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Golf carts are not just for the greens anymore. They’re cruising through neighborhoods, zipping around at campgrounds, and sometimes acting as the ultimate ride to grab the mail. But here’s the deal: none of this fun happens without a good battery powering that little chariot. So, how long do golf cart batteries last? The answer is 4-6 years if maintained properly. How can you keep them rolling like a pro? Buckle up (or at least hold on to the handlebars); let’s talk about the battery world with some useful insights.
The Lifespan of a Golf Cart Battery
Tick, Tock, Charge
The easy answer? If you take care of your golf cart battery, it should last between 4 and 6 years. But don’t just take that as gospel. It depends on what kind of battery you have. Your golf cart battery will only last as long as a bad golf swing if you overcharge it, don’t take care of it properly, or use it like a race car engine.
Want your battery to last as long as possible? It’s like a houseplant: give it love, care, and the right amount of charge cycles, and it will do well. Also, remember that the time it takes to charge depends on the type of battery and charger you use.
Different Kinds of Golf Cart Batteries
The Big Guns
There are different kinds of batteries with different life spans. Let’s get to know the contenders:
Lead-Acid Batteries
Most people have these type of old deep cycle batteries. Good news: they’re cheap, but they need some TLC. Water them (really) and take care of them. They should last between 4 and 6 years if you take good care of them. But being in very hot or cold places can shorten their lives, so be nice to them.
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries
We can say that these are like a cousin of lead-acid batteries. They can handle spills and don’t need to be watered. How fancy! They might cost a little more, though.
If you take good care of them, they last about 5 to 7 years. Also, an AGM battery is better than other types when it comes to deep charging.
However, if you want details on AGM batteries, go through our guide for insights.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
The big name in electric golf cart batteries. Lithium batteries for golf carts are small, light, and don’t need much care. They can last for 8 to 10 years. But (big but) they’ll cost you a lot of money upfront.
They are still worth it if you plan to keep them for a long time. Want to know how long 48-volt golf cart batteries last? Most of the time, lithium batteries work better than other types.
Signs Your Battery is About to Die
When should I get new batteries for my golf cart? Well, batteries don’t die all of a sudden. First, they’ll show you some signs. Keep an eye out for these things:
You’re Losing Speed
If your electric golf cart feels like it’s dragging its heels all of a sudden, it could be the battery. A weak battery means it has less power, which makes the ride go more slowly.
Shorter Rides
If you charge the battery, does it die after a short trip around the block? Yes, it doesn’t charge as well as it used to. How long do golf cart batteries last? It depends, but this is a clear sign that they’re almost done.
It Won’t Charge Fully
There’s a message in the battery when it stops charging all the way to 100%. “Help, I’m dying!” is that something? In general, how long do golf cart batteries last? It is not long before they start acting this way.
Strange Smells or Bulging
It’s not just a bad sign if the battery is swollen or smells like rotten eggs when sulfur is present. Be careful with it, and get a new one right away.
Battery Maintenance Tips
Keep It Alive
Want the longest life for your battery? To keep it happy, do these things:
Charge After Every Use
Do not wait to charge the battery until it is almost dead. After each ride, fill it up again. It’s like taking care of a pet: don’t let it go hungry! Want to know how long a golf cart battery should last? If you follow this tip, it will last longer.
Water Regularly
Remember to keep your lead-acid batteries wet. Once a month, check the water level and only use distilled water (no tap water, please).
Avoid Overcharging
The battery can die if you leave it plugged in for too long. To avoid this, use a cell charger that turns off by itself. How long does a cart’s battery last? Not long if you charge it too much.
Keep It Clean
Not only are dirt and dust gross, they can also make the battery work less well. From time to time, clean the terminals and links.
Store It Right
Keep the battery in a cool, dry place when you’re not using your electric golf cart. You should not go in extreme weather. How long do the batteries in an electric golf cart last? Longer when stored properly.
Connecting Golf Cart Batteries in Series
A Quick How-To
Have more than one battery? You might have to hook them up one after the other. This boosts the voltage, not the volume, which is important for most electric golf carts.
A quick and easy breakdown is given below:
- Get to the Terminals: The positive (+) and negative (-) ends of each battery are different.
- Connect Positive to Negative: Connect the positive end of one battery to the negative end of the next. Keep going until all of the batteries are linked.
- Check the Ends: Your golf cart is hooked up to the positive and negative wires that are left at the ends.
Tip: Put on safety glasses and gloves. No one wants to have a scary experience. Also, this method works using lead-acid cells or lithium batteries.
Fun Fact Break – Did You Know?
The longest recorded golf cart ride was over 2000 miles! It happened during a coast-to-coast journey in the United States, proving that with enough deep cycle batteries (and maybe a little luck), these little carts can do big things.
Looking for a golf cart battery? Here, have a look at this page and get your hands on a durable battery now.
Final Words
Battery Life’s in Your Hands
How long does a golf cart battery last? The answer depends on you! So, if you’re cruising on a lithium golf cart battery or an AGM battery, taking care of it is the key to getting years of service.
So, go forth, replace responsibly, and keep those rides smooth. And remember, when your battery starts showing signs of slowing down, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just a sign to roll into a new one.
