OP, most Summer's we leave anywhere from two to four months. A good home watch company is the best way to go. They will take your cart for a drive every two weeks and recharge it. You might have a neighbor or friend who you could hire to do the same and check your house weekly. Personally, I always think it's a "bit much" to ask a friend to do it and will not let him/her do it unless I paid them. But that is just me.
Anyway, a house watch (by some reliable person) is a necessity IMHO. Heat, I'm told is worse than cold on batteries. I had a battery operated cart for about three years and switched to gas for several reasons----but to each his own.
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Having an electric golf cart is incredibly convenient. These batteries are known for their sizable lifespans and are generally easy to take care of.
However, there are some general best practices that will significantly increase the lifespan of a golf cart battery. One measure you can take as a golf cart owner is this: be careful how long you let your golf cart batteries sit without charging.
Frequently leaving your golf cart idle&#;at zero charge&#;can have negative consequences on your battery&#;s performance.
If you are wondering how long a golf cart can sit without charging, we have all the instructions and best practices you will need.
Lead-acid batteries may allow for 4-6 weeks of inactivity before needing a charge, while lithium batteries can sit for longer periods due to their charge retention capabilities.
A golf cart battery&#;s ability to sit without charging depends on its type and the conditions it&#;s stored in. Batteries stored in cooler climates with a higher initial charge can generally sit longer.
Regardless of type, recharging golf cart batteries every 45-60 days is recommended to prevent degradation and extend battery life.
Golf cart batteries have a finite lifespan. On average, batteries can last between three to 10 years, depending on the type and conditions of storage. Factors like usage patterns and charging habits play into the battery&#;s lifespan.
Battery TypeMinimum Lifespan (Years)Maximum Lifespan (Years)Average Lifespan (Years)Lead-Acid354.0Lithium.5Monitoring your golf cart batteries for early signs of failure is one of the best things you can do if you want to expand the battery life. Warning signs may include a complete failure to charge or a noticeable decrease in performance.
Visible damage, such as loose battery terminals, corrosion, or irregular shapes, can also indicate a faulty battery.
Remaining in a low state of charge for extensive periods can reduce the golf cart&#;s battery capacity and overall lifespan. Inactivity can also lead to sulfation in lead-acid batteries, reducing their ability to hold a charge.
The negative effects of inactivity can be mitigated with proper maintenance. Regular refresh charges are recommended every 45 to 60 days, or more frequently in hotter climates.
Be sure to keep an eye on the batteries and charge them when they fall to 70% charge or less.
To ensure your golf cart can sit without charging, here are the basic maintenance steps you must follow for everything to run smoothly with longevity and performance.
Before storing the golf cart for an extended period, disconnect the battery to prevent potential drain and minimize the risk of fire or electrical hazards.
Employ golf cart smart chargers with programmable profiles that can adapt to different battery types. On-board chargers, securely attached to the golf cart, simplify the charging process and are convenient for long-term storage.
Conduct regular inspections and cleaning of the batteries to extend their life. After fully charging lead acid batteries, add distilled water until the water levels cover the plates to prevent corrosion.
Tighten battery terminals monthly to avoid loose connections, arcing, and potential damage. Clean the tops of the batteries to remove any water and debris after maintenance.
Use a golf cart battery charger with an advanced storage mode feature that will trigger regular automatic refresh charges, maintaining battery health.
Smart chargers should automatically stop charging when batteries are full and switch to trickle charge mode to prevent battery drain.
Monitor the specific gravity or voltage and give a boost charge if batteries drop to 70% charge or less. Lead acid batteries need a full charge before storage and a refresh charge every 45-60 days.
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Mix water and one tablespoon of baking soda to scrub away any corrosion from battery terminals using a toothbrush. Rinse the connectors with water to remove baking soda residue, which could lead to further corrosion if left untreated.
Before recharging the golf cart batteries after a long rest, measure the battery voltage with a digital voltmeter to determine the necessary action. Revive the batteries by charging them back to their advertised voltage, allowing the charger to sense the voltage and begin charging.
Because many use golf carts as a seasonal vehicle, knowing how to prepare your golf cart for seasonal or long-term storage is crucial. Begin by fully charging the battery to maintain its health and store it in a cool, dry place protected from the elements.
A high-quality golf cart cover can protect your vehicle from dust, debris, and the elements. Store indoors to protect from snow, ice, rain, and extreme temperatures if possible. Also, properly inflate the tires or use tire chocks or blocks to prevent flat-spotting and extend tire lifespan during long storage periods.
Golf carts should be stored in a temperature range around 50-77°F (10-25°C) to protect the batteries from temperature extremes.
Different types of batteries have different storage requirements. For example, lead acid golf cart batteries should be fully charged before storage and require a boost charge when they fall to 70% charge or less during storage.
On the other hand, lithium golf cart batteries should also be fully charged before storage, but they can maintain their charge for a prolonged period without needing a connection to a charger.
Using a device like BatteryMINDers® can safely keep golf cart batteries in good condition unattended for up to nine months without significant water loss.
When dealing with lead-acid batteries, there are a few critical points to keep in mind.
These batteries require a cool, dry storage location, protected from the elements, to minimize damage during inactive periods.
Temperature management is crucial as temperatures above 80° F (26.6º C) accelerate the self-discharge of these batteries, which is harmful to their health and lifespan.
Extreme cold conditions also pose a challenge. Refrain from performing load testing or charging lead acid batteries if the electrolyte is frozen. They should be allowed to warm to room temperature first. Proper temperature management during storage is essential for their health and helps to extend their service life through periods of inactivity.
Lithium batteries are a newer option for golf cart owners. They offer a much smaller battery pack, making it easier to increase speed and maximize performance in the cart. In addition, these batteries can be stored for longer periods without maintenance compared to lead acid batteries.
Additionally, they have a higher energy density, which allows them to store more energy and provide more power for longer periods. This means your golf cart can be ready to go even after a long winter&#;s rest.
When retrieving your golf cart from long-term storage, following these steps is best to ensure you do not do any additional damage when you charge golf cart batteries for the first time.
If your garage lacks sufficient space for storing your golf cart, or if you prefer keeping it near where it will be used, renting a proper place to store it is a smart idea. The cart will stay protected from potential damage and exposure to the elements.
Neighbor, a peer-to-peer vehicle storage marketplace, is the place to find storage for your electric golf carts. The storage is safe, accessible, affordable, and close to where you need it.
Yes, charging your golf cart after every use is recommended to prolong the battery&#;s lifespan and prevent it from losing its charge. Charging it every few weeks is also advised if it&#;s not used frequently.
It is generally recommended to leave a golf cart plugged in when not in use, especially during prolonged storage periods. Different manufacturers may have specific guidelines, so it&#;s important to consult the manual for your particular model. Leaving the golf cart plugged in can help maintain the battery&#;s health and performance.
Improper recharging of golf cart batteries (overcharging and undercharging) and lack of regular maintenance will shorten the lifespan of the batteries.
Unused golf cart batteries can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type and the conditions in which they are stored.
It is ok to leave the golf cart plugged in all winter if you have a smart charger, like the ones seen here.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 2 Seater Electric Golf Cart.