How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last? Maintenance Tips to Extend Life

Golf carts are no longer used as a means of transportation by golfers. They are currently being applied in hotels, retirement areas, factories and even neighbourhoods. A battery is one of the most necessary components that you should take care of whether you are using your golf cart for leisure or work. Your golf cart will not even work without a healthy battery.

Typical Lifespan of Golf Cart Batteries

Golf cart batteries have a life cycle ranging between 4 -6 years with proper care. Real life, however, may be less than that in case the cart is used intensively, over rugged roads or the batteries are not taken care of. Conversely, some of the owners are able to extend battery life up to 7 years or more, through careful charging and cleaning.

The type of battery is also important. Normal lead-acid batteries are the cheapest and most common but do not always last longer as opposed to lithium batteries which last 8 to 10 years with minimum maintenance. Nevertheless, the lithium alternatives usually are pricier in the initial stages.

What Affects Battery Life?

Many things decide how long your golf cart battery will last. These are the most important factors:

• Frequency of use of the cart – The more you use the cart, the more charge cycles hence reducing the length of the battery.
• Battery charging habits -Charging too much, too little or leaving it to die charges the battery at a rapid rate.
• Weather and storage Batteries may be damaged by extreme heat or cold, or they may be damaged during periods of inactivity.
• Maintenance – This is critical, as water levels should be checked, terminals cleaned, and corrosion prevented.
• Weight load – Carrying too many passengers or heavy items puts extra strain on the battery.

Warning Signs of Weak Batteries

It’s important to notice when your golf cart battery is getting weak so you can replace it before it fails. Look for these signs:

• Slower speed and weak power – The cart struggle on hills or feel sluggish.
• Shorter run time A battery that used to last the whole day now dies much earlier.
• Longer charging time- old batteries require more time to become fully charged.
• Corrosion or bulging -Battery failure occurs once the terminals are damaged or the cases begin to bulge.
• Strange smells- Bad smell of eggs can signify internal trauma or leaking acid.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Battery Life

The positive thing is that with some basic measures, you can increase the life of your golf cart batteries. Good maintenance does not only bring money savings but also makes your cart run well.

1. Charge Properly

Do not leave your batteries without recharging them. Do not make them run to their last drop. A high-quality charger should be used with automatic shut-off to ensure that there is no overcharging, which will overheat batteries and damage them.

2. Keep Batteries Clean

The terminals may have dirt and corrosion, which decreases the performance. Clean the battery surface using a damp cloth and clean corrosion using a mixture of baking soda and water. This should always be done with gloves and safety glasses.

3. Check Water Levels

In the case of lead-acid batteries, water is significant in the effective operation. Turn off and turn on the distilled water after each month. Do not fill to the full capacity, which may result in spills during charging.

4. Store Correctly

When you will not use your golf cart for some time, keep the batteries in a dry cool place. Ensure that they are never deeply discharged by keeping them full and topping them after every few weeks. Avoid leaving your cart unused for months with dead batteries.

5. Avoid Overloading

Follow the recommendation of the manufacturer weight of your golf cart. Excessive weight imposes excessive load on the motor and decreases the life of the battery, thus reducing the total life.

6. Drive Smart

Gradual acceleration and smooth driving are less straining on the battery as compared to constant stops, starts and high velocity. Easy driving saves energy, and it prolongs battery life.

Lead-Acid vs. Lithium: Which Lasts Longer?

Lithium batteries obviously beat the lead-acid when it comes to lifespan. Lithium solutions have a maximum life of two times, need less maintenance and charge at a faster rate. They are, however, much more expensive initially.

To a large number of golf cart owners, lead-acid is the viable option due to its affordability and convenient supply. Lead-acid batteries may also last many years, with proper care. In case you are using your cart daily and must upgrade to lithium, it can be a good investment.

When to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries

Golf cart batteries run out despite the best attention given to them. When you find yourself having to recharge it repeatedly, your performance is not good, and things like leaks are a safety issue, then you need to change them. Exceeding the waiting time may ruin the electrical system of the cart and cost more to repair.

All the batteries should be typically changed simultaneously. Combining the new and old batteries may create imbalance in the charging of the new batteries and also reduce the life span of the new batteries.

How ProDepot Helps with Battery Needs

At ProDepot, we know how important dependable batteries are for your golf cart. We do so because of the caliber of professional guidance and a large variety of automotive and industrial oils, lubricants, and accessories that will ensure your vehicles are in the best condition.

We specialize in quality, durability and the perfect fit to suit you. When you are not sure of how to take care of your battery, the team can show you maintenance tips and the product that suits your budget and usage.

Final Thoughts

The duration of golf cart batteries is generally 4 to 6 years, but this is dependent on your usage and maintenance of your battery. With simple steps like proper charging, cleaning, and smart driving, you can extend battery life and avoid costly replacements

You are either using your golf cart to have fun or as a source of business, battery maintenance will mean better and easier rides and a longer working life. And if you need a replacement or the advice of an expert, ProDepot will be willing to assist you in making the best decision.