Skip to content

⚡️Understand  Wistek Store promotions  before placing orders

Wish Lists Cart
0 items

Knowledge

Choosing and Maintaining 36V Golf Cart Batteries Made Easy

by chenli fang 07 Jun 2025 0 Comments

When it comes to optimizing the performance of your electric golf cart, one of the most critical components to understand is the 36V golf cart battery. Whether you're upgrading, replacing, or maintaining your battery system, having the right knowledge will help you extend battery life, ensure reliable performance, and avoid unnecessary costs. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing and maintaining 36V golf cart batteries, from different battery types to best maintenance practices.

how many amps is in a car battery

Understanding 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Before diving into selection and upkeep, it’s crucial to understand what 36V golf cart batteries are and how they function.

What Does 36V Mean in Golf Carts?

A 36-volt battery system typically consists of six 6V batteries connected in series. This configuration powers small to mid-sized electric golf carts and is known for offering balanced performance and affordability. While 48V systems have become more common in recent years, 36V golf carts still remain widely used in personal, recreational, and some fleet applications.

Common Battery Chemistries for 36V Systems

There are several battery types compatible with 36V systems:

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries: Most affordable, widely used, but require regular maintenance.

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries: Maintenance-free, leak-proof, and vibration-resistant.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lightweight, long lifespan, fast charging, but higher upfront cost.

Voltage vs. Performance

While voltage isn’t the only factor determining power output, a well-maintained 36V golf cart battery system can deliver consistent torque and decent range—ideal for flat or slightly hilly terrains.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Selecting the right battery ensures long-term efficiency, safety, and reliability.

Battery Capacity and Amp-Hours (Ah)

Battery capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). Higher Ah ratings mean longer runtime between charges. For example:

Light usage: 180–200Ah

Moderate use: 200–225Ah

Heavy-duty: 225Ah and above

Type of Usage

Consider how often and where you’ll be using your cart:

Residential Use: AGM or lead-acid batteries are typically sufficient.

Commercial Use or Golf Courses: Opt for higher capacity or lithium-ion options.

Hilly or Long Routes: Prioritize high-discharge and high-capacity batteries.

Battery Size and Dimensions

Ensure the physical dimensions of your new 36V golf cart batteries match your existing battery tray or compartment. Battery size standards differ between manufacturers, especially between lithium and lead-acid formats.

Charging Compatibility

Your charger must match the battery type:

Lead-acid chargers may not support lithium-ion charging protocols.

Using the wrong charger can void warranties or damage your battery.

>>See also Choosing the Best Inverter Size for a 200Ah Lithium Battery

Comparing Popular 36V Golf Cart Battery Brands

Here’s a quick look at some top-rated options:

Trojan

Type: Lead-acid

Best For: Long lifespan, deep cycling

Pros: High reputation, solid build quality

US Battery

Type: Lead-acid and AGM

Best For: Durability and runtime

Pros: Made in the USA, competitive pricing

RoyPow and Allied

Type: Lithium-ion

Best For: Lightweight, fast-charging performance

Pros: Smart BMS, Bluetooth monitoring

Maintenance Tips for 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Keeping your 36V golf cart batteries in good shape can significantly extend their life and save you money.

Regular Inspection and Cleaning

Check terminals for corrosion every month.

Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean buildup.

Tighten loose connections to prevent shorts or inefficiency.

Proper Charging Habits

Never allow batteries to fully discharge.

Avoid opportunity charging unless batteries support it.

Charge after every use and allow a full cycle.

Watering (for Flooded Lead-Acid)

Check water levels weekly.

Use distilled water only—tap water contains minerals that degrade plates.

Fill only after charging unless plates are exposed.

Storage During Off-Season

Store in a cool, dry place.

Charge to 100% before storage.

Disconnect the pack or use a maintenance charger.

How to Replace Your 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Replacing your battery pack doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s a step-by-step approach.

Tools and Materials Needed

Wrench set

Battery strap or lifter

Gloves and safety goggles

Anti-corrosion spray

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

1. Turn off the golf cart and unplug the charger.

2. Label all cables before disconnecting them.

3. Remove old batteries using a lifting strap.

4. Clean the battery tray thoroughly.

5. Install new batteries in the same orientation.

6. Connect cables, ensuring tight and correct polarity.

7. Spray anti-corrosion treatment on terminals.

8. Charge the new batteries fully before first use.

Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues

Even the best-maintained 36V golf cart batteries can face problems.

Battery Not Holding Charge

Cause: Sulfation or cell imbalance

Fix: Equalize charge (for lead-acid), consult manufacturer for lithium

Low Range or Power

Cause: Undervoltage, aged batteries

Fix: Test with a multimeter and replace weak cells

Swollen or Leaking Batteries

Cause: Overcharging or internal failure

Fix: Replace immediately; avoid use due to fire risk

Cost Breakdown of 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Understanding total cost helps in planning better purchases.

Upfront Costs

Lead-acid: $600–$1,000 for a full set

AGM: $900–$1,200

Lithium-ion: $2,000–$3,500

Maintenance Costs

Watering tools, corrosion spray, replacement terminals—roughly $50–$100 annually for lead-acid.

Total Cost of Ownership

While lithium batteries cost more upfront, they can last 2–3 times longer with nearly zero maintenance, reducing long-term costs.

Extending the Lifespan of 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Your battery’s lifespan depends on care, chemistry, and usage patterns.

Charging at the Right Time

Avoid waiting until the battery is fully discharged. Ideally, charge when capacity hits 30–50%.

Avoiding Extreme Temperatures

Batteries degrade faster in heat and underperform in cold. Use insulated enclosures or relocate the cart indoors when possible.

Use a Battery Management System (BMS)

For lithium-ion systems, ensure your battery includes a BMS to prevent overcharging, overheating, and over-discharging.

Upgrading to Lithium 36V Golf Cart Batteries

If you're considering an upgrade, here’s what to know.

Advantages of Lithium

Faster charging

Lightweight (up to 70% lighter)

No watering or corrosion

Higher depth of discharge (80–100%)

Compatibility Considerations

Check if your motor controller supports lithium.

Install voltage converters if needed.

Purchase a lithium-compatible charger.

>>See also Understanding the 60V 20Ah Lithium Battery A Comprehensive Guide

Environmental Considerations for 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Proper disposal and recycling matter for safety and sustainability.

Recycling Old Batteries

Lead-acid batteries must be recycled through certified facilities. Many dealers offer buy-back or disposal programs.

Lithium Recycling

Though newer, lithium battery recycling is growing. Return used batteries to manufacturers or specialized centers.

FAQs About 36V Golf Cart Batteries

How Long Do 36V Golf Cart Batteries Last?

Lead-acid: 3–5 years

AGM: 4–6 years

Lithium: 8–12 years

Can I Mix Old and New Batteries?

It’s strongly discouraged. Mismatched voltages and capacities will reduce the new battery's life and create imbalance.

How Often Should I Charge My 36V Golf Cart Battery?

Charge after every use, even if only partially discharged. Regular charging helps maintain capacity and prevents sulfation.

Final Thoughts on Choosing and Maintaining 36V Golf Cart Batteries

Choosing the right 36V golf cart batteries is the foundation for reliable performance and longevity. From understanding battery chemistries to implementing smart maintenance routines, these steps can save you money and extend your cart's life significantly. Whether you're sticking with lead-acid or moving to lithium, informed decisions will always pay off.

To wrap up, maintaining 36V golf cart batteries doesn’t need to be complicated. With the tips and knowledge shared here, you’re now equipped to make smarter choices and enjoy a smoother ride.

how many amps is in a car battery
Prev Post
Next Post

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing

Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
Compare
Product SKURatingDescription Collection Availability Product Type Other Details
Terms & Conditions

This website is operated by Wistek. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Wistek. Wistek offers this website, including all information, tools and Services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here

By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content. Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any Services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service. Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. Our store is hosted on Shopify Inc. They provide us with the online e-commerce platform that allows us to sell our products and Services to you. SECTION 1 - ONLINE STORE TERMS By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws). You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature. A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services. SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONDITIONS We reserve the right to refuse Service to anyone for any reason at any time. You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the Service is provided, without express written permission by us. The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms. SECTION 3 - ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk. This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site. SECTION 4 - MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES Prices for our products are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service. SECTION 5 - PRODUCTS OR SERVICES (if applicable) Certain products or Services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or Services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Refund Policy: [LINK TO REFUND POLICY] We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colors and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor's display of any color will be accurate. We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or Services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at anytime without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or Service made on this site is void where prohibited. We do not warrant that the quality of any products, Services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected. SECTION 6 - ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e‑mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors. You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. For more details, please review our Refund Policy: [LINK TO REFUND POLICY] SECTION 7 - OPTIONAL TOOLS We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input. You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools. Any use by you of the optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s). We may also, in the future, offer new Services and/or features through the website (including the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or Services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service. SECTION 8 - THIRD-PARTY LINKS Certain content, products and Services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties. Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or Services of third-parties. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, Services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party's policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you engage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party. SECTION 9 - USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us, you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, 'comments'), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments. We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion to be unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service. You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e‑mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party. SECTION 10 - PERSONAL INFORMATION Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy, which can be viewed here: [LINK TO PRIVACY POLICY] SECTION 11 - ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order). We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated. SECTION 12 - PROHIBITED USES In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content: (a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information; (g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses. SECTION 13 - DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our Service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the Service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the Service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the Service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the Service is at your sole risk. The Service and all products and Services delivered to you through the Service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided 'as is' and 'as available' for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall Wistek, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, Service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the Service or any products procured using the Service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the Service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the Service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the Service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. SECTION 14 - INDEMNIFICATION You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Wistek and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, Service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party. SECTION 15 - SEVERABILITY In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions. SECTION 16 - TERMINATION The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes. These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site. If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof). SECTION 17 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to the Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and governs your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service). Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party. SECTION 18 - GOVERNING LAW These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. SECTION 19 - CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following the posting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes. SECTION 20 - CONTACT INFORMATION Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at wistekxr@gmail.com. Our contact information is posted below: wistekxr@gmail.com.
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping