Everything You Need to Know About Gas Golf Cart Battery
You likely already are familiar with all of the various golf cart battery options if you own or manage a golf course. If you own a golf cart, you may not know much about gas batteries or how to choose the finest one.
Choosing a gas golf cart battery for the first time or upgrading can be difficult because of the variety of options available. This article will assist you in selecting the right battery for your equipment, needs, and enjoyment.
We’ll go over all you need to know about gas golf cart batteries in this article. This includes how they work and which type is ideal for your requirements.
What Kind Of Battery Does A Gas Golf Cart Use?
Rechargeable batteries that store electricity power golf carts with gas engines. The function of these batteries is to power their gasoline-powered cars. There are four types of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles.
- Lead acid
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
- Lithium ion
- Gel- Cell battery
Before deciding which of these sports is most suitable for us, let’s analyze their pros and cons.
Lead Acid Battery
As with other lead acid batteries, gas golf cart batteries function well with high discharge rates and have a longer lifespan than other battery types.
Additionally, they generate sufficient cranking force to start a vehicle, making them suited for use in automobiles with powerful engines or alternators (electrical generators).
They can last 10 years or longer with proper maintenance. Their heaviness and thickness, in addition to their expense, are their primary drawbacks.
AGM
Sealed lead-acid batteries with absorbed glass mats (AGM) are one such type. AGM batteries have lead plates between wet fiberglass mats.
AGM batteries don’t need to be refilled and can be sealed, preventing leaks. AGM batteries are more expensive without offering more capacity.
Lithium Ion Battery
The smaller size of these cells makes them more compatible with small electronics like smart phones and laptops. They also do not have liquid electrolytes, as do other forms of batteries.
Instead, they use solid materials such as silicon nanowires and graphite electrodes, with lithium ions moving between them when charged or discharged.
Gel-Cell Battery
Gel-cell batteries differ from other types of batteries in that they use a gel or thickening agent instead of sulfuric acid.
This sort of battery has the advantage of being able to provide a rapid and heavy burst of energy without overheating or leaking.
These batteries do not require any additional water because they are sealed units with the acid contained within the cell.
Gel-cell batteries have one downside in that they are often more expensive than other varieties.
How To Choose The Right Battery For A Gas Golf Cart?
There are certain aspects to consider when purchasing a gas golf cart battery. Here’s what you need to know.
Capacity
About 950 pounds is the average weight of a golf cart (431 kilos). This is the weight of a golf cart for two people that doesn’t have a battery.
If you add a battery to your golf cart, it will weigh 63 pounds more. A cart for 4 or 6 people is 100 pounds heavier.
Amp hour rating
Most 6 volt golf cart batteries can hold between 200 and 225 amp hours, while 8 volt batteries can hold only about 150 amp hours.
If you’re not replacing an old charger or if the old charger isn’t the right size, you need to know how many amp hours your battery has.
Lifespan
Batteries, like all other things, degrade with time. They won’t take as good a charge as they get older, and they might not even function at all.
High-quality batteries will last longer than low-quality batteries, but both should be replaced at least every three years, regardless of brand.
It’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual for detailed information about the sort of battery your cart requires.
Read reviews from other customers
Reviews tell you vital stuff like how well a product works and whether it was worth their money.
And don’t simply read them online; also contact customer service. They frequently know more about a product than anyone else since they talk to people who use it every day.
Ask around before buying anything expensive
Speak with folks who have used various brands or types of golf carts. They might be able to recommend something that is better suited to your needs than others.
What Causes Gas Golf Cart Battery Batteries Dying So Fast?
Your golf cart battery may be losing charge or draining rapidly owing to faulty cables, rusted connectors, or a lack of water in the battery. Here are a few causes and solutions to consider.
Loose wires
A terminal with wires connecting the battery to the rest of the cart can be found on your golf cart batteries. When these terminals become loose or corroded, they frequently stop charging your battery properly.
Solution: All you have to do to fix loose contacts is tighten the screws that connect them to the terminals. Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the contacts or terminals if you notice corrosion.
Golf cart is kept in a very cold area
Cold weather is harmful to both golf cart and automobile batteries. Even electronics like cell phones and laptop computers die faster in cold weather than in warm weather.
Solution: Using your golf cart regularly and charging the batteries as needed will slow the problem of cold weather killing your batteries, but it won’t eliminate it entirely. Only a heated garage or shop can keep batteries healthy in cold weather.
Dead Battery Cells Inside the Battery
Overcharging or completely draining your batteries is the usual cause of dead battery cells. The greater the number of dead cells, the faster your battery will die.
Solution: With the help of a hydrometer, you can compare the current load of your batteries to what is specified on their label. If your load is lower than it should be, dead cells are most likely to blame for your batter’s rapid downfall.
Problems in the Fuel Line
With gas golf carts, vapor in the fuel line is a common problem that makes it harder for the cart to start and puts additional strain on the battery. This will cause the battery to discharge faster than it should.
Solution: Simply purchase the appropriate fuel line cleaner, locate and disconnect the fuel line, and clean the line. After that, reconnect the fuel line and resume charging and using your battery as usual.
Using the cart too hard
In order to get you from point A to point B slowly and steadily, golf carts are designed to be recreational vehicles. If you drive your golf cart like it’s a racecar, you’re likely to damage the battery and other important parts.
Solution: Avoid going all out with your golf cart and steer clear of steep inclines, as doing so will place additional strain on the vehicle. If you have to go up a steep slope, go slowly.
Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Gas Golf Cart Battery
The lifespan of a battery can be increased for years beyond what is expected by choosing the right battery, charging it correctly, and following a maintenance schedule.
- Keep the charger plugged in at all times to keep the battery charged.
- If there are no other problems with the gas golf cart or battery, simple maintenance may be enough.
- Rechargeable batteries, such as the battery in a gas golf cart, must be charged before each usage.
- In cold temperatures, lithium ion batteries deplete quickly, therefore charge only when necessary or use a gel-based charger.
- A golf cart’s battery is its lifeline; keeping it in good condition is the best way to use your cart.
- To protect the battery, park your golf cart away of direct sunlight while not in use.
- If you want to keep your gas golf cart batteries from corroding, use an anti-corrosion lubricant.
- Watering your batteries is important because it will reduce corrosion which can lead to less battery life and power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have any inquiries concerning golf carts? So, we have a lot of answers. Here are some frequently asked questions to assist you in your search for your new golf cart.
Is a gas golf cart battery the same as a car battery?
The simple answer is no. Car batteries and gas golf cart batteries are not interchangeable. They are vastly diverse and have significant differences.
First and foremost, the size of the battery is important. Car batteries can weigh up to 100 pounds or more.
Gas golf cart batteries are only about 50 pounds at most. So you must consider the weight limit of your vehicle if you intend to attach it externally.
Do you need a deep cycle battery for a gas golf cart?
A deep-cycle battery will charge faster and keep a charge for a longer amount of time.
If you want to use your gas golf cart off-road, a deep-cycle battery may not last as long as it would under normal conditions.
Many people prefer them because of their lesser weight, however deep-cycle batteries are frequently heavier.
How much does a gas golf cart battery cost?
Gas golf cart batteries cost anything from $30 for a small battery to $2,000 for an industrial battery. Depending on use, large golf cart batteries last 6-12 months.
Lithium ion batteries are more expensive but don’t need gas and can work in any position, while lead acid batteries must be upright and charged.
How long does a battery last on a gas golf cart?
If properly maintained, a gas golf cart battery should last for five years. However, there are a few circumstances that could cause your battery to degrade prematurely.
If you don’t take care of your battery or if the weather isn’t cooperating, you could need to replace it sooner rather than later.
A gas golf cart battery can last up to five years or 500 charges if properly maintained and cared for.
How often should you add water to gas golf cart batteries?
While some water will occasionally be needed for most golf cart batteries, not all batteries will require this.
Adding water to gas golf cart batteries should be done once a month to once and a half, depending on how frequently you use the battery.
It may not be necessary if you are using AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) or Gel-Cell batteries.
Final Words
There are so many various types of golf cart batteries available for purchase that it might be difficult to choose the proper one. Those who are looking for a battery that is both powerful and durable may be interested in looking into gas golf cart batteries as an alternative.
We suggest moving with a gas golf cart battery that is highly recommended by an established organization. If you need a new battery for your gas golf cart, we have a terrific recommendation.
Power-Sonic 12V 35AH Battery keeps your cart running smoothly. This golf cart battery has a competitive price and consistent performance, making it an excellent buy.
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Meet Jalal, a passionate golf writer and the driving force behind Golfertroop.com, your go-to destination for all things golfing! Whether you’re a seasoned golfing veteran or a beginner taking your first swing, Jalal is here to assist you in making the most out of your golfing experience.