8-volt golf cart battery maintenance ensures that your electric golf cart runs appropriately.
You will generally find that you need to replace the batteries every 4-5 years.
However, apart from that, you may find it challenging to recognize when it is time to make the change.
Here are some signs to keep an eye out for when it’s time for battery replacement.
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Golf Cart Battery Long Charge Times
Golf cart batteries are vital for keeping your golf cart running smoothly. Unfortunately, batteries are one of the most expensive golf cart parts to replace.
As a result, it is essential to extend the life of your golf cart batteries as much as possible.
One way to extend golf cart batteries is to avoid constantly charging them.
The more used the battery is, the longer your golf cart will take to charge fully. The longer it takes for your batteries to charge is because your charger works to provide maximum power regardless of the age of the battery.
And the more the battery is used, the longer it takes the battery to accept that power.
You can also extend the life of your golf cart batteries by switching to lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries are the best golf cart battery because they last longer than lead-acid batteries.
Lithium batteries are also lighter, which can help reduce wear and tear on your golf cart.
Short Range Golf Cart Batteries
Golf carts are a popular way to get around golf courses, but you can also use them for other purposes, like running errands or getting to and from work.
Golf carts come in gas and electric models, but electric golf carts have a shorter range than gas golf carts.
Electric golf carts have a shorter range because they rely on batteries instead of gas.
However, golf cart batteries should still afford you several miles before needing to be recharged.
Suppose you notice your cart is failing early in the course, especially within the first nine holes. In that case, it’s probably time to replace your batteries.
8-Volt Golf Cart Batteries Visual Signs
8-volt golf cart batteries reaching the end of their lifespan will display visual signs. They may bulge and expand and may even show cracks.
Other symptoms include corrosion on the top and along the sides of the batteries. If you notice any of these signs, you must take action immediately.
Using a golf cart with a failing battery can lead to severe damage. It may even render the golf cart unusable.
Consult a professional, like the Carts & Parts Service Department, if you’re unsure how to replace a golf cart battery.
Golf carts can provide years of reliable service with proper care and maintenance. But when a golf cart battery reaches the end of its lifespan, it’s essential to replace it to avoid unnecessary damage promptly.
No Immediate Acceleration of the Golf Cart
If your golf cart isn’t speeding up as quickly as it used to, it may be time to replace the batteries. Golf carts rely on batteries for power; over time, the batteries will lose their ability to hold a charge.
When this happens, the cart will take longer to accelerate and eventually stop working altogether.
So, replacing the batteries is a good idea if your golf cart takes longer to reach top speeds. Replacing your golf cart batteries will ensure that you can continue using your golf cart with no issues.
Low Volt Golf Cart Batteries
Golf cart battery voltage is one of the most critical golf cart battery specs because it can affect many things.
For example, a golf cart battery with a lower voltage cannot provide as much power to the golf cart, and it may cause the golf cart to run more slowly.
In addition, a golf cart battery with a lower voltage may not hold a charge as long as a golf cart battery with a higher voltage.
As a result, it is essential to ensure that your golf cart batteries are always charged and ready to go.
You can check the voltage of your golf cart batteries using a voltmeter.
If the voltmeter shows that the golf cart batteries are under 50, it is time to replace them.
Battery Trouble Going Up An Incline
Volt golf cart batteries are made with deep-cycle technology. They are designed to be discharged and recharged repeatedly. However, if they are not used properly, they can fail.
One common problem is that the batteries will falter up an incline.
This is because the battery is not fully charged, and the discharge rate is higher than the recharge rate.
As a result, the battery will eventually run out of power and need to be replaced.
To avoid this problem, it is essential to ensure that you fully charge the battery before using it.
It is also vital to prevent excessive discharge, leading to premature failure.
Following these simple tips ensures that your volt golf cart batteries last for many years.
No Support for Accessories
Most people have a level of customization to their golf carts in accessories ranging from radios to additional lights.
However, if your batteries are close to their lifespan, you may find that your accessories don’t work because the batteries spend most of the energy keeping the cart going.
When this happens, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on those accessories for navigation or entertainment.
However, you can do a few things to extend your battery life and avoid this issue.
- Clean your batteries and terminals regularly. This will help to prevent build-up that can drain power.
- Invest in a good charger and keep it plugged in when not using the cart. Keeping your cart charged will help keep the batteries topped off and prevent them from running down too far.
- Consider upgrading to higher-quality golf cart batteries, which will last longer and provide more power to enjoy your accessories for long periods.
If you take these steps, you can ensure that your golf cart batteries will last as long as possible and provide the power to keep your accessories working correctly.
Battery Leakage
There are a few different reasons batteries may leak, but the most common cause is simple aging.
As batteries age, their chemical composition breaks down, leading to leaks.
Another common reason for battery leakage is overcharging.
When batteries are left on chargers for extended periods, the heat generated by the charging process can cause the battery’s chemical composition to break down, leading to leakage.
If you notice your batteries are leaking, it is vital to take action immediately.
Battery acid is highly corrosive and can damage your devices and clothing. In addition, inhaling battery acid fumes can be harmful to your health.
Understanding Battery Types for Upgrades
With golf carts, there are two main types of batteries: flooded and sealed lead-acid batteries. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand the difference before purchasing.
Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most common type of golf cart battery.
They’re also the most affordable option, making them a good choice for budget-minded shoppers.
However, flooded batteries require regular maintenance, as they need to be filled with water regularly.
In addition, they’re more susceptible to damage from overcharging and may require frequent replacements.
Sealed lead-acid batteries are more expensive than flooded batteries, but they offer several advantages. First, they’re maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry about regularly adding water.
They’re also more resistant to damage from overcharging, making them a better choice for long-term use.
Deep Cycle Upgraded Batteries
When powering your golf cart, you have a few different battery options.
One of the most popular choices is the deep-cycle golf cart battery.
A deep cycle battery provides a steady voltage over an extended period, making them ideal for applications like golf carts, where power is needed for an extended period.
These battery types are less susceptible to damage from high voltages, meaning they will last longer and provide more power.
However, deep cycle batteries come at a higher price than other volt golf cart batteries, so weighing your needs before purchasing is essential.
Ultimately, choosing the correct battery for your golf cart will ensure you have the power to enjoy a day on the course, puttering in the neighborhood, or drive to the beach.
Lithium Upgraded Batteries
Founded in 1954, E-Z-GO is the world’s leading manufacturer of golf carts and utility vehicles.
Headquartered in Augusta, Georgia, with facilities across the globe, E-Z-GO has been at the forefront of innovation in the golf industry for over 60 years.
In 2017, E-Z-GO again made history as the first golf cart manufacturer to introduce lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries offer several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including longer life, lighter weight, and faster charging times.
Now golf cart companies like Club Car offer a lithium battery option on their golf carts.
Lithium batteries have several advantages over other batteries, making them an attractive choice for many applications.
One key advantage is their cycle life, which refers to the number of times a battery can be discharged and recharged before it needs to be replaced.
Lithium batteries can typically be cycle-charged hundreds or even thousands of times.
In contrast, other types of batteries may only last for a few dozen cycles.
Lithium-type batteries have a much lower self-discharge rate than other batteries, meaning they keep their charge for more extended periods. This makes them ideal for devices not regularly used, such as emergency lighting or backup power supplies.
Can You Put 12-Volt Batteries in an 8-Volt Golf Cart?
No, you cannot put 12-volt batteries in an 8-volt golf cart. Doing so would damage the cart and potentially cause a fire.
Golf carts use eight 6-volt batteries wired together in series to provide power. This gives the cart a total voltage of 48 volts.
If you used 12-volt batteries instead, the total voltage would be 96 volts. Unfortunately, the cart’s components are not designed to handle this high voltage.
Using 12-volt batteries would put the cart at risk of overheating, melting wires, and starting a fire.
In addition, the higher voltage would cause the cart to travel faster than expected, which could be dangerous.
Final Thoughts About When to Replace Golf Cart Batteries
If you suspect that it is time to replace your 8-volt golf cart batteries, contact us immediately.
We will guide you through the following steps so that you can get your cart back to top shape as soon as possible.
We are a proud distributor of Trojan Batteries.
If you have any concerns regarding your golf cart batteries or have any other questions regarding your cart, contact Carts & Parts at (937) 459-8891 today!
My batteries have drained down. Can I use a 8 volt battery charger to bring them back up.
Give us a call and we can help walk you through it. You can reach us at 937-459-8891.
if they are drained to low your cart charger will not charge them. The best way to try to bring them back is to charge them 2 at a time using a 12 volt charger overnight by disconnecting two at a time from the other 4, then do the next 2 then the next 2. Each set of 2 needs to be separate from the other 4. Then reconnect them together and put the 12 volt back on for an hour. Now connect your cart charger and it should perform a complete charge cycle
My EZ Go cart has 6 8 volt batteries. Can I change to a single 48 volt lithium ion battery. Will I have to buy anything extra so my lights etc work
Hi Jim, please get in touch with us at (937) 459-8891 regarding your EZ-GO golf cart battery questions to better understand your situation. Thanks!
My batteries were left in the cart over the winter( in Canada). They do not look damaged but are not charging up. Do I have to replace them? They are approx. 4 yrs old
Hi Paulette, It’s nice to hear from you! We are sorry you are having trouble with your batteries not charging. There may be a way to fix that. Please give us a call when you get a chance and we can walk you through it. You can best reach us at (937) 459-8891. Thanks!
My 10 month old 36 volt golf cart does not fully charge, no green light, even after left charging for long time
Hi Jeffrey, It must be frustrating that your golf cart is not charging. We are happy to take a look at it in our service department. Please call us at (937) 459-8891 to make an appointment.
I have a 96 club car with 8 volt Trojan batteries. One of the batteries made a loud noise going down the street and when I lifted the seat to examine it I noticed that it was cracked around the top. Do I need to replace all 6 batteries or just the one that cracked? I have had the cart for three years now I I believe the batteries were around a year old when I purchased it. I also wanted to know if the charger can be left on when the cart is not in use.
Hi Jack, Ouch! We are sorry to hear about your cracked 8-volt Trojan battery. If all the other batteries are working fine, you should only have to replace the one that cracked since Trojan batteries should last up to 7-9 years. Just be sure to continue good maintenance habits like keeping them clean and checking the water level each month. We don’t recommend keeping your charger on when the cart is not in use since overcharging can damage the batteries and shorten their lifespan. If you have any other questions, please let us know. You can reach us at (937) 459-8891. Thank you for dropping in.
you can wire 4 x 12v batteries in series to get 48v too
Hi Jensen, Thank you for contributing to our article about golf cart batteries. We appreciate it!
I have 6 new 8 V Trojan batteries. what type charger do you recommend??
Thanks
Bill B
Hi Bill, It’s nice to meet you on the web! According to Trojan, you should use a 3-stage charger, also called an automatic, smart, or IEI charger, which prolongs battery life with its programmed charging profile. You can learn more here: https://www.trojanbattery.com/tech-support/battery-maintenance/#:~:text=Trojan%20recommends%20using%20a%203,with%20their%20programmed%20charging%20profile.