FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

In Australia, lead acid golf cart batteries typically last between 4 to 6 years, depending on how well they're maintained and how often they're used. Heat and humidity – especially in places like Queensland or northern WA – can shorten battery life if proper care isn't taken. Regular maintenance is key: check water levels monthly (if you use lead-acid batteries), keep terminals clean, and avoid deep discharges. If you use your cart frequently (e.g. on a farm, in a resort, or around a golf course), you may need to replace the batteries sooner. Lithium batteries are gaining popularity due to their longer life (up to 10 years), faster charging, and reduced maintenance, but they come at a higher cost. Always ensure you're buying from a reputable Australian supplier who can provide warranty support and understands local conditions. Contact us for further information on brands or upgrade options.

In Australia, both petrol and electric golf carts are widely available, but electric models are more commonly used on golf courses, resorts, and in retirement villages due to their quiet operation and lower environmental impact. Electric carts are also cheaper to run and require less maintenance. However, if you live on a rural property or need a cart for more rugged terrain or longer distances, a petrol-powered cart may offer more power and range. Keep in mind that petrol models are noisier and produce emissions, which may be unsuitable in built-up areas. In many local councils, electric carts are preferred or even required, especially in golf clubs and caravan parks. Consider your location, usage, terrain, and access to charging when deciding. Also, note that lithium electric carts are quickly becoming the premium option for Australian users wanting extended range and less hassle. Contact us for further information on brands or upgrade options.

How far can a golf cart travel on a single charge or tank in Australia? The distance a golf cart can travel depends on the battery type, terrain, passenger load, and speed. A standard lead-acid electric cart in Australia can travel 30 to 40 kilometres on a full charge, while newer lithium-powered carts can push this range to up to 60 kilometres. Petrol-powered golf carts typically offer much more range – often over 100 kilometres on a full tank – making them suitable for rural properties or large sites. In hilly areas like the NSW Southern Highlands or the hinterlands, expect reduced range due to increased power draw. For golf courses and retirement communities, most electric carts have more than enough range for a full day’s use. If you’re travelling long distances or don’t have easy access to power, petrol might be the better choice, but for everyday convenience and lower running costs, electric generally wins out in most Aussie conditions.  

🔋 1. Batteries Might Be Flat or Faulty:
‍For electric carts, battery problems are the top culprit. Begin by confirming your batteries are fully charged and the connections are clean and tight. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage when idle and also while attempting to drive—this reveals how well the batteries perform under load. If your cart uses flooded lead-acid batteries, inspect the water levels. The internal plates should always be submerged (but not overfilled). Use distilled water only—anything else can damage them. In some cases, running a discharge and recharge cycle can give older batteries a temporary boost.
‍
‍🔌 2. Battery Cable Wear or Corrosion:
‍Battery cables don’t last forever. Over time, moisture, heat, or loose fittings can cause damage. Corrosion—especially in coastal areas—can build up at the cable ends where they connect to metal parts, increasing resistance and sometimes even causing overheating or melting. If a cable feels hot, looks crusty, or seems brittle, it's time to replace it. For milder cases, a clean-up followed by protective spray may keep the system running smoothly.

‍⚡ 3. Charger Isn’t Doing Its Job:
‍Even if your charger looks fine, it might not be charging the batteries properly. Check the condition of the wiring and confirm the charger is suited for your battery type. If the cart hasn’t been charged in a long time, it’s possible the battery bank voltage has dropped so low that the charger won’t kick in. In these cases, you may need to “jump” the battery pack to a higher voltage so the charger can recognise it and begin charging again.

‍🛎️ 4. Solenoid Not Engaging:
‍The solenoid acts like a heavy-duty switch that sends power from the batteries to the motor. If it fails, your cart simply won’t move. Wiring issues, voltage mismatches, or a faulty motor controller can prevent the solenoid from activating. Since it’s a frequent cause of starting trouble, testing the solenoid early in your troubleshooting process can save time and hassle.

‍⚙️ 5. Motor Problems:
‍In carts with brushed DC motors, worn motor brushes can cause poor performance or complete failure to move. If the motor starts to stutter or lacks torque, it may need servicing—or even a full rebuild, including the armature.

‍🪢 6. Broken Drive Belt (Petrol Only):
‍Gas-powered carts use drive belts to transfer engine power to the wheels. If the belt is snapped or too worn, the engine might rev—but the cart won’t move. Inspect it for damage or looseness.

‍🧠 7. Controller Fault (Rare but Often Blamed):
‍The speed controller governs how fast and how smoothly the cart runs. While actual controller failures are rare, they’re often suspected because symptoms can seem electrical. Diagnosing one properly requires technical knowledge, testing tools, and experience with fault codes. It's important to rule out all other components before assuming the controller is the issue, as it's often not the real source of the problem.

‍💤 8. Cart Has Sat Unused for Weeks:
‍A very common issue: your cart’s been sitting idle for too long. Even if you left the charger plugged in, most modern chargers only run one cycle, then shut off. Without regular charging, batteries slowly drain—even faster in colder or humid conditions. To prevent this, plug your charger into a weekly digital timer. Schedule it to run the charger for 8 hours once a week (or every 2–3 weeks for lithium setups). This keeps your batteries topped up without overcharging them. If your cart won't wake up after a break, your batteries may have fallen below the charger’s minimum voltage. In that case, refer back to the charger section to try a manual recovery.

- A lifted golf cart refers to a cart that’s been purpose-built or modified to sit higher than a standard model. This elevated stance is achieved through the inclusion of a factory-engineered lift kit, usually selected during the initial order process.

- Rather than using basic bolt-on kits, these factory-installed systems involve custom components like extended A-arms, upgraded suspension springs, heavy-duty shocks, and modified steering linkages. These upgrades raise the entire chassis and suspension system, improving ground clearance and stability.

- While there are aftermarket lift kits available that can be added to standard carts, we choose not to stock or support these, as they’ve shown to be potentially unsafe and structurally unstable under certain conditions.

- Lifted golf carts are especially popular for off-road adventures, farm use, beach driving, and general recreational fun. The added height allows these carts to handle rocky trails, uneven ground, and low-clearance obstacles much more effectively than traditional models. The raised driving position also offers better visibility over the terrain.

- That said, lifted carts aren’t always ideal for golfing. Many golf courses restrict their use because the larger, off-road-style tyres can damage sensitive turf. Before considering a lifted model for use at your local club, we strongly recommend contacting them directly to check whether it’s allowed.

Cleaning your golf cart batteries is essential to extend their life and prevent corrosion, especially in Australia’s humid or coastal conditions where build up happens faster.

Here’s how to do it safely:
‍
Turn everything off – Make sure the golf cart is switched off and, if possible, disconnect the charger and battery cables.
‍Wear safety gear – Use gloves and safety glasses. Battery acid is corrosive.
‍Mix a cleaning solution – Combine 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water in a container or spray bottle. This neutralises any acid residue.
‍Scrub the terminals – Gently scrub the battery terminals and cable ends with a brush soaked in the solution. Don’t use metal tools.
‍Rinse carefully – Use a damp cloth or spray bottle with clean water to wipe down the area. Avoid soaking the batteries.
‍Dry thoroughly – Use a clean cloth to dry everything and ensure no moisture remains.
‍Apply terminal protector – Spray anti-corrosion protector or petroleum jelly to terminals.

‍Tip: Check water levels monthly and only use distilled water when topping up.

If you’re putting your golf cart away for an extended period, a little preparation will keep it in top condition. Start by fully cleaning the cart, paying special attention to the battery compartment to remove any dirt or corrosion. Charge the batteries fully, then disconnect them or switch off the main breaker to prevent slow discharge. If your cart uses lead-acid batteries, top them up with distilled water and consider using a trickle charger or maintainer to keep them healthy. Store the cart in a cool, dry, and covered area, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and avoid letting the tyres sit in one spot for too long—rolling the cart slightly every few weeks can help prevent flat spots. Finally, cover the cart with a breathable cover to protect it from dust while allowing air circulation. See our shop section for cover options.

No, it’s not recommended.

It’s strongly discouraged to mix old and new batteries in a golf cart – especially in Australian conditions where heat and humidity already strain battery life.
‍
Here’s why:

Golf cart batteries work together as a pack, and the performance of the entire system is only as strong as its weakest battery. If you install a new battery alongside older ones, the older units will drag down the new one, causing it to wear out faster. You’ll likely lose performance, reduce driving range, and experience uneven charging or battery imbalance.

Even mixing different brands or capacities is risky, as they may charge and discharge at different rates – which can stress the system and even lead to damage or safety concerns.

If one battery in your set has failed, it’s usually best to replace the entire set at once to ensure consistent performance, especially with 6V or 8V lead-acid systems commonly used in Australia.