How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last: Factors Affecting Their Lifespan And Tips To Extend Battery Life

Most golf carts on the market are powered by batteries. But how long should golf cart batteries last?

Honesty, it depends on how you maintain them. However, other factors also come into play.

Having said that, let’s discuss golf cart battery life today.

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

Under the right circumstances, golf cart batteries should last anywhere from five to ten years. 

Actually, it’s difficult to predict a specific lifespan. Because battery performance and durability are affected by a variety of factors. 

We’ll discuss that later. Now, let’s consider two common scenarios.

First of all, private golf carts usually have longer-lasting batteries. Most of them can last for about seven to ten years.

On the other hand, for golf carts on a golf course, you can expect consistent battery performance for five to seven years.

Factors Affecting The Lifespan Of Golf Cart Batteries

The life of golf cart batteries is influenced by a number of factors. The following list summarizes those factors.

• Charging habits
• Maintenance process
• Quality of the batteries
• Frequency of usage
• Golf cart features

Now, let’s go into further detail.

1. Charging Habits

This is probably the most important factor in determining the life of your golf cart batteries. 

When you overchange them, drain them completely, or don’t use the right charger, your batteries won’t last long.

So, make sure you keep an eye on your golf cart battery meter while charging. In any case, if you have trouble getting the right reading, try resetting the golf cart battery meter.

2. Maintenance Process

The durability of golf cart batteries varies significantly depending on the quality of maintenance you give them.

This includes everything from cleaning to checking water levels and refilling properly.

3. Quality Of The Batteries

Choosing the right brand of batteries is also important. With quality batteries, you can expect them to last a long time. 

The point is not to say that relatively cheap batteries are of poor quality. However, in general, you usually get what you pay for.

4. Frequency Of Usage

This is an obvious factor. The more frequently golf carts are driven, the shorter the battery life will be. 

5. Golf Cart Features

Though golf cart features have a lesser impact than the other factors above, they still have some effect on battery life.

Golf carts with more accessories (such as headlights, horns, fog lights, windshield wipers, etc.) consume more battery power. 

Nonetheless, they have a minimal effect on battery life, so you don’t need to worry about them too much.

One more thing! Lift kits and bigger tires can also drain your cart’s battery faster.

Like anything, there are pros and cons of lifting a golf cart. But that should not stop you from lifting your one!

Tips To Extend Your Golf Cart Battery Life

By keeping a few things in mind, you can make golf cart batteries last longer. Also, battery performance will be reliable and consistent.

Let’s learn about these tips now.

1. Use Recommended Chargers

When choosing a charger, we highly recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions.

When you need to replace your charger, make sure it is compatible with your cart’s battery.

2. Don’t Overcharge Your Batteries

Overcharging can negatively affect the battery of your golf cart. Therefore, don’t overcharge. 

An automatic charger gives you peace of mind. Because it turns off automatically when finished charging. 

Alternatively, if the charger is manual, you can set a timer, so you don’t forget to turn it off.

3. Charge Them After Each Outing

Avoid driving until the batteries die. Because if you fully discharge acid batteries, their lifespan will be shortened.

So it is better to charge the batteries back to full capacity every time you use the golf cart. This simple habit will prolong the life of your batteries.

But what if you already have a dead battery? Then, you should know how to trick golf cart charger. By tricking your charger, you can even charge a completely dead golf cart battery.

4. Monitor The Water Level

Periodically, check your battery’s water level. We recommend doing so every month.

Do you know what happens if golf cart batteries run out of water? Well, when the fluid level falls below its marker, it can cause acid leaks. 

So, be careful and always use distilled water when filling the battery. Don’t even use tap water.

5. Minimize The Possibility Of Corrosion

Corrosion can occur with time, especially on metal connections and posts. This reduces the longevity of your batteries.

When possible, keep your batteries dry and protected in a stable environment. And also clean them properly.

6. Use Trickle Charging During Inactive Periods

If your battery is left unused for too long, its life span will considerably decrease. Luckily, trickle charging helps. 

Trickle chargers can consistently connect to batteries over a longer period of time.

Thus, they supply the battery with enough power to keep it charged without damaging its internal elements.

7. Turn Off All Devices When Not In Use

Ensure that no devices are left running. Electronic accessories such as lights or radios consume significant battery power.

If you don’t need them, there is no point in keeping them on.

8. Get High-Quality Batteries 

If necessary, replace your batteries with good-quality models that come with warranties. 

It will save you money and hassle down the road. 

Generally speaking, cheap batteries last for a shorter period.

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last On One Charge?

Golf cart batteries should last about 25 to 40 miles on one charge. However, the range can vary from time to time.

In fact, it depends on the condition and configuration of your batteries. In addition, the cart’s model and voltage also matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Battery Life

The following are some questions people have about golf cart battery life. We hope the answers will be helpful to you.

How often do you need to replace golf cart batteries?

Usually, you need to replace golf cart batteries every five to seven years after purchasing them. However, that depends largely on how you maintain them and how frequently you use them. In general, good-quality golf batteries will certainly provide you with reliable performance for up to five years

Should I Leave My Golf Cart Plugged In All The Time?

No, you should never leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. Because overcharging can significantly reduce the life of your golf cart batteries. Fortunately, there are automatic chargers available on the market, which prevent overcharging. But it is better to unplug the charger after the batteries are fully charged.

Can you replace just one battery in a golf cart?

Although you can replace just one battery in a golf cart, this is not recommended. In fact, you could end up damaging the whole battery system. As golf carts typically have between four and six batteries, it is better to replace the full set when a battery fails.

How often do golf cart batteries need water?

In general, golf cart batteries need water once a month. Therefore, you should routinely examine your battery’s water level. Because proper battery maintenance ensures better performance.

Can you put tap water in golf cart batteries?

No, you should never put tap water in golf cart batteries. Instead, fill the batteries with distilled water. Because tap water contains minerals that are bad for batteries. In fact, using tap water on a regular basis could eventually damage batteries.

Final Thoughts on The Lifespan Of Golf Cart Batteries

So there is no magic trick. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your golf cart batteries. Good luck.