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Cost of Golf Cart Batteries

 

The cost of golf cart batteries usually vary in price based on quality and size. Most are of the type “Deep cycle / AGM” where AGM stands for “absorbed glass mat”. Batteries like this are used in many applications where a motor isn’t always running, but sitting on standby waiting for the next burst of activity (think about how buggies are used in golf games). 

Being a golfer isn’t cheap (think shoes, clothes, clubs, bag, tees and balls – more if you play golf like I do)… so adding to this the cost of golf cart batteries that have to be regularly replaced isn’t a smart move.


Batteries for golf buggies usually range from $200 – 500 each so burning them out unnecessarily is like sacrificing the purchase of a brand new driver each time.

Fortunately there are things you can do to extend the life of your cart’s batteries.

Proper charging

The battery’s manufacturer will provide care instructions when you purchase, and if they don’t you can always find out directly from the manufacturer or the retailer.

In general, golf cart batteries are of the type AGM (absorbed glass mat) / deep cycle, so they should not be run to empty before re-charging. Ensure you keep the batteries as full as possible at all times. Obviously you will use quite a bit of power when you’re playing 18 holes, but as soon as you get the buggy home, put it on charge over night. This is good for the cart and good science, when you see how AGM batteries work chemically.

Water Levels

If you drop the battery or it otherwise malfunctions, the water levels can go down and this can damage or destroy the battery.

Make sure you monitor the water levels in the batteries’ cells each time you charge. This is a small price to pay in time to prevent a large price to pay in money.

Clean leads

If the battery can’t send charge to the engine, what’s the point of the battery?

Investing in some new leads can be a good move and stop you from mistaking poor performance for a fault with the battery when the underlying cause was the leads all along.

Q: My electric golf cart stopped working after only one round, what’s going on?

A: There are two common answers:

  1. The battery may be faulty or not correctly charged (check this first)
  2. There is an electrical / mechanical fault with your golf cart – nothing wrong with the battery itself, but issues elsewhere in the buggy putting undue strain on the battery (often the alternator is to blame).

Hints:

  • Check the charger – make sure it is actually charging the battery (check after an hour and feel if the battery is warm… this is a good way to see if there’s at least some charge going into the battery when charging)
  • Has the battery been dropped? This can damage them (trust me).
  • The battery leads that go from the battery to the buggy are damaged, meaning the battery itself is fine but like a toothless tiger.

Q: I don’t know what sized battery I need…

A: The easiest way to tell is to look inside your buggy and see if there’s a label on the existing battery.

If there isn’t, do a google search to see if you need a 6v, 8v or 12v battery (these are the most common).

Batteries are also measured by amps, with 24amp being the most common.

Q: How long does a dry cell battery last usually?

A: If you’re wondering how long a single charge will last, most batteries for golf buggies are good for at least one round of golf (don’t test this theory out as you may be stranded on the 3rd hole of your second round – always charge between games). As the battery deteriorates, you will get less mileage and as for the life expectancy of a golf cart battery, that depends on the brand, the size and the way it is used – and other factors such as heat and proper care.

 

 

Golf buggy battery care tips

To maximize the longevity of your golf cart’s battery, remember to:

  1. Charge the battery in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications – deep cycle AGM batteries should remain as near to full as possible, always – meaning you shouldn’t run the battery empty or leave it nearly empty for prolonged periods of time, as doing so is likely to cause irreparable damage.
  2. Constantly monitor the water levels in your battery’s cells – keep them to the manufacturer’s standards.
  3. Don’t drop the battery and avoid driving like a maniac, as doing so can rupture the delicate insides of the battery.
  4. Make sure the battery leads are clean, as a battery that can’t send electrical current to the engine is next to useless!

Sizes of golf cart batteries