When you buy a golf cart battery, you typically want it to last as long as possible without needing a recharge.
However, there are many different elements that can affect how long your golf cart battery will last on one charge.
Understanding these factors is critical for ensuring that you get the most out of your battery and that you don’t make a mistake that could shorten its one-charge lifespan quite significantly.
The Average One-Charge Lifespan Varies
One of the more frustrating things about shopping for golf cart batteries is figuring out how long they are likely to last you.
This situation is one that can take many cart owners for a bit of a ride.
For example, some may find that their battery lasts at least 12-24 hours – of riding time, not real-time – before it needs to recharge.
These batteries are very rare, though, and most get 8-10 hours out of their battery before it runs out of juice.
Why does such a broad range of possibilities exist?
First of all, the manufacturer of the battery and the battery type matters a lot.
For example, a battery with 36 volts is going to last twice as long as one with 24 volts because it holds more juice in general.
And a battery that is 12 volt will last half as long as one with 24 volts – this simple mathematical formula isn’t 100 percent precise but is accurate enough as a general guide.
The golf cart model is also very important to consider in this scenario.
For example, a more powerful EZGO cart is going to naturally use more battery power than one that has less power – the draw on the battery is going to be much higher.
Check the amperage output and the overall voltage of your battery in this situation and try to make sure that it matches the needs of your cart to ensure it lasts longer.
Weather conditions may also play a part in the health and general capability of your golf cart battery.
In the summer, your battery may drain more quickly because the heat could cause the water, electrolytes, and other fluids to either get too hot or even evaporate.
Conversely, cold weather can drain the battery very quickly because cold naturally robs the juice in the cells of some power.
Generally speaking, your battery should last a minimum of eight riding hours before you need to charge it up again.
That time, however, can become much lower depending on many different factors.
Unfortunately, cart owners may make mistakes that cause their charge time to fall quite quickly and leave them in a pretty tough state.
As a result, it is important to know how to avoid these issues.
Poor Battery Maintenance
People who don’t care for their batteries very well are going to find that they are more likely to have a poor single-charge time than other batteries.
For example, a person may have an older non-trickle charger that does not shut off when their battery is at full power.
When you have this type of charger, you may overcharge or even cook your battery and dramatically decrease its lifespan.
Other people forget or refuse to add new distilled water to their batteries on a regular basis.
You need to check your battery at least once a month when in use and refill the water when it gets too low.
A lack of water will cause the battery to run too hot and rob it of charge efficiency.
Even worse, some people use tap water on their battery instead of distilled water.
Unfortunately, the trace minerals in tap water will damage your battery and cause malfunction.
Mismatched Battery Brand
Did you know that your golf cart must use a battery that has been manufactured for it?
Too many people think that they can mix and match brands between carts without losing some battery effectiveness.
Yes, your EZGO cart will technically run with a Yamaha cart battery – but this battery has been designed for unique Yamaha models and won’t work as well for your EZGO.
As a result, you need to make sure that you pair up your brands properly to avoid any complication.
Typically, you’re going to find that your cart manual has a suggestion of batteries that you should use for your cart.
You may find that these suggestions are a little high priced, which may cause you to want to try another type.
Don’t make this mistake – you’ll pay more when you have to replace the battery sooner.
This suggestion goes for the battery charge, too – make sure the voltage and amperage match your needs to avoid complications.
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