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Proper Golf Cart Winter Storage – Protect Your Cart from the Harsh Elements
As the days shorten and the temperature dips, it’s time to think about giving your trusty electric golf cart a rest for the winter. Proper storage will protect it from the harsh elements and ensure a smooth ride come spring. Here’s a guide to get you started:
Finding the Perfect Place
Indoor Storage is King: Ideally, you want to store your cart in a dry, protected space like a garage or shed. This shields it from snow, ice, rain, and extreme temperatures that can damage the battery and other components.
Outdoor Option: If indoor space is unavailable, a covered outdoor area like a carport can offer some protection. If storing outdoors, invest in a high-quality, breathable golf cart cover. This will protect your cart from moisture, wind, and UV rays.
Clean Your Golf Cart Thoroughly
Before storing your electric golf cart, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, or grass clippings from the body, tires, and undercarriage. Cleaning your golf cart will help prevent corrosion and damage while in storage.
When preparing for golf cart winter storage you should, first of all, clean your batteries and ensure that all the cell caps are snugly attached.
Then unplug the golf cart charger and wash the battery compartment. Start on one side of the golf cart and spray Battery Neutralizer all over the tops of the batteries.
Be sure to spray between the batteries, down on the battery racks, and the inside walls of the body panels, if they are metal. Use an old paintbrush to scour all the battery tops and sides. Water from a garden hose using plain water, or use a solution of Baking Soda (about 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water) to neutralize the acid.
The Electric Golf Cart Battery Guide
Golf Cart Winter Storage Instructions
Battery Terminal Connections
Check, clean, tighten, and treat all of the battery terminal connections. Be sure the cables are tight to the post. Carefully wriggle each cable end side-to-side and then gently up & down. There should be no looseness or sideways movement. If your battery terminals are badly corroded, you will need to do some serious cleaning.
Water Levels
Check the water levels in each cell. Use distilled water to fill and be sure the electrolyte (water) in each battery cell is above the plates. In cold climates, when the cart will be left uncharged for several months, leave the water level a little low. This raises the specific gravity of the acid, which will help prevent freezing. A lead acid battery keeps much better in the cold than in the heat, as long as the charge stays up.
A fully charged battery will not freeze until 60 to 70 below zero, whereas a discharged battery can freeze at 20 degrees above zero. As a battery discharges, the acid turns into the water by the basic chemical nature of the lead acid battery. The more discharge, the more water and the more likely it is to freeze during golf cart winter storage. Also, a dirty, acid-covered battery will self-discharge at a faster rate than a clean-treated battery, even in cooler temperatures.
Charge the Batteries
Fully charge the batteries in your electric golf cart before storing it for the winter. This will help prevent the batteries from freezing and extend their lifespan. It’s also a good idea to disconnect the batteries to prevent them from draining during storage.
The Charger
Don’t leave your electric golf cart plugged into the charger for extended periods of time during olf cart winter storage. After the charge is done, unplug the charger from the cart and from the wall.
Leave the cart in Neutral and turn the key off. Either way, scotch the wheels so you can leave the hill brake released. This prevents strain on the cables and the brake shoes can’t lock to the drums.
If you are not going away for the winter, you can plug your charger in for a few hours once a month to insure a full charge is maintained. The charger should be unplugged from the car and the wall after charging.
Tire Pressure
Finalize for golf cart winter storage by checking the tire pressures and inflating to 20-25 psi.
Check and adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended level. This helps prevent flat spots from developing during storage
Roll down the rain curtains and zip them part way down. If you have to leave the car out in the open, or under an open shed, neatly fold the rain curtain and bring it in the house till spring. Very cold weather will cause the see-through vinyl to become very brittle and a puff of wind will blow it out.
For additional information on electric golf cart batteries including how lead acid batteries work; how to use a hydrometer; charge batteries and troubleshoot golf cart batteries please visit:
Golf Cart Winter Storage Bonus Tips
Empty the Cart: Remove any personal belongings and perishable items that might attract pests.
Keep it Fresh: Place moisture absorbers inside the cart to prevent mold and mildew growth, especially if storing in a non-climate-controlled space.
Give it a Breather: If possible, check on your cart periodically throughout winter. Briefly disconnect the battery cover (for lead-acid batteries only) to allow for ventilation and prevent a build-up of harmful gasses.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your electric golf cart emerges from its winter slumber ready to hit the course again when spring arrives.
Golf Cart Winter Storage – Don’t Forget the Details :
Turn the key switch to the “OFF” position and remove the key. If your cart has a tow/maintenance mode, consider switching it to that position.
FAQ’s
Q: Do I need to prepare my golf cart for winter storage?
A: Yes, it’s important to properly prepare your golf cart for winter storage to prevent damage. This may include tasks such as cleaning the cart, checking the battery and tire pressure, and adding a fuel stabilizer.
Q: How often should I check on my golf cart during golf cart winter storage?
A: You should check on your golf cart periodically throughout the winter to ensure it is in good condition. This may include checking the battery charge level and tire pressure, as well as inspecting the cart for signs of damage.
Q: Can I leave the battery in my golf cart during winter storage?
A: Yes, you can leave the battery in your golf cart during winter storage, but you should take steps to ensure it stays charged. This may include charging the battery periodically or using a battery maintainer.
Q: Should I remove the tires from my golf cart during winter storage?
A: It’s not necessary to remove the tires from your golf cart during winter storage, but you should check the tire pressure and add air if necessary. You may also want to park the cart on jack stands to prevent flat spots from forming on the tires.
Q: When should I take my golf cart out of winter storage?
A: You can take your golf cart out of winter storage once the weather conditions are suitable for driving it again. This may vary depending on your location and the weather patterns in your area.
Perform Regular Maintenance Checks during Golf Cart Winter Storage
During the winter months, periodically check on your electric golf cart to ensure it’s in good condition. Check the batteries, tires, and exterior for any signs of damage or corrosion. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Prepare for Spring
As the weather starts to warm up, prepare your electric golf cart for use in the spring. Check the batteries, inflate the tires, and give your golf cart a thorough cleaning. Performing these tasks will help ensure your golf cart is ready to hit the course when you are.
By following these golf cart winter storage simple steps, you can properly store your electric golf cart for winter and ensure it stays in good condition. Proper storage and maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your golf cart and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
The Electric Golf Cart Battery Guide.
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Links on this golf cart winter storage tips page are sponsored affiliate links and the owner makes a commission if you buy after clicking these links. The owner is not a bonafide user of this winter storage golf cart product. However, he has thoroughly researched golf cart winter storage and provided a personal opinion only. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
About the Author
Ken MacKenzie is the Editor-in-Chief of the GolfCartCenter.com and has over 40 years of experience in marketing and public relations.
He has assembled a dedicated team of professionals, each with their own extensive experience in golf cart maintenance, accessories and parts.
This team, under Ken’s guidance, is committed to providing reliable, well-researched information, ensuring that you receive the highest quality unbiased ratings, buying advice and recommendations.
You can trust Ken MacKenzie and his team to be your go-to source for golf cart advice and expertise.
