How long do golf cart batteries last? You may be wondering if you own a golf cart. Read on to find the solution in this article.
Purchasing a golf cart is a thrilling endeavor! Nevertheless, whether you’re considering buying your first or fourth model, you might be unsure about whether a battery-operated model is best for you. The lifespan of a golf cart battery is a frequently asked question.
The golf cart batteries can last anywhere between a few months and ten years, which is an unsatisfactory response. A number of variables affect a battery’s lifespan. A single battery might last you ten years if everything goes as planned. But if something goes wrong, you might have to replace it much sooner than you would like.
In this article, we’ll examine the lifespan of golf cart batteries and the key variables that have an impact on them.
How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?
Although it is extremely rare, golf cart batteries can last up to 10 years. Depending on how frequently you use it, the average life can vary greatly.
Your golf cart will last longer if you use it frequently, say two or three times per week, and take good care of it. It is difficult to predict how long it will last if you use it to get around your neighborhood or drive it to work that is nearby.
In the end, everything depends on how much use you get out of it and whether you maintain your golf cart properly.
The golf cart could break down quickly if you are careless with it or if you leave it outside in the heat for a long period of time. Hot weather has the biggest impact on golf cart batteries, whereas cold weather usually has little impact.
Further Reading:
Factors Affecting Your Golf Cart Battery’s Lifespan
Here are a few factors that have an impact on the average lifespan of your golf cart battery:
Maintenance
The key element of good maintenance is charging. Make sure you don’t overcharge the batteries in your golf cart. The manual battery charger is the primary cause of overcharging.
Manual battery chargers are unable to determine when a battery is fully charged, and the owner frequently has no idea how the charging process is progressing.
A sensor in more recent automatic chargers causes them to turn off when the battery is fully charged. As the battery approaches saturation, the flow of electricity also decreases.
If your trickle charger lacks a timer, I advise you to set an alarm on your own. Your golf cart battery’s life will be significantly shortened if you overcharge it.
Quality/Brand
Make sure the golf cart battery you purchase is from a reliable and trustworthy brand by doing some research. There is no other way to guarantee the quality of the battery. Positive customer feedback is another reliable sign of a high-quality product.
Features of the Golf Cart
The number of power-hungry features your golf cart has also influenced how long its battery lasts. The battery’s longevity is affected by it, though not particularly.
The battery life of your golf cart will be slightly shortened if it has horns, headlights, fog lights, or upgraded maximum speed.
Usage
Batteries for golf carts that don’t see a lot of use last longer. Golf carts must be used at least once a week to be maintained, so using them infrequently could be harmful.
For a general idea, the lifespan of golf carts used on golf courses that are frequently used ranges from four to seven years. Private owners of golf carts can anticipate them to last 6 to 10 years because they probably won’t use them every day.
Storage
Make sure to keep your golf cart battery somewhere cool if you’re storing it for an extended period of time. Your battery will die if it is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time.
While it is unquestionably best to store batteries in cooler temperatures, you should avoid doing so in locations where freezing temperatures are predicted. Additionally, it is advised that you check the voltage of your batteries approximately every six weeks and that you boost charge them when they have less than 70% charge.
How to Make Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer?
Here are a few handy tips to make your golf cart batteries last longer:
Maintain Fluid Levels
Water is needed for your battery. But not just any water. Acid leaks or battery damage can result from fluid levels that are too high or full, or that fall below the plates. Both of those situations, as you undoubtedly concur, are not ideal.
First, take off the battery cell caps, which are typically plastic and are located atop each reservoir. Verify the fluid level. Just enough liquid should be present to completely immerse the battery. Replace only with DISTILLED water, never spring or tap water, if necessary.
Use the Right Charger
The best type of charger for your battery will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations, so always abide by them. For maximum battery longevity and efficiency, we advise using a three-phase charger. Charge your battery fully again after each use.
Trickle Charge During Long Periods of Storage
If your battery sits idle for an extended period of time, whether because it’s the “offseason” or because you don’t have any immediate plans to use your cart, its lifespan will be greatly shortened. The trickle charge, fortunately, offers a simple fix. When not in use, you can keep the battery’s power level and health by using your charger’s trickle charge setting.
Reduce the Risk of Corrosion
Although your battery is sturdy, it is not weatherproof. The battery’s lifespan can be shortened by corroding metal connections and posts over time. When possible, always keep your battery covered or stored in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
Don’t Go the Cheap Route All the Time
One component of your cart that you shouldn’t skimp on is a battery. Cheap batteries typically last for less time. Opt for a model with a proper warranty that is priced in the mid-to the higher-mid range. These batteries have a 7–10 year lifespan when properly maintained. Invest now to avoid future expenses and hassles.
When to Replace Your Golf Cart Battery?
Instead of waiting for your golf cart battery to completely fail, it is best to replace it when it needs to be.
You should start looking for a new golf cart battery if your vehicle is having trouble accelerating uphill or if the battery charge is taking longer than usual.
If you ignore the warnings, you might be caught off guard when your battery dies in the middle of the road. A dying battery should not be used as a power source for an extended period of time.
Final Thoughts on How Long Golf Cart Batteries Last
How well you care for your golf cart’s batteries will determine how long they last. Your car batteries will last 5 to 10 years if you charge them correctly and take good care of them.
Your cart depends on its batteries to drive it up hills and through straightaways. Your battery is an investment that can last for years if handled properly. Follow the advice above and take good care of the battery in your golf cart. If you use it exclusively for personal use, it can last you for a very long time.
FAQs
How Do I Know When My Golf Cart Batteries Are Going Bad?
When batteries start to lose their strength, they’ll take longer to accelerate and might not reach the speeds you want at all. They may experience difficulty climbing hills and diving in acceleration. It may be time to replace your batteries if you are not receiving the power you require when you need it.
How Far Will a Golf Cart Go on a Full Charge?
The majority of gas golf carts have a 5 to 6-gallon fuel tank and can travel 40 miles on a single gallon of gas, depending on the manufacturer. Electric golf carts with fully charged batteries in perfect condition get about 35 miles to the full charge.
