Golf carts typically use either 36 or 48 volts in their power demands, meaning at least six batteries in a bank. You can plan to get four to six years’ worth of work out of quality batteries on the low end and even as much as ten years if moderately used. Here are a few tips you may find useful to get more from your golf cart batteries.
Why Use a Deep Cycle
Twelve-volt golf cart batteries are commonly deep cycle, meaning they have more charging cycles than your usual car battery or high cranking amperage batteries. A “starting battery” is just that; it produces the higher amperage needed to spin a motor until ignition takes place. The ability to produce higher amperage is possible due to the thinner lead plates. Golf cart batteries have a thicker active plate and separators, allowing for more discharge (more than 50%) before needing to recharge. Try that with a 650cca battery a few times, and its life span is over.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance will increase your golf cart batteries’ lives. Always use distilled water since tap water will contain sediments, causing build-ups on the batteries’ plates. A proper-quality charger is essential. Otherwise, it is easy to overcharge or generate too much heat on your cells, causing damage during the charging cycle. Allow your batteries to charge fully once the charging cycle has begun, if possible. There are a finite number of charges the cells can undergo before losing integrity. Discharging your batteries too low will eventually shorten their capacity. Many manufacturers recommend not discharging your batteries over 20% to 30% before recharging.
If you are in the market for 12-volt golf cart batteries in Vernon, be sure to visit us. We have a variety of batteries and chargers for all of your needs. If you are unsure of your requirements, drop by Polar Battery at to have all your questions answered.