the negative plates contain lead (Pb) and the positive plates contain lead dioxide
(PbO2). These plates are immersed in a sulfuric acid solution (H2SO4) (Figure 22-1).
During discharge, the chemical reaction inside the battery causes the sulfate (SO4) to break away from the
H2 (Figure 22-2).
The sulfate (SO4) combines with the lead (Pb) on both plates, forming lead sulphate (PbSO4). The oxygen
(O2) from the positive plates combines with the hydrogen (H) from the electrolyte to form water (H2O) (Fig-
ure 22-3).
The result is two similar metals, lead sulphate (PbSO4), immersed in water (H2O). This, of course, will not
generate electricity. This battery is discharged.
When a discharged battery is connected to a charger, the process is reversed. The sulfate (SO4) is forced
from the plates back into the electrolyte to make sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The oxygen returns to the positive
plate to make lead dioxide (PbO2) (Figure 22-4).
The result is a charged battery that is again capable of generating electricity (Figure 22-1).

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES

This chart cannot and does not describe all problems which may be encountered with batteries, but it does
identify some of the common misconceptions and problems.
PROBLEM
1.
Deep Discharge
2.
Early Excessive
Discharging
3.
Mineral Content
4.
Self-Discharge
5.
Overwatering
6.
Underwatering
7.
Vibration Damage
MISCONCEPTION AND REALITY
Misconception- "This car can handle another 9 holes; it has gone only 36 holes today."
Reality- This statement is wrong. Avoid deep discharge of batteries whenever possible.
See Battery Charging, Page 22-7.
Misconception- "These are new batteries. They can handle 45 holes."
Reality- This statement is wrong also. New batteries do not reach their full capacity until they have
been used and recharged 20 to 50 times.
Misconception- "Tap water will do for our batteries."
Reality- Your tap water might be OK, but have it checked first.
See Battery Care, Page 22-5
Misconception- "Dirt and corrosion on the battery won't hurt anything."
Reality- Wrong again. Dirt and corrosion might provide a path for current to flow and allow the bat-
teries to self-discharge.
See Battery Care, Page 22-5.
Misconception- "Batteries can be filled to the level indicator at night, so it won't have to be done
in the morning".
Reality- Under most circumstances, water should be added after charging.
See Battery Care, Page 22-5.
Misconception- "Checking the water takes too much time; it can be checked once a month."
Reality- Insufficient watering can ruin batteries. Water level should be checked weekly.
See Battery Care, Page 22-5.
Misconception- "You should tighten battery hold-downs as tight as you can".
Reality- Battery hold-downs should be tightened to specification. Hold-downs that are too tight or
too loose can cause battery damage.
See Battery Care, Page 22-5.
22
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Page 22-3

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