To ensure that your golf cart runs smoothly, reliable batteries are vital. Like any other power source, golf cart batteries have a limited lifespan and knowing when it’s time to replace is important to know for any golf cart owner. Here are some key signs that indicate that it’s time to replace your golf cart battery.
1. Your Battery is Quickly Losing Power
One of the clearest signs of a failing golf cart battery is one that quickly loses power. Damaged or degraded batteries can’t provide as much power as newer ones. The result of not replacing your battery is less driving time between charges. This problem will worsen until you replace it.
2. Your Battery is Charging Slow
If your golf cart used to be fully charged within a couple of hours but now needs 12 hours or more to fully charge, a failing battery may be the culprit. A replacement is needed.
3. Your Cart’s Acceleration Has Decreased
Have you noticed your golf cart is acting sluggishly? Batteries that are heading toward the end of their lifespan can’t provide the energy that is needed to power your golf cart at its full potential. Just like decreasing length of charge, acceleration issues also will worsen over time until you replace.
4. Battery Damage
Battery damage such as bulging, corrosion, and leakage are clear indicators of battery problems, especially in lead-acid batteries. Bulging can be a result of internal short circuits. Corrosion around the battery terminals can hinder the electrical connections. Leaks can be harmful to the battery and the environment.
5. Battery Age
Whether you have lead-acid batteries or lithium batteries, they do have a limited lifespan. Remember, lead-acid batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years while lithium batteries tend to last longer, around 8-10 years. If your battery is approaching or has exceeded its lifespan, it’s time to consider battery replacement.