Should you charge your golf cart every time you use it?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 06, 2026
Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.
How often should you charge golf cart batteries?
4) To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. Always remember to do a refresh charge every 45 to 60 days, and even more frequently in hotter climates.
How often should I plug in my golf cart?
Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use. Nobody likes to be stranded. It takes several hours to re-charge golf cart batteries that have gone completely dead. To lengthen the lifespan of batteries, make sure they are fully charged before each use.
Should golf cart be plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
How long can I leave my golf cart plugged in?
Final Thoughts. No, it's not recommended that you leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. Although automatic chargers are designed to prevent over-charging, there is still the risk of the circuit breaker tripping, which would result in damage to your battery's cells.
30 related questions foundHow do you keep golf cart batteries from corroding?
You can clean the batteries with a bristle brush and a solution of baking soda and water, but definitely wear eye protection and rubber gloves (no jewelry). You can also spray the cables with anti-corrosive spray to prevent corrosion and rust.
How often do you add water to golf cart batteries?
After charging your battery is when you want to add water. Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over. You'll want to add water to 1/2 inch from the top of the battery. 2) We recommend service once or twice a year.
Can you overcharge golf cart batteries?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
How long should golf cart batteries last on a charge?
Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery. Times depend on the age of the battery, with newer batteries having longer run times.
Should I charge my golf cart in tow or run?
Golf Cart Battery Care
NEVER work on the golf cart without flipping the RUN/TOW switch to "TOW." Batteries should be recharged after each day's use. Flip the RUN/TOW switch to "TOW" when charging to avoid damage to the controller. We recommend charging between any usage; if it is feasible to do so.
How long will a 48V golf cart run?
How Long Will a 48 Volt Golf Cart Run? A 48 volt golf cart, depending on its amperage can go from 12 miles to 35 miles.
How many miles will a 36 volt golf cart go?
A 36 volt golf cart is adequate for 2 to 4 passenger use when you are primarily using it on flat a flat surface. The average drive time or range for a 36 volt DC system is about 30 miles on a full charge.
How long does a 48V golf cart charge last?
A 48V E-Z-GO RXV golf car with an AC motor and new(er) batteries will travel the following distances based on the stated factors: Trojan T-1275+ 12V batteries should run 102 minutes at 56 amps. The max range would be roughly 20.5 miles @ 12 miles/hour, or in golfing terms about 3 rounds or 54 holes.
Does aspirin help golf cart batteries?
The acetylsalicylic acid from the aspirin will combine with the battery acid and increase the charge in the battery, and the water will help restore the electrolyte in the battery.
How do you know when a golf cart is fully charged?
How to Identify Whether the Golf Cart Batteries are Completely Charged? If you charge your batteries, once done with charging, you unplug it, then your plugin again, and it starts charging for a further thirty minutes or more.
What happens if you put too much water in a battery?
Don't Over Water
If too much water was added before charging, the electrolyte levels will expand and cause the battery to overflow and damage the battery. Additionally, excessive watering of a battery can result in additional dilution of the electrolyte, resulting in reduced battery performance.
Can you put too much water in a golf cart battery?
Golf cart batteries produce electricity using electrolytes and water, which means you will need to occasionally add some more water. But be careful of the amount! Too much water can lead to the electrolytes overflowing. Too little water can cause sulfation, which damages the lead plates.
What happens if you add too much water to golf cart batteries?
Overfilling the cells of a battery will cause the gas bubbles to expand inside the cell, which can lead to an explosion, if they are vented up in one spot. If the battery is overfilled with acid, it will cause an electrolyte reaction that adds more heat to the process of gassing. This can also lead to an explosion.
Can you hose down golf cart batteries?
Put your hose on a light setting, and start spraying off your batteries. As long as you don't use too much water, you shouldn't have to worry about shorting the electrics. With the batteries all sprayed, you should now pour your water and baking soda mixture over all of the terminals.
Can you hose down a golf cart?
Yes, you can hose down your golf cart. But this can easily lead to damage of electrical parts. Instead, create a mixture of water and dish soap. Then, use a microfiber towel to wipe down the various plastic surfaces.
Do you put water in golf cart batteries?
Batteries tend to drain faster in cold temperatures. Add water so that the water level remains about half an inch above the top of the battery plates. The proper method recommended by most battery manufacturers is to add enough water so that the cell plates are completely submerged, but not so much.
What should a fully charged 48v golf cart read?
The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.
How much electricity does it take to charge a golf cart?
What is the cost of charging an electric golf cart? It will cost you $0.48 to $1.98 to fully charge your electric golf cart. The cost translates to $0.8 at its lowest to $0.33 per hour of charging, which is cost-efficient.
How much is a golf cart battery?
Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries
The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.
How do I get more power out of my 36 volt golf cart?
6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart Faster
- Add More Torque to Your Golf Cart.
- Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.
- Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.
- Add Better Golf Cart Tires.
- Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.
- Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.