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what to look for in golf cart batteries

by Enola Sporer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Lead-Acid. Lead-acid batteries are the most common and lowest-cost deep-cycle batteries for golf carts. ...
  • AGM. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a sealed variation of a lead-acid battery. In an AGM battery, the lead plates sit between electrolyte saturated fiberglass mats.
  • Lithium-Ion. Golf carts use deep-cycle lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) batteries. Don’t confuse these with the lithium batteries found in small electronics.

Full Answer

How do you test a golf cart battery?

  • Wear protective eyewear and work in a well-ventilated area when performing this test. ...
  • A hydrometer kind of looks like a turkey baster with a little measuring float in the middle of the tube. ...
  • In a golf cart battery, a hydrometer will measure the charge of the battery by measuring the weight of the water. ...

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

PROS:

  • This product is designed in a fully automatic manner so that it can easily charge a golf cart battery.
  • This is great for golf carts – and can be used for many other different batteries, which may be important to some consumers.
  • This charger was designed with reverse polarity protection.
  • There is a power on, power off, and fully charged indication.

More items...

How to properly charge a golf cart battery?

When to Charge Golf Cart Batteries:

  1. Charge your golf cart batteries before they get empty.
  2. The cart batteries could get damage permanently if you left them without any charge for a few weeks or a month; because of the self-discharge ability of the cart ...
  3. You should keep charging the batteries even when the golf cart is in rest. ...

More items...

How do you fill the battery in a golf cart?

Step-by-step Guide

  • Step 1. – Insert pump into jug of distilled water! ...
  • Step 3. – Once hand pump bulb is primed remove the dust cover from the end of the fill line on your battery watering system.
  • Step 4. – Squeezing the golf cart battery watering system hand pump with firm steady pressure to pump water into the battery cells.
  • Step 5. ...
  • Step 6. ...

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How do I choose golf cart batteries?

Capacity (how much energy batteries store) varies from one battery to the next. And your battery needs will be different if you're golfing nine holes occasionally, rather than renting golf carts that see 36 holes a day. (In either case, you'll want to charge your golf cart at every opportunity.)

How many amps should a golf cart battery have?

48-volt golf cart batteries can be arranged in different ways. A 48-volt system of 4×12 volts can deliver approximately 600 amps. Yet a 48-volt system of 8×6 volts can deliver 1,800 amps.

What is the difference between a deep cycle battery and a golf cart battery?

So, while you can technically use standard car batteries in your golf cart, they likely wouldn't last very long. Alternatively, deep-cycle batteries are explicitly optimized to provide steady current output over long periods of time and repeatedly be deeply discharged.

How can you tell if a golf cart battery is good?

0:426:18How to Test Golf Cart Batteries - Troubleshooting Batteries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe battery voltage can be buy tested by probing with a simple voltmeter by pushing the probesMoreThe battery voltage can be buy tested by probing with a simple voltmeter by pushing the probes deeply into the lead not in not into the stainless steel put into the lead.

How many AH do you need for a golf cart?

6 volt golf cart batteries are typically 200 to 225 amp hours, and 8 volt batteries about 150 amp hours.

How many lithium batteries do I need for a 48V golf cart?

If you're using a 48V lithium battery connected in parallel you don't need to install a specific number of batteries to meet the voltage requirements – you install the number of batteries that will give you the mileage range you desire. You can use as few as 2 batteries or up to 6 batteries in a typical golf car.

Will lithium batteries make my golf cart faster?

More Power Means More Speed A lithium golf cart battery has more power than a comparably sized SLA battery. What this means for your golf cart is a huge improvement in speed and power. The more power your batteries give your engine, the easier it is for the cart to navigate uneven terrain.

Are golf cart batteries AGM or standard?

AGM batteries is a good option to be used in golf carts. There are numerous reasons and advantages for this. A few of the advantages include: The AGM battery is capable of fast charging, almost 5 times faster.

Who makes the best 12-volt golf cart batteries?

7 Best Golf Cart Batteries ReviewsMiady 12V 36Ah Golf Cart Battery. ... Chins 12V 100AH Golf Cart Battery. ... Mighty Max 12V 35AH Golf Cart Battery. ... Universal Power 12V 100Ah Golf Cart Battery. ... Ampere 12V 100Ah Golf Cart Battery. ... WindyNation 12V 100AH Golf Cart Battery. ... Trojan 8V 170Ah Golf Cart Battery.

What is the best voltage for a golf cart?

Replacement batteries are more expensive. While 72-volt golf cars boast unmatched power, range, and efficiency, the parts and general upkeep can drain your wallet. If you're looking for a ride that has enough power but is less expensive, the 48-volt may be all that you need.

How many volts should a golf cart battery have?

Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good. This measured value doesn't take the load or cart's power consumption into consideration.

How long do 48 volt golf cart batteries last?

between five and ten yearsWhen you take care of your golf cart's battery, you can expect it to last anywhere between five and ten years.

How many amps is a 12 volt golf cart battery?

The Five Most Common Golf Cart Battery PacksBattery System TypeVoltageAmps (Estimated)4-12 Volts48 Volts6006-8 Volts48 Volts1,0208-6 Volts48 Volts1,8006-12 Volts72 Volts9001 more row•Nov 3, 2020

What voltage should golf cart batteries be at?

Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good.

How many volts should a 48 volt golf cart have?

The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.

What is the best voltage for a golf cart?

Replacement batteries are more expensive. While 72-volt golf cars boast unmatched power, range, and efficiency, the parts and general upkeep can drain your wallet. If you're looking for a ride that has enough power but is less expensive, the 48-volt may be all that you need.

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.

What is the controller in a car?

A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller. Voltage is great to know, however the true knowledge lies with the total amperage in a battery pack. To get a better idea of what amperage is like in a car, let us discuss the relationship between Horsepower and MPG.

How does amperage affect golf carts?

It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric golf cart. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge.

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 many cycles does a lithium battery last?

Also, some lithium batteries carry a lifetime warranty and can deliver up to 5000 cycles versus the typical 100-500 cycles for a lead acid battery. Even with a 500-cycle lead acid battery cart, that means replacing the power source 10 times more than the lithium-ion model.

What kind of batteries are used in golf carts?

While the aim of this article is to discuss primarily deep cycle batteries used in golf carts, some people are interested about learning the other types of batteries being used in Golf Cars. We have an article for you that discusses differing battery types in detail specifically for you.

What type of batteries are used in golf carts?

Lead-acid batteries are the most common and lowest-cost deep-cycle batteries for golf carts. They consist of lead plates suspended in a sulfuric acid solution which creates a chemical reaction allowing energy to be stored.

What is a golf cart battery?

Golf cart batteries are deep-cycle batteries designed and built with additional durability to sustain prolonged current draw and frequent deep discharging. They usually come in 6, 8, and 12-volt configurations that can be wired in series to provide the required voltage.

How does lithium battery work in golf carts?

Lithium batteries are about half the weight of lead-acid deep-cycle batteries. Reducing the weight of the golf cart increases your runtime, allowing you to spend more time driving and less time charging.

How many amps does a Battle Born golf cart battery draw?

Governors limit the speed of the golf cart, which, in turn, limits the current draw. Battle Born Batteries have a continuous discharge current limit of 100 amps and can discharge at up to 200 amps for 30 seconds. Exceeding these limits will cause the battery to shut off. Battle Born Batteries are all 12-volts.

What is the difference between 8 volt and 6 volt batteries?

For example, if you wanted to provide 48 volts to your golf cart motor, eight 6-volt batteries would have more capacity and run longer than six 8-volt batteries. This is because you are using more batteries overall.

How long do lithium batteries last?

Lithium batteries typically last for five to ten times as long as lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are true deep-cycle batteries with minimal impact on their lifespan as they go through repeated charge and discharge cycles. Battle Born lithium batteries generally come with a 10-year warranty.

How many amps does an electric golf motor draw?

On average, electric golf motors operate at 36 or 48 volts and draw between 50-70 amps of current while cruising at about 15 miles per hour. Keep in mind that the current draw during acceleration or while going up a hill is much higher.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

A lead-acid battery should last somewhere between 500 and 1,000 charging cycles. That’s quite the range. The reason for the wide range is because there are different factors that will affect your golf cart battery lifespan. The amount of daily or weekly use will determine how quickly your battery wears out.

What voltage do you need for a golf cart?

It is important to know that golf cart batteries come in three voltages: 6V, 8V, and 12V (V stands for Volts). Often, you will need to use multiple 6V batteries to meet the golf cart’s 36V power requirement. For example, if your golf cart requires 48V of power, you can use 6 8 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries.

Why is weight important in golf carts?

Weight is important because it determines the stability, power and duration capabilities of your golf cart.

What are the different types of golf carts?

There are two types of golf carts: gas and electric. If you own an electric golf cart, you have probably wondered about the battery. Electric golf carts run on a rechargeable battery. Recharging the battery might be more convenient than refilling a gas tank every week, but it also will eventually need to be replaced.

What does a dealer do with a golf cart?

A dealer will ensure everything is done safely and correctly. They will also be able to test your golf cart and do a safety and performance check. The downside is that using a dealer to install your batteries will significantly increase the total cost.

What does AH stand for in battery?

To explain further, the price depends on the voltage and on the “AH”. AH stands for ampere-hour and is the amount of charge in a battery that will allow one ampere of current to flow for one hour. The higher the AH, the longer one charge on the battery will last, like having a bigger fuel tank in a car.

Do lead acid batteries last longer?

Lead-acid batteries cost less upfront, but do not last as long as their competitor and require regular maintenance throughout their life span. The rate you use your golf cart with lead-acid batteries will also determine how long your lead-acid batteries last (as a pack).

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.

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.

What voltage do electric cart batteries run on?

Most electric cart batteries run on 6V, 8V or 12V systems, you need to check this before you replace a battery. These batteries can be combined to boost the overall voltage of the battery to power the trolley.

What voltage do golf carts come in?

Golf carts come in a variety of total voltages which means that they require different battery configurations. Most carts come as 36V or 48V models. With this in mind, we then need to look at the fact that batteries come as 6V, 8V and 12V. From there it is basic mathematics.

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 golf cart?

Your golf cart is your personal chariot to ride into the battlefield of the golf course. You better take good care of it. The tips, tricks and facts of battery maintenance, above, will help you achieve this and help you get the best and longest life out of your batteries.

How to tell how old a battery is?

As batteries get older they do lose capacity and efficiency. The best way to check the age of your battery is locate the serial number on the battery itself. By noting this number, you can contact the manufacturer and they should be able to tell you how old that power pack is.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

At the very least, your golf cart battery should easily last you for 18 holes. Most batteries last even longer than this, with some lasting for as long as 36 holes, and more.

Can a golf cart battery go bad?

When not in use, golf cart batteries will naturally discharge – slowly. If a battery is going bad, then this may start to happen faster than it should. This would create problems when, say, you leave your cart unplugged overnight, and then come to use it in the morning, only to find that the battery has fully discharged.

Can you abandon a golf cart battery?

Pushing it all the way to the parking lot wouldn’t really be an option, and you can’t just abandon it – so you’d have to arrange for it to be towed. This would be annoying, expensive, and, let’s face it, embarrassing.

Do deep cycle batteries charge?

Deep-cycle batteries are designed to go through regular cycles of discharging and charging. For the most part, the amount of time it takes to fully charge your batteries will be consistent, assuming that you always use the same charger. Over time, however, the constant charging will inevitably take its toll on the chemical processes of the batteries, causing them to charge up slower than before.

What happens when a golf course upgrades its fleet of golf carts?

Every time a golf course upgrades its fleet of golf carts, it will auction off its old fleet of carts. Because there are usually so many carts for sale, often there won’t be enough buyers. Luckily for you, this drives down the price so you’ll probably get a great deal!

Do electric golf carts charge?

Some people favor gas golf carts because after a round of golf you can simply fuel it up and it’s good to go again. Electric golf carts generally take hours to charge, yet you don’t have the recurring cost of gasoline.

How much does it cost to fix a golf cart?

Of course, if you’re a good mechanic you can usually find a golf cart out of repair for less than $2000 and fix it up, but if you want a road ready golf cart, don’t go much lower than $2000. In the $5000-$7000 range, a lot can be found.

How far can a golf cart go?

These are meant for short, leisure distances, so don’t think you’ll be able to go very far with your golf cart. If you choose the gas version, you’ll be able to go about 250 miles (with usually a 6 gallon tank). And with a fully charged set of batteries for the electric version, you can expect 25-40 miles.

Can you drive a golf cart on the trails?

Always check your community’s/city’s regulations before driving your golf cart on streets or in parks, but if you plan on only using your golf cart on the course or on the trails for hunting and fishing, then there isn’t much to worry about. Please use your golf cart responsibly on trails, however.

Can you drive a golf cart in your neighborhood?

Check where the golf cart can be driven in your neighborhood. If your golf cart could be your grocery getter and daily driver for in-town trips, then it may be good for your car and wallet to go ahead and get that golf cart. Maybe you just want to use it on your land as a tool.

Is it better to buy a golf cart or a car?

Golf Cart vs Car. This is an important consideration regarding the purchase of a golf cart. There are a lot of places a golf cart can go that a car cannot, and if living in a community, it is often easier and more economical to use a golf cart than a car. This again depends on you.

Can you customize a golf cart?

You can customize your golf cart. As with adding a music system, you can also add lights, enclosures, extended trailer system in the back. There’s so much you can do with your golf cart to personalize it. You can even think about painting it or adding golf cart wraps with your favorite colors.

Can you tow a golf cart to the beach?

You’ll likely want to tow the golf cart to the beach or the music festival, so you’ll need to make sure you have a vehicle that can tow it or a truck that you can fit the golf cart inside the bed.

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