12 Reasons Your Golf Cart Batteries Die Fast and 12 Fixes
We all know the feeling. We’re out on the golf course, having a great time, and suddenly our golf cart runs out of power. It’s not just frustrating; it can also be dangerous. In this post, we’ll look at twelve reasons why your golf cart batteries might die fast – and twelve ways to fix the problem.
The battery on your golf cart is important to keep up with. If you find that it’s dying faster than usual, this article should help diagnose what might be wrong and how best fix the problem!
Top 12 Reasons Golf Cart Batteries Die Quickly and Fixes
Do you often find yourself stranded on the golf course because your golf cart batteries died? You’re not alone. According to a study, nearly one-third of golf cart owners have had to replace their batteries in the past 12 months. And if you’re like most golfers, you probably don’t know how to prevent your batteries from dying quickly in the first place. In this article, we’ll outline 12 reasons your golf cart batteries die fast and 12 fixes that will help keep golf cart battery last longer.
Overcharging the Battery
One reason your golf cart batteries might die quickly is if they are overcharged. This can happen if you leave the battery charger on after the batteries are already full.
To fix this, you can try a few things:
- First, check the manual for your golf cart battery charger. There may be a setting that will turn off the charger once the batteries are full.
- If there is no such setting, you can disconnect the charger once the batteries are full.
- You can also buy a timer to turn off the charger after a certain amount of time.
Undercharging the Battery
Just as overcharging the battery can be bad, undercharging it can also lead to problems. If you don’t charge the batteries enough, they won’t have enough power to last very long.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Make sure you are charging the batteries for the recommended amount of time.
- If possible, upgrade to a battery charger that charges faster.
- If you are using a solar charger, make sure it is getting enough sunlight.
Using the Wrong Battery Charger
Another reason your golf cart batteries might die quickly is if you are using the wrong battery charger. Each type of battery has a specific charger that is designed for it. If you use the wrong charger, it can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan.
To fix this, you should consult the manual for your golf cart battery. It should tell you what type of charger you need. Once you have the right charger, be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t damage the battery.
Leaving the Lights on
If you leave the lights on for too long, it can drain the battery quickly. This is especially true if the lights are bright.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Turn off the lights when you’re not using them.
- If possible, upgrade to LED lights. They use less power and won’t drain the battery as quickly.
- Consider getting a light timer so that the lights will automatically turn off after a certain amount of time.
Not Driving the Cart Often Enough
If you don’t use your golf cart very often, the battery can die quickly. This is because the battery will slowly lose charge over time, even if it’s not being used.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Drive the golf cart at least once a week, even if you don’t play golf.
- If possible, disconnect the battery when it’s not in use. This will prevent it from losing charge.
- Consider getting a battery tender. This is a device that will slowly charge the battery over time, so it won’t lose its charge as quickly.
Storing the Cart in a Cold Place
Another reason your golf cart batteries might die quickly is if you store the cart in a cold place. Batteries don’t work as well in cold temperatures, so they will die faster if they are stored in a garage or shed that is too cold.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- If possible, store the golf cart in a warm place.
- If you can’t store the cart in a warm place, you can buy a battery blanket. This is a device that goes over the battery and helps keep it warm.
- Consider getting a battery heater. This is a device that goes inside the battery and keeps it warm.
Not Maintaining the Battery
If you don’t maintain the battery properly, it can die quickly. Batteries need to be cleaned and inspected regularly to stay in good condition.
To fix this, you should consult the manual for your golf cart battery. It will tell you how often you need to clean and inspect the battery. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t damage the battery.
Using the Cart for Too Long
If you use the golf cart for too long, it can drain the battery quickly. This is especially true if you are using it for a strenuous activity like going up a hill.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Try not to use the golf cart for more than an hour at a time.
- If possible, upgrade to a bigger battery. A bigger battery will have more power and won’t die as quickly.
- If you are using the golf cart for a strenuous activity, try not to do it for too long.
Low Water Levels in the Battery
If the water levels in the battery are low, it can cause the battery to die quickly. This is because the water helps keep the battery cool, and if it’s low, the battery will overheat and die.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Add water to the battery until the level is at the correct level.
- If possible, upgrade to a maintenance-free battery. These batteries don’t need water and won’t overheat as easily.
Problems in the Fuel Line
If there are problems in the fuel line, it can cause the golf cart battery to die quickly. This is because the fuel line delivers gasoline to the engine, and if there is a problem with it, the engine won’t run properly.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Check the fuel line for any leaks. If there are any, you’ll need to repair or replace the line.
- If the fuel line is clogged, you’ll need to clean it out.
- If the fuel line is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
Dead Cells In The Battery
If you have dead cells in the battery, it can cause the battery to die quickly. This is because the dead cells will not hold a charge and will drain the battery.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Remove the dead cells from the battery.
- Replace the dead cells with new ones.
Loose Contacts In Your Terminals
If there are loose contacts in your terminals, it can cause the golf cart battery to die quickly. This is because the loose contacts will not make a good connection, and the battery will not charge properly.
To fix this, you can try the following:
- Tighten the contacts in the terminals.
- If the contacts are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
Final thoughts
So, now you know the twelve reasons why your golf cart batteries might die quickly, as well as twelve fixes for those problems. Hopefully, this will help you keep your batteries in good condition and make them last longer. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should fully charge golf cart batteries last?
The average golf cart battery will last between 50 to 90 minutes on a full charge. However, this can vary depending on the type of battery, the age of the battery, and how it is being used.
Can you put too much water in golf cart batteries?
No, you cannot put too much water in golf cart batteries. However, you should only add water to the battery until the level is at the correct level. Adding too much water can cause the battery to overflow and damage the battery.
How do you know when golf cart batteries are dying?
You can tell when golf cart batteries are dying when they fail to deliver enough power, or they run down fast. If this is happening, be sure to check the water levels, clean the terminals, and check for loose connections. If these things don’t help, you may need to replace the battery
Can I use bottled water in my golf cart batteries?
No, you should not use bottled water in your golf cart batteries. Bottled water is not pure, and it can contain contaminants that can damage the battery. You should only use distilled water in your golf cart batteries.