Can I replace just one of my golf cart batteries?
Replacing a single golf cart battery is possible but generally discouraged due to voltage/capacity imbalances. Lead-acid batteries age uniformly, so a new battery paired with degraded units faces higher resistance, reducing lifespan. Lithium-ion packs allow modular swaps if BMS-calibrated, but flooded lead-acid systems demand full-set replacements for stable performance.
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What happens when replacing one battery in a golf cart?
Swapping one old battery introduces voltage mismatch, forcing the new unit to compensate for weaker cells. Lead-acid batteries in series discharge equally—so a fresh 8V 150Ah battery paired with five aged 8V 110Ah units will drain 27% faster, overworking the new cell.
Deep Dive: Golf carts typically use 6x8V batteries wired in series for 48V systems. When one is replaced, the new battery’s lower internal resistance (e.g., 15mΩ vs 45mΩ in old cells) causes it to bear disproportionate current loads. Pro Tip: Test all batteries with a load tester before deciding—if voltage drops below 6.4V under 300A load, replace the entire set. For example, a 2020 Club Car with one new Trojan T-875 will see the new battery’s cycle life drop from 1,200 to ~400 cycles. Rhetorical question: But what happens if the new battery outpaces the old ones? Voltage spikes during regen braking can fry controllers.
What risks come with partial battery replacement?
Partial swaps risk thermal runaway in lead-acid packs and over-discharge in lithium systems. A single weak battery becomes a load, reversing polarity during deep cycles—corroding plates and releasing hydrogen gas.
Deep Dive: In 48V lead-acid setups, replacing one battery creates a 8V:7.2V per cell imbalance during 90% discharge. The weaker batteries act as resistors, generating heat up to 60°C—20°C above safe limits. Pro Tip: Install a battery balancer if partial replacement is unavoidable—it redistributes charge at 2A increments. Take a 2015 Yamaha Drive with 5 original batteries and one new UPG UB12550: Without balancing, the new battery’s terminals erode 3x faster due to reverse current. Transitional phrase: Beyond heat issues, consider runtime. A mismatched pack delivers 18% less mileage, stranding users mid-course.
| Replace One | Replace All |
|---|---|
| ~$150 upfront cost | ~$900 upfront |
| 35% range loss | Full manufacturer range |
| 4-8 month lifespan | 3-5 year lifespan |
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Only if voltage/CCA/Ah ratings match exactly—mismatched brands often have varying plate thickness, causing 10-15% efficiency loss.
Will adding a new battery to old ones save money?
Short-term yes, but frequent replacements and tow costs often exceed full-set pricing. A $150 single battery might cost $600 extra over two years.
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| Battery Type | Single Swap Safe? |
|---|---|
| Flooded Lead-Acid | No |
| AGM | No |
| LiFePO4 | Yes (with BMS) |