Golf-FAQ.com

how to figure out how long my golf cart battery will last

by Marlen Lind Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

4-6 years is the average life of a battery. Simply put, after a few years the plates lose enough substance to stop working properly. If you are unsure of the age of your battery, check the labeling on the top or look at the stamp on the battery post.

At the very least, your golf cart should be able to last through the length of a golf course. On average, this should cover a few miles. When a golf cart battery is at its peak, it should easily be able to cover seven miles without needing to be recharged.Aug 2, 2018

Full Answer

How to refurbish a golf cart battery step by step?

Step-by-Step Guide: Golf Cart Battery Reconditioning

  • Safety goggles
  • Rubber gloves
  • Apron
  • Distilled water
  • Epsom salt
  • Bucket
  • Baking soda
  • Flathead screw
  • Wrench
  • Battery Reconditioning Chargers

More items...

How to recondition golf cart battery in 10 Easy Steps?

STEP 1 Before preparing your battery for reconditioning, you need to wear your protective gear: apron, gloves, mask, and goggles. Likewise, make a weak baking soda and water solution on the side to neutralize any sudden spills and splashes. STEP 2 You need to remove the corrosion in the battery terminal.

How long does it take to charge golf cart batteries?

Most golf cart chargers will charge at 10-20 amps. If you have a 220 amp hour battery and are charging at 15 amps, it will take about 14 hours to charge. If you are charging 100 amp hours at 10 amps, it will take 10 hours to charge. It really is a simple math equation based on your used up amp hours and your chargers charging amp hours.

How do you recharge a dead golf cart battery?

You will need:

  • Battery charger
  • Epsom salts
  • Baking soda (and an old paintbrush)
  • Distilled water (and a turkey baster)

image

How long will my golf cart batteries last?

between five and ten yearsWhen you drive a battery-powered golf cart model, it's important to charge it correctly and maintain your cart so that your battery will last as long as possible. When you take care of your golf cart's battery, you can expect it to last anywhere between five and ten years.

How many miles should a golf cart go on a full charge?

How far will I be able to travel? Depending on the manufacturer, most gas golf carts have between a 5 and 6 gallon gas tank and get about 40 miles to the gallon. Electric golf carts with fully charged batteries in perfect condition get about 35 miles to the full charge.

How long should 36 volt golf cart batteries last?

They may last anywhere from months, up to 5-7 years under the right circumstances. But when left idly in high temperatures for long periods of time (such as in a hot garage in the summertime) or when left unused for months, it can really take a toll of the lifespan.

How many hours should a 48 volt golf cart last?

A 48V E-Z-GO RXV golf car with an AC motor and new(er) batteries will travel the following distances based on the stated factors: Trojan T-1275+ 12V batteries should run 102 minutes at 56 amps. The max range would be roughly 20.5 miles @ 12 miles/hour, or in golfing terms about 3 rounds or 54 holes.

How far will a 48V golf cart go?

The maximum range of this new battery when powering a 48V E-Z-GO RXV golf cart is approximately 20.5 miles when moving at 12 miles per hour. In golfing terms, this equates to around 3 rounds or 54 holes.

Should I leave my golf cart plugged in all the time?

Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.

How far will a 36V golf cart go?

A 36 volt golf cart is adequate for 2 to 4 passenger use when you are primarily using it on flat a flat surface. The average drive time or range for a 36 volt DC system is about 30 miles on a full charge.

How long does a 48V golf cart charge last?

How Long Will a Cart Last Fully Charged? # Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery.

Why are my golf cart batteries dying so fast?

The reason why your golf cart battery keeps losing charge or drains quickly, may be due to loose wires, corroded connectors or an insufficient amount of water in the battery. The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded.

Which is better 36 or 48 volt golf cart?

Basically, a 48V system gives you more “pep in your step” and picks up/speeds up a bit faster than a 36V system. Energy Needed/Amps Drawn- A 48V system draws less amps and provides a little more range with all things being equal (cart/passenger payload weight, motor horsepower, etc).

How much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

Can you put 4 12 volt batteries in a 48 volt golf cart?

With many golf cars requiring 48-volt battery packs, one of the most common money-saving assumptions is that purchasing fewer batteries with higher voltages will be a less expensive alternative. For example, a typical 48-volt golf car may use eight 6-volt batteries, six 8-volt batteries, or four 12-volt batteries.

How often should I water my golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries need to be watered on a regular basis. By regular basis, I mean checking them AT LEAST once a month and then adding DISTILLED water if needed (Do not use tap water. It will hurt your batteries.). When checking them, make sure they are fully charged.

How many rounds of golf can you use a golf cart battery?

To give you some kind of comparison factor, fleet golf cart batteries, are used for two to four rounds of golf every day ...

What is the best way to not overcharge a battery?

This refers to a charger that does NOT sense when the battery is becoming fully charged and either shuts down at the right time or slows down to a trickle charge as the battery approaches saturation point. Newer battery chargers either close down or slow down as the battery becomes fully charged since they have a built in algorithm that knows when the batteries are fully charged. A lot of the time a manual charger will come with a built in timer that you set. However if this is not the case, it is highly recommended you get a kitchen timer or set an alarm clock, because over-cooking your batteries is a sure way to sacrifice longevity.

How long do batteries last?

In the worst case scenario, your batteries may only last you three years. In the best case scenario, they may last you ten years. If your batteries only last three years or less, then it means a combination of factors. It usually entails a few of the following items:

Can you recharge a cart with lead acid?

However, fully charging batteries before reusing the cart is recommended. That said, lead-acid batteries don’ t last as long if you let them drain down to zero before recharging them. And, remember, top quality chargers are recommended, so that recharging is safer and the charging is steady and fully automated.

Is battery life important for golf carts?

In a nutshell, battery duration is certainly a major concern and a major expense for golf cart owners. Taking the recommended maintenance steps very seriously will lead to extended life and keep costs down. author- Timothy Baler.

Do you need to fill batteries if they are discharged?

When checking them, make sure they are fully charged. You do not want to fill them if they are discharged as this could cause overfilling. One of the biggest “battery killers” is not properly maintaining them with water, so be sure to check them on a regular basis.

How far can a golf cart go with a new battery?

An electric golf cart with new batteries will go anywhere between 25 to 40 miles depending on the battery configuration, the model, and voltage of the cart.

How does driving affect golf cart batteries?

Things like going uphill or carrying a large load for a long period can reduce the batteries function quickly .

Why do golf cart batteries need to be charged?

Charging. Batteries need to get fully charged between uses. Using your golf cart when your batteries aren’t fully charged leads to hard sulfation and can affect battery performance and the range of your batteries. Make sure your batteries have enough time to complete a charge cycle before using your cart.

What type of motor is used in a golf cart?

Golf carts are powered by either a 4-stroke internal combustion engine or a 36V or 48v electric AC or DC motor. Originally, these vehicles were only electrically powered, but with time, gasoline-powered variants started to emerge. Most communities prefer the electric version over gas powered carts for several reasons:

How many amps does a golf battery use?

A typical round of golf will require about 40 minutes of run time while discharged at 56 amps. With all three configurations, the batteries have more than enough capacity to get through two rounds. But you’ll also want to look at the battery’s depth of discharge or DOD.

How does extra weight affect golf cart speed?

This is because the extra weight of the body and other operating parts put more strain on the drivetrain, requiring more power to move as compared to the lighter 2-seater cart. If you’re looking for ways to make your golf cart go faster, just know the extra weight also effects the golf cart speed as well. A typical round of golf will require about ...

Why do people use electric golf carts?

Most communities prefer the electric version over gas powered carts for several reasons: Zero pollution. Low operating noise. Safety for pedestrians and other carts (due to slow speeds). This article talks about the electric variant of golf carts and the maximum range this vehicle can get on a single charge.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

The batteries of privately owned golf carts can be expected to last between 6 and 10 years.

What factors affect the battery life of a golf cart?

Another factor that affects battery longevity, albeit a lesser one, is the number of extras the golf cart has. For instance, some may be fully decked out with headlights, horns, and windshield wipers (as well as any other components that make a golf cart street legal) – features that put a bit more strain on the battery, affecting its longevity.

How does overcharging affect golf cart batteries?

This basically when the charger continues to pump power into the battery even when it is fully charged, over-cooking the internals. If this becomes a regular habit, it will drastically affect the lifespan of the battery.

Is it good to leave a battery empty?

Leaving them empty for long periods of time isn’t good for them. Going through a regular cycle of discharge and charge is healthy for a battery, and will help to prolong its lifespan. Also, be sure to charge them in a well-ventilated area. This will prevent them from overheating.

Do golf cart batteries expire?

But for all the benefits of deep-cycle battery power, there’s no avoiding the inevitable expiry date. No battery can last forever. But when, exactly, is this expiry date?

How long do golf cart batteries last?

They may last anywhere from months, up to 5-7 years under the right circumstances.

What type of battery does a golf cart use?

These golf carts are commonly powered by lead-acid batteries with a 6, 8, or 12-volt deep-cycle. Unlike the battery in your car, golf cart batteries do not automatically ‘recharge’ themselves during use.

Lifespan of a Golf Cart Battery

Batteries that are maintained and treated well will inevitably last longer. If the cart is part of a golf course's fleet, it should have a life of around five to six years based on wear and tear. If the battery in question is for your own personal golf cart, you could expect that battery to last up to eight years or more.

Things to Consider

Is your cart only for golf? If so, there are years of rounds ahead on a new battery. If you cart is for transportation and recreational use within a community, it obviously sees much more use.

Proper Charging

Always charge your electric golf cart when you're done using it, whether you played nine or 18 holes. If possible, leave it charging overnight. Short-charging can make your batteries unbalanced and shorten their lifespan.

Water

Check your battery water level and add distilled water when needed. Don't use tap water, which contains minerals that will reduce battery capacity.

Winter Storage

If your golf cart gets stored at the end of the season it's important to make sure your batteries are taken care of before doing so. The batteries should be stored fully charged and disconnected from any circuit that could discharge the battery pack. Clean each battery and remove from the battery case.

Golf Cart Battery Problems

The biggest killer of battery power is disuse, which will deep discharge them and affect their longevity. If not used, lead sulfate crystals form on the plates inside the battery and lower efficiency. This process is accelerated in hot weather, the climate in which most cart batteries are used.

How to Know When Golf Cart Batteries Are Dying

Hit the gas pedal smoothly after you turn on the golf cart with the key. If your battery is getting near the end of its life cycle, your starts will be slower than normal. You might notice more than a two-second delay from the moment your foot hits the gas pedal to the time the cart moves.

How to tell if your golf cart battery is bad?

Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. 2 A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage. If this is experienced, your cart may be low on charge, the charger may not be functioning properly or you may have a battery issue. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the controller not engaging when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. The charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the batteries trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.

How many amps does a golf cart battery take to recharge?

To recharge, the batteries will require 90 ampere-hours + 20% to make up for any charge deficiency.

How to tell if battery life is nearing?

Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer several times to allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of electrolyte and note the reading. Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing.

What is a golf cart battery charger?

The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time.

What temperature should a battery be when charging?

This will also initiate the equalizing charge. The batteries should begin gassing and bubbling. Keep the battery temperature between 115 degrees and 125 degrees.

What is a Trojan T-105 battery?

Trojan T-105 batteries are the best-known premium battery and have nearly 100 years of manufacturing experience. Trojan Battery Company was founded in 1925 and developed the golf cart battery for the Autoette in 1952. The distinctive maroon color of the T-105 makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors.

How to tell if your golf cart is low voltage?

You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

1. Charging Issues. First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out.

How to check if golf cart is charging?

First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out. Plug it back into the charger and follow the instructions. Just in case the charger is the issue, check that the battery charger is turned on. There should be an indicator light to show that it is charging the batteries. In the morning, disconnect ...

What hole does a golf cart stop dead?

It’s a real hassle if your golf cart stops dead and you’re only at the 15 th hole of play. Not only is this an embarrassing event, but it’s a major pain to have to arrange for the cart to be towed back to the parking lot.

Why won't my cart fire up?

But more often than not, your cart suddenly refused to fire up and go due to a dead or bad battery.

Can you top up golf cart batteries?

Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries. If this is the case, you will notice how several individual batteries have been “daisy-chained” together to form one large battery. 4.

Can you top up a golf cart battery with distilled water?

You need to leave enough room for expansion, so the acid should only be filled to just above the lead cells inside. Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries.

Do golf cart batteries last forever?

Golf cart batteries won’t last forever. In fact, each year they age a little bit closer towards their final use. If your battery is close to its warranty end date you may want to consider simply making the upgrade now.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9