Imagine you are on the 13th hole, and suddenly, your golf cart breaks down. Not only would it be an embarrassing situation but also a hectic task to get it towed back to the parking lot. The first thing you should do is check your golf battery. The signs of a bad golf cart battery become apparent over time.
It is better to replace the weak golf battery when you observe signs like irregular charging time, less power, golf cart covering less distance, acid leakage, difficulty starting, vibrations, and more. However, it is not advised to replace one battery but rather to change all of them.
If you are an electric golf cart owner or borrow one from the course, check the battery for the warning signs of a bad golf cart battery that we are going to discuss in detail in this blog entry.
How Long Will a Golf Cart Battery Last?
It is important to know how long a golf battery lasts in order to determine whether it is still in good condition. Generally, the best golf cart battery lasts for 4-6 years. It also depends on the type of battery.
Whenever your battery starts to show signs of failure, you should first check whether it has reached the end of its lifecycle. If it has, then you should immediately replace the golf battery.
9 Signs of a Bad Golf Cart Battery Needing Replacement
A bad golf cart battery that has deteriorated over time or is malfunctioning starts to show signs. All you need to do is pay attention to these and, if necessary, replace the battery. Here are some common signs of a bad golf cart battery:
Irregular Charging Times
Golf batteries have chemicals (electrolytes) that have a specific shelf life. The continuous charging and draining cycle affects the battery’s health. Due to this, the electrolyte loses its efficiency, and the charging time is prolonged.
This slower rate of charging is the first and most noticeable sign that your golf battery’s health and performance are deteriorating.
Loss of Power and Speed
Golf carts are easy to operate— just by hitting the gas, you’re off and running. Keeping your foot on the pedal, you will gradually reach the top speed. When the battery has lost its strength, the golf cart won’t be able to get the optimum power and speed.
With reduced acceleration and slow speed, your golf cart won’t be able to climb the hills or carry heavy loads. It will make the whole golfing experience less enjoyable. This is a common sign of an aging battery needing replacement.
Shortened Run Time
Ideally, a golf cart battery should last you more than 15 holes. High-quality batteries last even longer. If you observe that your golf cart covers less distance on a single charge, it’s another sign that the battery has worn out.
When you have a short run time, it can be difficult to complete a round of golf or use your golf cart for transportation or recreation for an extended period of time. If you’re experiencing a shortened run time, it’s important to have your batteries checked by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
Visual Signs
Visually inspecting your golf cart battery will let you know whether it is slowing down. Check for deformities, such as swelling, expansion, or cracks. It is possible to observe corrosion and even acid leakage if the conditions are severe.
Swollen or leaking batteries are a clear sign that it’s time to replace your golf cart batteries. Swollen batteries occur when the internal components of the battery break down and release gas, which causes the battery to expand.
Leaking batteries can be caused by a damaged battery case or an internal issue with the battery itself. In either case, swollen or leaking acid batteries can be dangerous and can cause damage to your golf cart’s electrical system. If you notice any signs of swelling or leaking, it’s important to have your batteries replaced as soon as possible.
If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations coming from your golf cart, this could be a sign that your batteries are not functioning properly. Unusual noises or vibrations can be caused by a variety of factors, including batteries that are no longer holding their charge effectively. If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations, it’s important to have your golf cart checked by a professional to determine the cause of the issue.
Overheating
Another sign that it’s time to replace your golf cart batteries is overheating. A battery may overheat for several reasons, including overcharging, damage to the battery case, or a malfunctioning charging system.
Having overheated batteries can cause serious damage to your golf cart’s electrical system. In case the battery compartment appears overheated, you may notice a strong smell or excessive heat. If this is the case, you should have your batteries checked by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
Age of the Batteries
The age of your golf cart batteries can play an important role in determining if it’s time to replace them. You can check the age of each golf cart battery by examining the printed code on the terminals. The first letter of the code is the month, and the number that follows it is the year of manufacture.
Depending on usage and maintenance, golf cart batteries usually last 4 to 10 years. Even if you aren’t experiencing any signs of a bad golf cart battery listed above, but the batteries have passed the age limit, it’s better to replace them. Replacing your batteries before they fail completely can help to ensure that your golf cart runs smoothly and safely.
Difficulty Starting
If you’re experiencing difficulty starting your golf cart, this could be a sign that your batteries are not holding their charge effectively. When the batteries can no longer supply enough power to start the motor, it’s difficult to start the golf cart. This can be frustrating, especially when you are ready to tee off.
Dimming Headlights or Other Electrical Issues
If you notice that your golf cart’s headlights are dimming or flickering, this could be a sign that your batteries are not functioning properly. Dimming headlights can indicate that your batteries are not holding their charge effectively, which can also impact other electrical systems in your golf cart. If you notice any other electrical issues, such as problems with your radio or other accessories, this could also be a sign that your batteries need to be replaced.
Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Corrosion on battery terminals can indicate that your golf cart batteries are malfunctioning. This can occur when batteries are exposed to moisture or other contaminants, which can lead to damage to the battery terminals. Corrosion can impact the battery’s ability to hold a charge, which can impact the overall performance of your golf cart. If you notice any signs of corrosion, you better call the professional to confirm whether these batteries need replacement.
All of these are signs of battery failures that should be taken seriously. Intime battery replacement can improve the performance of the golf cart.
Can I Replace Just One Golf Cart Battery?
Technically, you can replace one golf battery, but it is not recommended. You may think it’s a cost-effective way to counter one faulty battery; however, it will cause permanent damage to all batteries. A lag in performance, charging issues, and other technical difficulties are likely to occur.
Each golf cart has 4-6 batteries, and replacing all because of one bad battery may seem an expensive decision. But it is better for your golf cart in the long run.
How Much Do Golf Cart Batteries Cost?
It is important to have a quality golf cart battery in order to prolong its lifespan and performance. However, premium battery batteries are expensive. Golf cart batteries cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000. Typical lead and AGM battery prices range from $100 to $1,500, but most options cost less. However, you can spend up to $2,000 on lithium-ion batteries.
Final Thoughts
A golf cart’s performance depends on the health of its batteries. When you start observing signs of a bad golf cart battery, like irregular charging time, less power, shortened run time, overheating, and leaking acids, it is time to replace your golf cart’s battery.
Don’t try to save money by replacing one faulty golf battery— it will cost you more in the long run. Always pay attention to any sign of a bad golf battery and act in time to minimize the damage.
