Electric Golf Carts are known for being fast and having acceleration power. However, the day you start to feel your electric golf cart being slower to reach top speed is typically a sign of your batteries needing to be replaced. Also, another sign may be that it has trouble climbing hills and inclines.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is going bad?
Batteries that are going bad will expand and have bulges on the battery cases themselves. Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg. Or lastly… Another way to see how your batteries are holding up is to test the voltage of the golf cart batteries.
Do you need to replace your golf cart batteries?
We would like to discuss a few of these signs as well as suggest ways to test your batteries. Here are 4 signs you need to replace your golf cart batteries: 1) It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed
How to top up golf cart batteries?
If you need to top up the acid levels – only fill to slightly above the battery cells. 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.
How much should you discharge a golf cart battery?
Use your golf cart and batteries often…avoid long periods of storage. 50% (or less) discharges are recommended. 80% discharge is the maximum safe discharge. Do not fully discharge lead-acid batteries (80% or more). This will damage (or kill) the battery.
How do you know when your golf cart batteries need to be replaced?
Here are 4 signs you need to replace your golf cart batteries: It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. ... Your Golf Cart loses power very quickly. ... Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. ... The batteries are leaking acid and are beginning to bulge.
How often does a golf cart need new batteries?
Properly maintained golf cart batteries will last on average about 6-10 years for private owners. For properly maintained fleet golf cart batteries that get used for 2-3 rounds of golf everyday, you can expect them to last 4-6 years. Fleet golf carts are generally used for golf courses or in maintenance facilities.
What is the average lifespan of batteries in a golf cart?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.
Should I charge my golf cart every day?
Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.
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.
How can I extend the battery life of my golf cart?
Here are 6 Tips to Making Your Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer.Always Use Distilled Water. Battery maintenance is best done in a well-ventilated area on a plain and level surface. ... Use a Proper Battery Charger. ... Trickle Charge the Battery. ... Prevent Corrosion. ... Pay More to Last More. ... Use Anti-Corrosion Lubricants.
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.
Can you overcharge batteries in a golf cart?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
What is a golf cart used for?
Golf carts are used for more than just teeing off and chasing that birdie. Your customers might use these carts around their gated communities, within a huge business complex or around a government institution. Regardless of the golf cart’s location, it always needs a reliable battery.
How to test battery for shortened trips?
If your customers complain of shortened trips, test the battery with a load. Placing ordinary strain on the cells will give you a more accurate look at the battery’s operational strength. Isolating the battery with just a multimeter might give you a solid reading, which is deceptive to everyone involved with the repair.
Why are deep cycle batteries reliable?
The reasons why deep-cycle batteries have these reliable charges is because of key, internal factors that include: Thick, internal plates for complete discharges with each ride. Extra, reserve capacity within the battery cells.
What happens when a battery breaks down?
When the plates decline and battery cells break down, your seven-mile distance will be significantly shortened. The voltage may seem to hold if you test the battery, but the performance truly reflects a declining battery.
Is a golf cart battery a deep cycle?
Battery is Visually Declining. Golf-cart batteries are also known as deep-cycle or lead-acid designs. Although there are many different types of batteries in the marketplace today, this particular style is still a go-to choice for cart engineers. The lead-acid battery is reliable, long lasting and inexpensive.
Can you replace a golf cart battery?
If you notice any damage to a golf-cart battery, it’s important to immediately remove it. Charging damaged batteries creates a mess within the cart, which can lead to expensive repairs. Buying a new battery will always be more cost effective compared to using a damaged one.
Is a lead acid battery good?
The lead-acid battery is reliable, long lasting and inexpensive. However, it does have a drawback. The chemicals within the battery that make charging and discharging possible are fluid. Once these chemicals break down or release from the battery’s housing altogether, it cannot be restored.
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.
How to check if a battery is sealed?
Inspect the batteries to see if they are sealed lead-acid batteries or if there are caps on the top of the batteries . If there are caps (lids) present – then open them and check that the cells inside are adequately covered with the clear fluid. This fluid is the acid – so be careful not to splash it near your eyes or on clothing. It will burn.
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.
What does it mean when a golf cart battery is leaking?
A bulging or leaking battery indicates that there’s a physical problem with the internal parts. The cells will not charge up.
How long does a golf cart last?
Your golf cart should last for the duration of an 18-hole game. In fact, it normally operates off and on for the entire day. If your vehicle putters out about halfway through your day, the battery is to blame.
Can a golf cart take on hills?
It’s time to replace that battery when hills become issues on your route. Golf carts aren’t designed to take on huge hills, but they should be nimble enough to traverse small knolls.
Can you replace a cart battery?
Old batteries should be replaced. A cart that has a new battery and a power failure may have a simple yet solvable issue. New batteries don’t come fully charged from the factory. You may need to charge the cart overnight. A viable, new battery will operate normally now.
Do batteries break down?
Battery cells will eventually break down over time. The charging power moving through the battery won’t be as effective as before. Some batteries may never fully charge at some point. They’ll only offer partial power. Before more internal cells decline, it’s time to replace the battery.
Does Hills take power from cart?
Hills will take every ounce of power from the cart. Replace the battery before the cart stops without warning.
Do golf carts need batteries?
Golf carts and their batteries have advanced technology behind their functions. The vehicle should be responsive under your command. You probably need new, Trojan golf cart batteries when these situations occur, including:
How often should I water my golf cart battery?
You'll want to check at least once every over month to ensure the water level is at appropriate levels, and fill to about 1/4" to 1/2" above the metal plates. Some gurgling or bubbling is normal during the charging stage.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
While batteries for golf carts will last years if cared for properly, eventually they will need to be replaced. We like to advise our customers on the best ways to care for their batteries to ensure they last as long as possible. We've put together a few pieces of critical information you need to know in order to properly care for your golf cart's battery.
Do golf cart batteries come fully charged?
New Batteries Don't Always Come Fully Charged. In fact, by the time installation of the new battery is complete, its charge will most likely be hovering between 70 - 75%. Golf cart batteries often have what is called a "break-in period" when you first bring them home, in which following a few simple steps can up their overall lifespan.
Can you run water down the battery?
Whatever you do, don't let the water level run all the way down. This will cause your battery to overheat and may even start a fire!
Can you charge a golf cart battery too low?
As we mentioned in an earlier post, letting the charge on your batteries run too low, or going too long between recharges, can cause serious long-term damage and lead to you needing to replace your battery long before its natural lifespan would have run out. It's important to make sure you charge your golf cart's battery every time you've finished using it. Any extended use could wear the charge down quickly and leave you stranded at best or with a nonfunctioning battery at worst.
How to know when golf cart batteries are dying?
When your batteries are starting to die, there will be a few signs to look out for. If you have been taking care of your batteries as we have taught you , then you should be happy with the years of use you have gotten from them.
How much are batteries for a golf cart?
Pricing varies from pack to pack. The general consensus for golf cart battery replacement ranges from $600 on the low end to $1600 on the high end. If you are buying batteries in the lower end of the price range, then they are most likely cheap golf cart batteries that will not last as long (you really do get what you pay for when it comes to batteries). Some packs cost as much as $2500 when you start dealing with 72 Volt systems and sealed for lithium batteries. But, for the typical lead acid battery pack, $900 to $1500 is about the norm. This price range is assuming you are working with a local golf cart dealer.
How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?
A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?
A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.
How powerful is a golf cart battery?
Let’s take a close look at Voltage in a battery pack. For comparison, we like to take a look at cars since we are familiar with horsepower and miles per gallon (MPG). Therefore, voltage in a battery pack inside of an electric golf cart has to do with power. It does not have to do with fuel. Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car. With this knowledge in place, we can determine a 72 volt system can be more powerful than a 48 volt system, and a 48 volt system can be more powerful than a 36 volt system. If you took notice, we said that it “can” be more powerful. The reason for this is due large in part to the controller inside the vehicle. A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller.
Why are golf cart batteries so expensive?
Simply put, Golf Cart Batteries are expensive because you aren’t visiting the gas station every week. When you purchase them, you are essentially pre-paying for fuel. Yes, you still have to charge the vehicle, however the electricity cost usually breaks down to pennies per mile. In some studies, it was shown a golf cart costs less than $.02 per mile to operate in terms of electricity cost. Buying higher quality batteries versus cheaper ones will be better in the long run and will actually cost you less since you are replacing them less frequently.
What to do when buying an electric golf cart?
If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...
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 Much Does It Cost To Replace The Batteries In A Golf Cart?
The cost of replacing the battery pack typically runs from $800 to $1500 depending on the number of batteries needed and the brand you go with.
What Is The Best Golf Cart 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.
Why would my battery go bad?
As mentioned earlier, the electrolyte level must be kept at optimum levels or damage can be done to the plates inside. Incorrectly watering is the major cause of problems in batteries.
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.
When do golf cart batteries discharge?
The state of charge or discharge golf batteries are in at the end of the day depends upon the type of play and the number of holes the golf cart was used for. The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time. When charging, allow enough time for a complete charge cycle.
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 many batteries does a golf cart use?
A golf cart will usually be powered by six of these 6V batteries. This means that the cart will have a total voltage of 36V to pull from. These are the cheapest batteries on the market and so are cheap to replace when they come to the end of their lives. They are perfect for flat courses.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
Keeping these power cells in the best condition is simply essential if you want them to last. A battery should last up to 7 years if you give it the TLC it needs. The worst thing you can do to a lead battery is run it dry, this causes sulphation of the electrodes and reduces the efficiency of the overall system.
Why Are Cart Batteries So Important?
The reason that they help is that the battery-powered motor takes the weight so that you can just enjoy your golf.
What is a UPG battery?
This UPG battery is a sealed lead acid is a universal cell that fits into an array of golf carts. It is a very versatile battery in terms of how many systems can use it which is a huge advantage. This is a 12V battery that runs at 35Ah.
What is a lead acid golf cart battery?
This is a flooded lead acid battery, a standard type of battery that comes in the vast majority of golf carts. This is an older technology which means that it is heavier and less efficient than other alternatives on the market now.
What type of batteries are used in golf carts?
The batteries listed below are all lead acid-based cells. These are by far the most common types of battery in golf carts. Here are a few of the best performing and most popular batteries you can buy.
What is the best battery for a golf cart?
Lithium-Ion batteries. Lead-based batteries are the main topic of discussion in this article, they are the most common golf cart batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are a new option to the market and ones to think about in terms of buying new batteries.