What is the life expectancy of a golf cart battery?

If your golf cart feels sluggish as you navigate the course, it may be time to consider replacing its batteries.

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On average, with proper charging and care, golf cart batteries can last several years. However, their lifespan can fluctuate based on usage patterns. As deep-cycle batteries, they are versatile enough to power more than just golf carts. While a 6-volt golf cart battery might not start a car, connecting several of them can easily provide power for RVs or act as a backup for solar panels. Like all lead-acid batteries, they tend to struggle in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

Hit a hole in one with Interstate golf cart batteries

Find them at your closest Interstate All Battery Center or at retailers that sell Interstate Batteries.

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Golf cart batteries are designed to provide sustained power and should receive a full recharge after usage, akin to your car battery. It's important to note that car batteries don’t prefer to remain at maximum charge indefinitely. Eventually, all batteries reach the end of their functional lifespan, making it a valid concern when shopping for new golf cart batteries.

Let’s explore some answers regarding battery longevity.

Average Lifespan of Golf Cart Batteries

Typically, golf cart batteries can last between four to six years if they are properly maintained. This includes regularly charging them and adding water as needed. Most golf cart batteries are equipped with removable caps for easy access to maintain fluid levels.

A standard lead-acid golf cart battery lifespan is relatively good compared to lead-acid car batteries, which last around three to five years depending on various factors including treatment prior to purchase.

In general, golf cart batteries outlast car batteries. This is largely due to their design for deep cycling, which allows them to operate effectively without sustaining damage from discharge; unlike regular car batteries which can be harmed if drained down to around 75% power. Conversely, golf cart batteries can handle discharges up to 20% without loss of their capacity to charge efficiently.

For hours of power, choose an Interstate golf cart battery.

Available at Interstate All Battery Center, an authorized Interstate Batteries distributor, or at numerous retail locations.

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Under normal usage conditions, anticipate a maximum lifespan of around six years for your golf cart battery. However, without proper maintenance, these batteries can fail significantly earlier.

Extending Lifespan of Golf Cart Batteries

According to Interstate Batteries expert Jeff Barron, proper maintenance is crucial for maximizing the longevity of golf cart batteries. His extensive background in auto electronics and batteries informs best practices that can keep your golf cart batteries performing well over time.

“If maintained well, golf cart batteries can last between four to six years or more,” Barron advises. Various factors influence battery lifespan, and it’s advisable to be proactive in protecting them during use.

The first step is adhering to excellent charging practices.

Keep Your Golf Cart Batteries Charged

“Anytime you use your batteries, they should be recharged as soon as possible,” Barron notes. “This will help prolong their life and ensure they are ready for your next outing.”

Like most deep-cycle batteries, golf cart batteries can use up to 80% of their power before requiring a recharge. However, it’s beneficial to keep them as fully charged as possible.

Always select a charger suitable for the specific voltage of your golf cart batteries, whether they are 6-volt or 12-volt. It’s particularly important to use a charger designed for absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries when applicable, as they necessitate a different charging approach. Avoid overcharging and ensure the charging occurs in a well-ventilated environment. Refer to your battery manual for specific charging duration guidelines.

In the absence of a manual, a practical tip is to divide the amp hours of your battery by 10 to determine the charge rate. For example, the GC12-HCL-UTL battery has a capacity of 150 Ah, allowing it to accept a 10-amp charge for up to 15 hours.

Avoid discharging your golf cart batteries down to zero whenever possible. Lead-acid batteries can experience permanent damage when fully drained, leading to a phenomenon known as sulfation where the active materials harden and degrade capacity. If your golf cart goes completely dead, though you may recharge the batteries, they likely won't perform as efficiently as before.

Protect Your Golf Cart Batteries with the Interstate Guardian

The Guardian charger from Interstate is available both online and at your nearest Interstate All Battery Center, capable of charging AGM, EFB, and conventional lead-acid batteries.

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Water Your Golf Cart Batteries for Optimal Health

Due to the extensive charging cycles, it’s essential to water your golf cart batteries. Overcharging can lead to overheating, resulting in vaporization of the water inside and exposing internal components to air, drying them out within.

Most golf cart batteries come equipped with vent caps that allow you to add distilled water, which is crucial for replenishing levels after recharging and during routine maintenance.

To refill your golf cart battery with water:

1. Carefully open the battery cover.
2. Identify the fill line on the edge.
3. Add distilled water until the level surpasses one-eighth of an inch above the lead plates.

Ensure that only distilled water is added, as impurities can negatively impact battery functionality.

Find Reliable Golf Cart Batteries

Explore the broad selection of durable 6-volt and 8-volt golf cart batteries at your nearest Interstate All Battery Center.

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Connecting Golf Cart Batteries in Series

Most golf carts operate on a 36-volt or 48-volt system, while common lead-acid batteries do not reach these voltage levels. To achieve the necessary voltage, you can connect several 6-volt or 8-volt batteries in a series.

This connection method links the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the following, effectively summing their voltages. For instance, two 6-volt batteries connected in series create a 12-volt battery pack.

If you connect six 8-volt golf cart batteries in series, you create a 48-volt battery pack for your golf cart. While this boosts voltage, it’s important to note that the overall power capacity dictated by the weakest battery in the series will limit performance. Therefore, it's advisable not to mix aged and new batteries within the same pack. Replacing only one battery in a six-battery setup can lead to reduced performance equivalent to that of the next weakest unit.

Reach out to us for discussions on What is the difference between an AGM battery and other batteries?. Consult our knowledgeable sales team for assistance in selecting the best options tailored to your requirements.

It is essential to understand that connecting batteries in series does not increase total amp hour ratings.

To obtain greater capacity from your golf cart batteries, consider linking them in parallel — connecting positives to positives and negatives to negatives — although be aware that this method won’t raise the voltage.

Experience Longer Drives with Interstate Golf Cart Batteries

Seek out high-performing golf cart batteries designed for longer runs around the course or in work settings. They are readily available at your nearest Interstate All Battery Center or from authorized retailers.

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If you treat your golf cart batteries with care by regularly charging and watering them, they may outlast your golf clubs.