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How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

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Published: 18 May 2024
Written By Nimra Safdar

Reviewed by Farrukh Mehmood

Facts checked by Zafar Mehmood

Golf carts come in many forms but are primarily meant to carry clubs and other equipment around an extensive course. For some users, they’re enjoyable to travel around in, but they’re also helpful for getting around large properties like college campuses or wedding venues.

If you are considering investing in a golf cart but are worried about the battery and need to figure out how long do golf cart batteries last. You do not need to worry about it because we are here to help you solve your query regarding the lifespan of golf cart batteries.

When properly maintained, golf cart batteries can last five to eight years. If you want to read in detail about How long golf cart batteries last, continue reading this guide until the end.

By the end of this guide, you will know How long golf cart batteries last, the factors that influence the lifespan of golf cart batteries, How to maintain the lifespan of your golf cart batteries, and Signs your golf cart batteries need to be replaced.

Let’s start and discover this all.

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

How long do golf cart batteries last? Golf cart batteries typically last between 5 and 8 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and battery type. However, it can seriously shorten lifespans when left inactive for months or in high temperatures for extended periods (like in a hot summer garage).

Lithium batteries are used in most golf carts instead of lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries have a one-year lifespan, but lithium batteries have a minimum five-year lifespan.

Furthermore, while lead-acid batteries degrade in colder climates, particularly during the winter, lithium batteries are unaffected by temperature changes. Moreover, the majority of lithium battery manufacturers provide a five-year warranty. So, the average lifespan of golf cart batteries is 5 to 8 years, but you can still increase the lifespan by maintaining them properly.

Factors That Influence The Lifespan Of Golf Cart Batteries:

Knowing How long golf cart batteries last can also help you become aware of the different factors that affect how long these durable, batteries can continue functioning at their best. Numerous factors can affect the golf cart batteries’ lifespan, and each one is important in determining how long these power sources will last. The following are some significant factors that influence how long golf cart batteries last:

Battery Type:

The lifespan of various battery types varies. Every one of them has unique qualities that affect how long it lasts. Although they cost more, AGM batteries perform better and require less maintenance. Despite being the priciest up front, lithium-ion batteries frequently have the most extended lifespan and the best performance.

Maintenance:

Maintaining your battery correctly is essential to increasing its lifespan. A few examples of proper maintenance are cleaning the terminals, ensuring enough ventilation, and monitoring the water levels in flooded lead-acid batteries. Premature degradation may result from failing to complete these tasks.

Charging Habits:

The duration of batteries is significantly influenced by the way they are charged. Accelerated degradation can be caused by undercharging, overcharging, or exposure to excessively high or low temperatures while charging. Battery life can be increased by following the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and preventing deep discharges.

Quality Of Components:

The longevity of a battery can be affected by the quality of its parts, such as the plates, separators, and electrolytes. Longer-lasting batteries are generally made of better materials and construction.

Usage:

The duration of a battery is significantly impacted by its use and frequency. When batteries are used heavily—like during repeated rounds of golf or for prolonged periods—they are likely to lose their capacity more quickly than when used infrequently.

These factors influence the life span of your golf cart battery. By being aware of and controlling these variables, golf cart batteries’ lifespan can be extended, guaranteeing dependable operation and more time to enjoy the greens.

How To Maintain The Lifespan Of Your Golf Cart Batteries:

Keeping your golf cart batteries’ long life and optimal performance is essential. It also saves money and can be budget-friendly for you. The following tips will help you to maintain the lifespan of your golf cart batteries:

  • Even if you’ve only used your golf cart briefly, charge the batteries after every usage. The lifespan of the batteries may be shortened if you let them completely discharge.
  • Both hot and cold extremes can impact the lifespan and performance of batteries. When not in use, keep your golf cart in an excellent, dry location and out of the extremes of heat or cold.
  • Invest in higher amperage batteries for longer rides.
  • If available, have professional maintenance done monthly.
  • Switch out your lead-acid batteries for lithium ones.
  • Ensure that the lead plates in your lead-acid battery cells have a ⅛ inch of distilled water upon them.
  • To avoid self-discharge, fully charge the batteries and disconnect them if you want to store your golf cart for a long time. To keep them charged, store them somewhere dry and cool and give them regular recharges.
  • Make sure your battery pack is always charged above 20%.

You can increase the life of your golf cart batteries and guarantee dependable performance in the long run by following the following maintenance recommendations.

Signs Your Golf Cart Batteries Need to Be Replaced?

Before heading onto the golf course, confirming whether your golf cart batteries require replacement is essential. The signs listed below indicate that it’s time to change the batteries in your golf cart:

  • A significant increase in charging time may indicate that the batteries are getting older and need to be replaced.
  • The acceleration of your golf cart is taking too long.
  • If you’re having trouble getting your golf cart to go up hills, it is a sign that the battery is getting old.
  • If you notice any acid leakage from your golf cart battery, it is the best time to replace it with a new one.
  • Corrosion on the terminals, bulging cases, or physical damage are all warning signs that the batteries need to be replaced.

If you need clarification on the condition of your batteries, Seeking advice from a technician or utilizing specialized testing equipment can assist in determining the condition.

Conclusions:

How long do golf cart batteries last? In short, several factors affect how long batteries last. Golf cart batteries have a lifespan of five to eight years, and, in some cases, they can live up to 10 years if you take proper care and maintain them well.

You can extend the life span of your golf cart battery by carrying it properly and following the recommendations we have listed above in the article. 

Golf cart owners can enjoy longer battery life and continuous enjoyment on the course by investing time and effort in maintaining their batteries. Your cart needs batteries to move through straightaways and up hills. Your battery is an investment that can last for many years if you give it the proper care and upkeep.

After reading this guide, I am sure you know how long the golf cart batteries last.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Typically Last?

Various factors, including usage, maintenance, and battery type, can affect how long golf cart batteries last. They typically last for five to eight years, but with the proper care, they can live longer.

How Can I Maximize The Lifespan Of My Golf Cart Batteries?

Following recommended maintenance procedures, such as routine inspections, terminal cleaning, watering (for flooded lead-acid batteries), adhering to charging schedules, avoiding extreme temperatures, and appropriate storage, are some factors that help you extend your battery life.

Do Different Types Of Batteries Have Different Lifespans?

It is true that different golf cart battery types—flooded lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion—have different maintenance needs and lifespans. While they cost more upfront, lithium-ion batteries frequently have the most extended lifespan.

Muhammad Zafar

Co-Founder