Depending on how you use your golf cart and care for your battery, golf cart batteries can last between 3 and 10 years, or an average of 5 years. Most electric golf carts with a healthy golf cart battery will travel between 25 to 40 miles on a single charge. The range depends largely on the golf cart’s model, battery voltage, and configuration. Read on for how you can maximize your golf cart battery’s lifespan.
Factors That Impact How Long Golf Cart Batteries Last
Care and Maintenance of Golf Cart Batteries
How long golf cart batteries can last matters depends on a variety of factors, with the primary one being how well they’re taken care of. Typically, most golf cart batteries are deep cycle batteries, and they need their water levels maintained, as well as never leaving them in a discharged state – which simply means that it needs to be plugged in and charged after each use.
Typical Usage of Golf Cart Batteries
Additionally, the usage conditions have a big impact on how long a golf cart battery will last. For example, a fleet golf cart might run for 2 to 3 rounds of golf per day during busy season, as where a personal cart may only be a round or two per week.
Distance Driving on Golf Cart Batteries
If you live near (or on) a golf course community and are driving to and from the course, this will result in a bigger draw on your golf cart battery’s charge, leading to more frequent charging cycles. Sometimes this short commute can equal another two or three rounds of golf on top of the actual golfing itself.
Effects of Hauling Weight and Terrain Types on Golf Cart Batteries
The weight and number of passengers you’re carrying in your golf cart – along with the weight of the equipment you’re hauling – play a significant factor in how long your golf cart battery will last. Four passengers will drain the battery much quicker than two, and driving up steep slopes or hills will do the same.
Golf Cart Features and Other Factors Draining Golf Cart Batteries
If your golf cart has headlights, taillights, a higher speed limit, and things like a stereo, these are all features that will drain your battery faster. More charging cycles means more overall usage, which of course will wear out your golf cart battery faster.
Properly Charging Your Golf Cart Battery
Overcharging your golf cart battery can lead to shorter lifespan and can cause damage. Your best bet is using an automatic golf cart battery charger that automatically shuts off when your golf cart battery is fully charged. If you have a manual charger, be sure to set a timer or reminder to unplug it when the battery is full.
Preventing Golf Cart Battery Drain
Be sure to always turn lights and electronic devices like stereos off when the cart is not in use, and remove the key to ensure nothing is draining the battery. If anything’s left on, it can fully discharge the battery, leading to a shorter golf cart battery lifespan.
When To Replace Your Golf Cart Battery
Golf Cart Battery Long Charging Times
If you’re waiting significantly longer than you used to for your golf cart battery to get a full charge, it’s probably time to replace it.
Golf Cart Battery Loss of Distance, Speed, and Acceleration
If you can’t get through a single round of golf without the cart battery depleting, if your cart stalls when going up hills, or if your cart is even laggy from a flat start, it’s time to go golf cart battery shopping.
Visual Signs That Your Golf Cart Battery Is Bad
Golf cart batteries that are cracked, bulging, expanding, or leaking are all signs that you should discontinue use and replace the unit. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the battery.
How To Maintain Your Golf Cart Battery
With the proper care and maintenance, you could see several additional years of life from your golf cart battery. Follow these tips to maximize your savings.
Maintain Proper Water Levels In Your Golf Cart Battery
Always check the water levels in your golf cart battery, and understand that the older the battery, the more water it will use. Always use distilled water in your golf cart battery.
Keep Your Golf Cart Battery Charged
Avoid fully draining your golf cart battery at all costs, as this will shorten the battery’s lifespan. Charge to full after each use, and trickle charge in the offseason or during long periods of inactivity to keep the battery in good working order.
Clean Your Golf Cart Battery Contacts
If you’re noticing loss of power or power outages when going over rough terrain or bumps, your golf cart battery’s contacts could have corrosion. Clean them with a contact brush to ensure proper operation.
Properly Store Your Golf Cart Battery
Your golf cart battery is not invincible to the elements. Keep your battery in a dry and temperature controlled space if possible, and be sure to cover it when not in use or during the offseason.
Wrapping Up How Long Will A Golf Cart Battery Last
With the right care and maintenance, you can maximize your investment in your golf cart battery and can get extra years of use out of it. If you’re looking for other information on golf carts, check out our guide on how to make a golf cart street legal, how much golf carts cost, will a golf cart fit in a truck bed, how much does a golf cart cost, and how much a golf cart weighs – all right here on our site.
