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How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last? How To Make Them Last Longer

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Chuck Wilson

​How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

This is a question we get a lot, and understandably so. After all, golf carts are a big investment, and you want to make sure that your investment is going to last. The good news is that golf cart batteries are designed to last a long time, typically three to five years. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, they can last up to six years.

What can you do to prolong the life of your golf cart batteries? First and foremost, it’s important to keep them clean. Second, make sure that they are properly watered. Third, be sure to keep them charged. Fourth, avoid deep cycling them. Fifth, store them in a cool and dry place.

If you take care of your golf cart batteries, they will take care of you. Contact us if you have any questions about golf cart battery maintenance.

Understanding the Basics of Golf Cart Batteries

​Golf cart batteries are one of the most important aspects of owning a golf cart. They are responsible for powering the cart and keeping it running smoothly. Golf cart batteries typically last between three and five years, but this can vary depending on the type of battery, how it is used, and how well it is maintained.

There are two main types of golf cart batteries: lead-acid and lithium-ion. Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of golf cart battery, and they are typically less expensive than lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries also require more maintenance than lithium-ion batteries, and they typically have a shorter lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries are newer and more expensive, but they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

The lifespan of a golf cart battery is determined by a number of factors, including the type of battery, how it is used, and how well it is maintained. The average lifespan of a lead-acid battery is three to five years, while the average lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is five to seven years. Factors that can shorten the lifespan of a golf cart battery include deep discharged, overcharging, and extreme temperatures.

There are a few things that you can do to extend the lifespan of your golf cart battery. First, make sure to keep the battery clean and free of dirt and debris. Second, avoid deep discharging the battery, and recharge it as soon as possible after use. Third, avoid overcharging the battery, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging. Finally, store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.

If you take care of your golf cart battery, it will take care of you! By following these simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your golf cart battery and ensure that it will be there when you need it.

What Contributes to the Life of a Golf Cart Battery?

​Golf cart batteries are one of the most important parts of a golf cart. Without batteries, golf carts would not be able to run. So, how long do golf cart batteries last?

There are a few factors that contribute to the life of a golf cart battery. One of the most important factors is how often the golf cart is used. If a golf cart is used daily, the battery will not last as long as if it was only used once a week.

Another factor that contributes to the life of a golf cart battery is how the golf cart is used. If a golf cart is used for long periods of time without being recharged, the battery will not last as long as if it was only used for short periods of time and then recharged.

The last factor that contributes to the life of a golf cart battery is the type of battery that is used. Some batteries are made to last longer than others. So, if you are looking for a battery that will last a long time, you may want to consider getting a different type of battery than the one that came with your golf cart.

Overall, there are a few factors that contribute to the life of a golf cart battery. If you want your golf cart battery to last a long time, you should use your golf cart regularly, but not for long periods of time without recharging, and you should get a different type of battery than the one that came with your golf cart.

Taking Steps to Prolong the Life of Golf Cart Batteries

​1. Keep them clean. Dirt and grime can shorten the life of batteries, so make sure to keep them clean.

2. Store them properly. Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place.

3. Check the water level. Batteries need to be filled with water, and the level should be checked regularly.

4. Avoid deep discharge. If you regularly let the battery go all the way down, it will shorten its life.

5. Charge them regularly. Batteries should be charged after each use, even if they were not used very much.

6. Equalize them. This is a process of overcharging the battery to help prolong its life.

7. Use a battery maintainer. This is a device that will keep the battery charged when it is not in use.

By following these tips, you can help prolong the life of your golf cart batteries and save yourself some money in the long run.

Maintaining Proper Water Levels

​It is important to keep your golf cart batteries topped off with water. This will help to extend their life and keep them working properly. Most golf cart batteries have a capacity of around 200 amp hours. That means that they can provide 200 amps of power for one hour, or 100 amps for two hours, and so on.

If you regularly use your golf cart for short trips around the neighborhood, then you will likely only need to add water to the batteries every few months. However, if you frequently use your golf cart for longer trips, or if you live in a hot climate, then you may need to add water to the batteries more often.

To check the water level in your golf cart batteries, simply remove the caps and take a look inside. The water should come up to just below the level of the lead plates. If it is lower than that, then you will need to add water.

To add water to your golf cart batteries, you can use distilled water or rain water. Never use tap water, as it contains minerals that can damage the lead plates. Once you have added water, be sure to replace the battery caps and tighten them securely.

If you find that you are adding water to your golf cart batteries on a regular basis, then there are a few things that you can do to try and fix the problem. First, check the battery charger to make sure that it is working properly. If the charger is not working correctly, it may not be providing enough power to the batteries, causing them to discharge too quickly.

Another possibility is that the batteries are not sized correctly for your golf cart. If your golf cart came with 6-volt batteries, but you are using 8-volt batteries, then they will discharge too quickly.

If you have ruled out those two possibilities and you are still having to add water to your golf cart batteries frequently, then you may need to replace the batteries. Although golf cart batteries are designed to last for several years, they will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. When this happens, they will no longer hold a charge as well as they used to and will need to be replaced.

If you are not sure how long your golf cart batteries should last, or if you are having trouble keeping them properly maintained, then it is a good idea to consult with a professional. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best solution.

Monitoring and Replacing Batteries as Needed

We all know how important it is to keep our golf cart batteries in good condition. But how often should we replace them, and how can we tell when they need to be replaced? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more, so you can keep your golf cart running smoothly for years to come.

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

On average, golf cart batteries will last between three and five years. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as how often you use your golf cart, how well you maintain it, and what kind of batteries you have.

One of the best ways to extend the life of your golf cart batteries is to monitor their performance and replace them as needed. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Here are a few things to look for:

1. Check the voltage. Use a voltmeter to check the voltage of your batteries. If it’s below 12 volts, it’s time for a replacement.

2. Check the water level. Check the water level in each battery cell. If it’s below the lead plates, add distilled water until it reaches the level of the lead plates.

3. Check the terminal connections. Make sure the terminal connections are clean and tight. If they’re loose, clean, or corroded, they need to be replaced.

4. Check the battery case. If the battery case is cracked or damaged, it needs to be replaced.

5. Check for leaks. Check for leaks around the terminal connections. If you find any, clean them up and tighten the connections. If the leaks persist, the battery needs to be replaced.

When Should I Replace My Golf Cart Batteries?

As we mentioned before, it’s best to replace your golf cart batteries every three to five years. However, if you notice any of the above issues, it’s best to replace them sooner rather than later. By replacing your batteries as needed, you can extend the life of your golf cart and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Keeping Batteries Clean

It is important to keep batteries clean in order to protect them from corrosion and degradation. Corrosion can cause problems with electrical connections and can shorten the life of batteries. Degradation can cause capacity loss and reduced performance.

There are a few simple steps that can be taken to keep batteries clean. First, it is important to clean the terminals and connections with a damp cloth on a monthly basis. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could cause corrosion. Second, it is important to check the battery acid level and top off as needed. This will help to prevent degradation.

If you take these simple steps, you can help to prolong the life of your batteries and keep them working at peak performance.

Storage Tips to Extend Battery Life

​In the Golf Cart Battery world, there are two types of people. People who are cordial and take care of their Golf Cart Batteries with preventative maintenance and those who don’t. If you are in the latter group, this blog is not for you. However, if you want your Golf Cart Battery to last as long as possible, read on!

“How long do golf cart batteries last?” is a common question we get here at Battery Clinic. The answer depends on a few factors, but with proper care, your golf cart battery can last 3 to 5 years.

Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your golf cart battery:

1. Do not allow your golf cart battery to become completely discharged.

2. Recharge your golf cart battery as soon as possible after use.

3. Store your golf cart battery in a cool, dry place.

4. Check the water level in your golf cart battery regularly and add distilled water if necessary.

5. Keep the terminals of your golf cart battery clean and free of corrosion.

6. Every 3 to 6 months, give your golf cart battery a full discharge and then a full recharge.

7. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity. If you know you won’t be using your golf cart for a while, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your golf cart battery will provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining Battery Cables and Terminals

​Maintaining your battery cables and terminals is important for the longevity and performance of your golf cart. Here are a few tips on how to properly maintain them:

1. Check the cables and terminals regularly for corrosion. This can be caused by moisture, heat, or age and can lead to decreased performance or even failure of the battery.

2. If you see any corrosion, clean the terminals and cables with a wire brush or similar tool. You can also use a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid and then rinse with clean water.

3. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or terminal protector to help prevent future corrosion.

4. Make sure the cables are routed in a way that avoids them being pinched or damaged. This can cause a break in the insulation and lead to a short circuit.

5. Periodically check the connections to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion.

By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your golf cart battery and keep it performing at its best.

Getting Regular Tune-Ups to Keep Batteries Working Efficiently

​How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

It’s a common question we get at Batteries Plus Bulbs: how long do golf cart batteries last? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as straightforward as we would like. There are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of your golf cart batteries, from how often they’re used to how well they’re maintained.

One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your batteries is to keep them tuned up. Just like your car, your golf cart needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes making sure the batteries are clean and free of corrosion.

If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to clean your batteries more often. Hard water can leave deposits on the battery plates that can reduce their efficiency and shorten their lifespan.

If you don’t clean your batteries regularly, they can start to develop what’s called a “memory.” This means they won’t hold a charge as long as they should. The best way to prevent this is to discharge the batteries completely before recharging them.

It’s also important to make sure your golf cart batteries are charged properly. Overcharging can shorten their lifespan, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommend charging times and voltages.

In general, golf cart batteries will last between three and five years. However, if you take good care of them, you can extend their life even longer. If you have any questions about how to care for your golf cart batteries, or if you need a new set, stop by your local Batteries Plus Bulbs.

About the author

Chuck began working on golf carts after relocating to a golf community in Arkansas, and acquired an interest in vintage “barn finds”. Even with the internet community as a resource for parts and reference, there are some searches that take hours to find needed information…and many results are incorrect. He compiles corrected diagrams and drawings to simplify the hobbyist’s quest for identifying and restoring their golf cart. He uses his personal experiences to bring you useful and current info to get the best out of your cart.

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