Some Great Tips for Buying a Battery for Your Golf Cart!

Owning a golf cart is a pleasure. They’re pretty low maintenance, and they’re fun to drive around! But they are so different from cars that it can be confusing when it comes time to perform preventative maintenance or purchase a replacement part. For battery-powered cart owners, replacing the battery can turn into a lengthy research project, comparing hundreds of different types and wondering what is best for their cart. We can help cut down on your research time with a few easy tips for replacing your battery.

1.Determine Your Voltage and Dimensions: The voltage and physical size of the battery should be listed on the label. Most golf cart batteries are 6-, 8-, or 12-volts. Multiple batteries are linked together to provide the 36- or even 48-volts of power that drive the cart. If you do not see the voltage labeled, you can determine the voltage by counting the holes on the top of the battery. It should have 3, 4, or 6 holes, which correspond to 6-, 8-, or 12-volts. Matching the voltage for your new batteries will ensure your cart continues to run smoothly, and you can continue using the same battery charger.

2.Choose the Best Type of Battery for You: There are three primary types of golf cart battery: flooded (or wet cell), AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Flooded lead acid batteries are an older technology, and they corrode and degrade more quickly. AGM batteries are best if you do not use your cart every day, as they hold their charge the best. Gel batteries are often referred to as “Gel Cell,” which is actually a brand name, and they are not as widely used as AGM or flooded batteries. AGM and gel batteries are the safest lead acid batteries, though they do cost about twice as much as flooded lead acid batteries.

3.Match Terminals and Battery Use: There are a few different types of battery terminals that allow the batteries to connect to each other and to the other components of the cart. The different terminal types are designated with a letter, which should also be found on the label. Also, remember, different batteries are used in different ways. A deep cell battery cannot be used as the engine starter, and an engine starter won’t provide the longevity of a deep cell.

4.Find the Best Reserve Capacity or Amp Hour Rating: While the physical size of the battery may limit your choices, the higher reserve capacity or amp hour rating will allow you to go longer between recharging. Reserve Capacity is noted with “RC” followed by a number. The number after “RC” equals the number of minutes of use a battery can withstand at 80 degrees Fahrenheit before dropping below 80% charge. Amp Hours is noted on the battery with “AH” followed by a number. The standard amp rating is for 20 hours. When you divide the number following “AH” by 20, you get the number of amps used per hour.

5.Check Battery Freshness: Before purchasing a battery, check its date of manufacture. Batteries that sit for a long time without being recharged will lose capacity and have a shorter lifespan. Ideally, you should choose one that was manufactured less than 6 months ago. This is also why it is important to always recharge the battery immediately after you use your golf cart – whether you used it for a long time or just a few minutes. The date of manufacture is written in code on the battery. The months are designated by letter, with A being January, B—February, and so on. The number following the letter is the year. So, a battery marked D15 was manufactured in April of 2015.

6.Look for the Best Warranty: Battery warranties range widely, depending on the brand you purchase. Be aware that warranties are often pro-rated, so, even if your battery fails, you may not be awarded much money.

For safety reasons, it is always best to have all the same size and type of batteries. Inspect your batteries often and check that the connections are tight and there is no leakage or corrosion. With some extra attention, you can make sure you won’t have to buy new batteries again for a long time. And, by choosing the best battery for the way you use your golf cart, you can ensure it runs smoothly. The right battery will cut down on your maintenance needs and ensure your cart starts every time you want to use it.