How long do golf cart batteries last?
Golf cart batteries are an essential component of electric golf carts, and it is important to understand how long they last in order to properly maintain your cart and ensure it is always ready for use.
On average, golf cart batteries will last between three and five years. However, this can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the type of battery, the quality of the battery, the frequency of use, and how well the battery is maintained.
The type of battery can have a significant impact on its lifespan. For example, flooded lead-acid batteries, which are the most common type of golf cart battery, tend to last three to five years, while sealed lead-acid batteries may last up to six years. Lithium-ion batteries, which are becoming increasingly popular in golf carts, can last even longer, with some models claiming a lifespan of up to 10 years.
The quality of the battery is also important. Higher-quality batteries are typically made with better materials and construction techniques, which can help them last longer. In general, it is worth investing in a high-quality battery as it will save you money in the long run due to less frequent replacements.
The frequency of use can also affect the lifespan of a golf cart battery. Batteries that are used frequently will generally wear out more quickly than those that are used infrequently. To extend the life of your golf cart battery, it is a good idea to try and use your cart as efficiently as possible, such as by avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking and by avoiding driving over rough terrain.
Proper maintenance of your golf cart battery is also crucial to its longevity. This includes keeping the battery clean and free of debris, ensuring the terminals are tight and free of corrosion, and regularly checking the water levels (if you have a flooded lead-acid battery). It is also important to store your golf cart properly when it is not in use, as extreme temperatures can shorten the life of the battery.
Golf cart batteries will typically last between three and five years, but this can vary depending on the type of battery, the quality of the battery, the frequency of use, and how well the battery is maintained. Proper maintenance and use can help extend the life of your golf cart battery and ensure it is always ready for use when you need it.
How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?
Considering all of the above, how long can you expect your battery to last?
Let’s look at a worst-case scenario. If you buy a cheap battery, frequently overcharge it, neglect its maintenance, and store it incorrectly, you would be lucky to get three years out of it.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you buy a quality battery, adhere to a good charging routine, frequently clean it and manage its water levels, use it less than five times a week on average, and store it in cool temperatures, there’s no reason why you couldn’t get ten years out of it.
That little bit of extra care could save you hundreds of dollars in frequent battery replacements.