How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last? Tips To Extend Battery Life
How long do golf cart batteries last? Find out the average battery life, tips to make batteries last longer, and to keep your golf cart in good condition.
When you think of a golf cart, you might picture a small vehicle riding along a golf course that runs on gasoline. However, many golf carts run on batteries too.
On average, a battery-operated golf cart can cover up to 8-10 miles on a lead-acid battery and up to 100 miles on a lithium battery. Moreover, if we talk about a typical cart, it can travel up to 8 to 13 miles on one battery charge.
I. How long do golf cart batteries last?
With proper care, golf cart batteries can last approximately 5-10 years. The key to maximizing their lifespan lies in correctly charging and maintaining them. Moreover, different types of golf cart batteries have different lifespans.
So, take a glance at different types of golf batteries and their average life cycles:
| Battery Type | Description | Average Life Span |
| Lead-Acid Golf Cart Batteries | Common and affordable, but with a shorter lifespan and unsuitable for smaller vehicles due to its weight. | 2-5 years |
| Absorbed Glass Mat Golf Cart Batteries (AGM) | Offers faster charging and leak protection with absorbable electrolytes. Requires minimal maintenance but comes at a higher cost. | 6-7 years |
| Gel Lead-Acid Golf Cart Batteries | Utilizes gel for electrolyte suspension, providing leak-proof protection and low maintenance but has a slower charging speed. | 4-6 years |
| Lithium-Ion Golf Cart Batteries | Small, lightweight, and long-lasting. A low self-discharge rate allows for longer periods of inactivity without losing power. | 10-20 years |
II. Factors That Affect The Life Of A Golf Cart Battery
Several influencing factors can alter the lifespan of a golf cart battery, ultimately determining when it may need to be replaced. These include:
1. Temperature
Temperature is one of the most significant factors when it comes to battery life – cooler temperatures will prolong battery life, while warmer temperatures will shorten it.
2. Brand
The brand of your golf cart battery will also affect its lifespan. Some brands commonly last longer than others. Do your research to find a brand that offers a good mix of quality and value.
3. Features
Features of your golf cart itself can impact its battery life. If your golf cart has many added features like a stereo, fog lights, and so on, they will drain the battery faster.
4. Overcharging
Overcharging and undercharging can affect the golf cart’s battery life. Batteries that are frequently discharged and then recharged can wear out more quickly.
5. Unused for a Longer time period
If the golf cart with batteries is left unused for a longer time, It may lead to sulfation. These built-up sulfur crystals on the battery plates may result in reduced battery life.
6. Age/ Time period
Age is another factor – as batteries age, they lose their ability to hold a charge. Replace old batteries at the right time if you do not want to see your golf cart break down or stop dead in the middle of the golf course.
7. Maintenance
How well you maintain your golf cart batteries will also affect how long they last. Batteries should be cleaned and changed regularly to ensure optimal performance.
III. Why do golf carts run on batteries?
There are various types of golf carts, including gas golf carts, electric golf carts, pull golf carts, and battery golf carts. Among these options, battery golf carts have gained popularity for several reasons. Here are a few of them:
A battery-operated electric golf cart can offer a quieter and cleaner ride. This feature can be important for drivers who want to avoid disturbing the peace on the golf course.
In addition, batteries tend to be more affordable than gas, making them a good choice for drivers on a budget. Finally, batteries are more environment-friendly than gas, which is increasingly important to many drivers.
Whatever the reason, golf carts are a wonderful facility to use on a golf course, and there are plenty of good reasons to choose a golf cart that runs on batteries.
IV. Signs that batteries need to be replaced
If you spot any of these signs, it means it’s time to get new batteries for your golf cart:
- Poor acceleration
- Slow charging
- Charging lasting only for a short distance
- Leaks
- Visible damage
Read More: How Fast Do Golf Carts Go?
V. How often should golf cart batteries be replaced?
A golf cart battery can last 6-10 years with proper care and maintenance. On average, golfers may need to replace their golf cart batteries every three to five years, depending on the battery type. Those residing in climates with extreme temperatures might require more frequent replacements.
VI. Tips to extend your golf cart battery life
Now that we are well aware of the factors that affect the performance of the battery, it becomes even more necessary for us to know how to look after it. Moreover, golf cart batteries are an essential part of keeping your golf cart running.
Without proper care, your golf cart battery will not last as long and must be replaced more often. So, you can do a few things to extend your golf cart battery life and keep it running like new.
Some of them are –
1. Optimum charging
The amount of use and charging also affects battery life – the more a battery is used, the shorter its lifespan will be. Always make sure the battery is properly charged. This means charging it after each use and ensuring it is fully charged before hitting the links.
2. Regular cleaning
Keep the golf cart batteries clean. Over time, dirt and grime can build up on the battery terminals, which can prevent the battery from charging properly. Regular cleaning and maintenance will increase the battery’s longevity.
3. Maintain electrolyte solution levels
Check the electrolyte level regularly. The electrolyte is the distilled water liquid solution that allows electrons to flow between the cells in the battery, and if it gets too low, it can damage the cells. You can check the level by removing the caps from the cells and using a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the solution.
4. Avoid extreme temperatures
Protect your golf cart battery from extreme temperatures. Hot weather can cause the electrolyte to evaporate, while cold weather can cause it to freeze. If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, consider storing your golf cart battery indoors during extreme weather conditions.
5. Invest in good brands
Invest in a good quality battery from a reputable brand to get the best out of your golf cart battery. Buying a cheap battery may save you money upfront, but you will need to buy a new golf cart battery more often, costing you more in the long run.
6. Watch out against corrosion and sulfation
Sulfation: Sulfation is a process where lead sulfate crystals build up on the battery plates. This can happen when the battery is stored for long periods of time without being used or if it is frequently discharged and then recharged. Sulfation reduces battery life and can eventually lead to permanent damage. To prevent sulfation, make sure to keep your golf cart battery adequately charged and store it in a cool, dry place.
Corrosion: Corrosion is another issue that can reduce battery life. Golf cart batteries can corrode if the battery terminals are exposed to moisture or chemicals. To prevent corrosion, clean the terminals and keep them dry.
7. Check for leaks and discharges
Often, batteries tend to discharge over time due to prolonged disuse. You can use the trickle charge setting on your charger to avoid such battery leakages. Trickle charge uses the battery regulator to regulate the amount of current going into the battery. Also, before using your golf cart for a long time, check the battery for leaks or discharges.
VII. Why are lithium batteries better in golf carts?
Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular in golf carts because of their high energy density and low weight compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Golf carts equipped with lithium batteries have a longer range, faster charging time and less weight, which results in improved performance and reduced strain on the drive train.
Additionally, lithium batteries are more durable and require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
The weight of the batteries impact how much your golf cart weighs. The lighter weight of lithium batteries helps to balance the weight of golf carts. This makes them easier to maneuver and reduces stress on components of the golf cart.
VIII. How long do 48 volt golf cart batteries last?
Investing in quality 48 volt golf cart batteries is a great way to ensure your cart runs smoothly for years.
The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries, in particular, have become increasingly popular. They perform better and have a long life expectancy.
The 48 volt golf cart batteries are a popular choice for golf courses and private owners alike.
These batteries offer a long life expectancy, with many lasting up to 5 years in fleet golf carts on golf courses. In privately owned golf carts these may last even longer. With proper maintenance and charging, these batteries can last even longer.
IX. How long do 36 volt golf cart batteries last?
36-volt golf cart batteries typically last 2-5 years with proper maintenance and usage, but can last up to 7 years with deep cycle batteries.
The lifespan of a golf cart battery is affected by factors such as frequency of use, storage, and temperature. Regular check-ups and maintenance can extend battery life.
X. How long does a golf cart battery last on one charge?
A golf cart battery typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours on a single charge, depending on various factors such as usage, terrain, speed, and weather conditions.
Proper maintenance can help extend its lifespan. High-quality golf cart batteries can sometimes last up to 8 hours on a single charge.
XI. How much does it cost to replace batteries in a golf cart?
The cost of replacing a golf cart battery can vary depending on the type of battery used. On average, a lead-acid battery can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 for a single unit, while a lithium-ion battery can cost anywhere from $600 to $2000 for a single unit.
The cost can also vary depending on the make and model of the golf cart. It is recommended to check with a golf cart dealer or professional for an accurate cost estimate.
XII. Will golf cart batteries freeze in the winter?
Yes, golf cart batteries can freeze in winter. When the temperature drops below 20°F, the electrolyte in the battery can freeze and cause damage to the battery cells. To avoid this, it is recommended to store the battery in a warm place, charge it regularly, and keep it properly maintained.
Conclusion
As we know, Batteries are an essential part of the golf cart. They need to be regularly cleaned and checked for damage. Additionally, they should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. If golf cart batteries are not properly cared for, they will likely only last for one or two years. Therefore, it is important to know how to maintain golf cart batteries properly to get the most out of them.
