Should you leave your golf cart plugged in all the time?
Leaving your golf cart plugged in indefinitely isn’t recommended for most battery types. While modern chargers often include safety cutoffs, prolonged charging can degrade lead-acid batteries through electrolyte loss and plate corrosion. Lithium-ion batteries tolerate partial charging better but still benefit from periodic discharge cycles. Always follow manufacturer guidelines—some systems require periodic “float” charging for storage.
How to Buy Golf Cart Batteries at Sam’s Club
What happens if I overcharge my golf cart battery?
Overcharging accelerates battery degradation, especially in lead-acid types. Excessive voltage (above 14.4V/cell for flooded models) causes gassing and water loss. Lithium batteries typically have built-in BMS protection but may still experience capacity fade if kept at 100% charge. Pro Tip: Use a smart charger with temperature compensation to automatically adjust voltage based on ambient conditions.
Lead-acid batteries lose about 1% of capacity monthly when overcharged. For example, a 48V system charged to 58V daily could lose 30% capacity within a year. Transitional phrase: Beyond voltage concerns, heat buildup from continuous charging… (table below compares lead-acid vs lithium impacts)
| Battery Type | Max Continuous Charge Voltage | Capacity Loss/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Flooded Lead-Acid | 14.4V | 25-40% |
| AGM | 14.7V | 15-25% |
| LiFePO4 | 14.6V | 3-8% |
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Quality lead-acid batteries last 4-6 years with monthly equalization, while lithium packs typically achieve 8-12 years with proper depth-of-discharge management (keep above 20%).
Can I use a car charger for my golf cart?
Never use automotive chargers—they lack golf cart battery profiles. Car chargers apply higher initial currents (15-20A vs 10-15A recommended) risking thermal damage.