How to Winterize and Store Golf Carts?

Golf carts face many challenges during the winter months. Cold temperatures, humidity, and other harsh conditions can cause damage. For example, batteries can freeze, liquids can go bad, and mechanical parts can get stuck. Therefore, winterizing and properly storing your golf cart is critical.

Why Winterize and Store Your Golf Cart?

The effects of cold temperatures and humidity on golf carts during the winter should not be underestimated. When temperatures drop below freezing, the electrolyte inside the battery may freeze, which not only damages the battery, but may also prevent it from charging and functioning properly. At the same time, humid conditions can easily trigger rusting of metal parts and accelerate wear and tear on components.

1. Extend service life

By taking proper protective measures, you can reduce the wear and tear of the cart components and keep them in good condition, thus significantly extending the overall service life of your golf cart.

2. Ensure Easy Starting

Golf carts that have been properly winterized will start more easily when they are reused in the spring, avoiding the difficult starting problems associated with improper winter storage.

3. Save on maintenance costs

Preventing problems in advance can effectively reduce the cost of repairs and replacement parts due to winter damage, saving the owner money.

4. Maintain warranty benefits

If a golf cart requires specialized maintenance, following proper winter protection and storage practices will help maintain its warranty benefits and ensure that it is serviced as it should be for the duration of the warranty period.

Where You Should Store Your Golf Cart for Winter? 

1.Indoor storage

Advantages of a Golf Cart Storage Shed or Garage:

Storing your golf cart indoors, such as in a specialized storage shed or garage, offers the best protection. The relatively stable indoor environment protects the carts from the direct effects of inclement weather such as rain, snow and frost. At the same time, the indoor space prevents dust and debris from accumulating on the golf cart and keeps the vehicle tidy.

Requirements for indoor storage:

The key to indoor storage is to keep it dry and well ventilated. A humid environment will cause metal parts to rust, affecting the performance and appearance of the golf cart. And good ventilation can prevent the accumulation of harmful gases and protect the electrical system and other components of the golf cart.

2.Precautions for outdoor storage

Use a golf cart cover in mild climates:

If indoor storage conditions are not available, a golf cart cover can be used in milder climates. A cart cover provides a degree of protection for the cart, blocking rain, dust and some UV rays.

Features of a quality cover:

When choosing a cover, make sure it is waterproof and durable. High-quality car covers are usually made of special materials that can effectively resist rainwater penetration, and at the same time have strong abrasion resistance for long periods of time in outdoor environments.

Cost-effectiveness of car covers:

Generally speaking, a car cover that costs about $40 will cover basic needs and is an affordable way to protect your car. These covers can be easily purchased online for convenience.

Use a large canvas as an alternative:

If a specialized golf cart cover is not available, using a large canvas to cover the cart is a viable option. Although the protective effect of the large canvas may be slightly inferior, but it is better than not covering, and can reduce the damage to the cart to a certain extent.

Choose a sheltered outdoor location:

Parking your golf cart in a sheltered outdoor location, such as under an eave or under an awning, reduces the amount of time it is exposed to inclement weather and lowers the risk of damage.

Clean Your Golf Carts

1.The importance of cleaning before storage

Maintain Appearance: A thorough cleaning of your golf cart prior to winter storage will help keep it looking neat and attractive. A clean golf cart is not only pleasing to the eye, but also enhances the overall value of the vehicle.

Easy to inspect: A cleaned cart is easier to inspect and can detect potential damage or wear and tear issues in a timely manner. For example, during the cleaning process, you can carefully observe whether there are scratches and dents on the body, and whether the tires are abnormally worn.

2.Cleaning steps

Use soap and water to clean the exterior of the body: Use mild soap and water with a soft sponge or towel to gently wipe the surface of the body to remove dirt, dust and stains. Be careful not to use too rough cleaning tools to avoid scratching the paint.

Pay special attention to the dirt and debris on the tires and chassis: tires and chassis are prone to accumulate a lot of dirt and debris, which will not only affect the appearance of the golf cart, but may also cause damage to the tires and chassis components. Use tools such as brushes to carefully clean stones and mud from tire treads, as well as dirt from the chassis.

Checking Your Golf Cart

1.Body inspection

Carefully inspect the bodywork for cracks or dents. These damages may affect the structural strength and appearance of the golf cart, and should be repaired promptly if problems are found.

2.Tire inspection

Check tires for punctures and worn spots. Excessive wear or the presence of punctures in the tires may lead to driving safety issues and require prompt replacement.

3.Battery connection check

Make sure the battery connections are clean and secure. Loose or corroded battery connections may result in reduced battery performance or even failure to supply power properly. If dirt or corrosion is found in the connection area, clean and reconnect it promptly.

4.Acting on inspection results

During the inspection, once any problems are found, they should be dealt with before storage. For some simple problems, such as cleaning the battery connections and repairing small body scratches, you can solve them by yourself. For more complex issues, such as replacing tires or repairing larger body damage, it is recommended to seek the help of a service professional.

Battery Maintenance

1.Lead-acid batteries

Fully charged before storage:

Lead-acid batteries have a high self-discharge rate, up to 10%-15% per month. Therefore, it is important to ensure that lead-acid batteries are fully charged before storing your golf cart. If the battery is stored in a deeply discharged state, crystals may form and reduce the overall capacity of the battery.

Disconnect or remove battery:

To prevent battery leakage during storage, disconnect the battery cables or remove the battery. If storing the battery indoors, make sure the storage environment is dry and well ventilated.

Store in a temperature-controlled environment:

Lead-acid batteries are sensitive to cold, so they should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid damage to the battery due to low temperature.

Check and replenish water level:

For golf carts using lead-acid batteries, check the water level of the batteries and add distilled water if necessary. Note that only distilled water should be used, as impurities in tap water may cause battery performance to degrade.

2.Lithium battery

Charge to 50% depth of discharge (DOD) for long term storage:

Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries have a low self-discharge rate of about 2%-3% per month. For long term storage, it is recommended that lithium batteries be charged to a depth of discharge (DOD) of approximately 50%. This will extend the overall life of the battery and keep the internal chemistry of the battery stable. Avoid storing lithium batteries in a fully charged or fully discharged state, as prolonged periods of time in this state can cause unnecessary stress on the battery.

Disconnect or remove the battery:

Similarly, to prevent battery leakage during storage, disconnect the lithium battery cables or remove the battery.

Store in a cool, dry place:

Lithium batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Cold conditions may affect the performance and life of the lithium battery.

Tire Care of Golf Carts

1.Inflating

Inflate according to manufacturer’s recommended pressure:

Ensure that all tires are inflated at the pressure recommended by the golf cart manufacturer. Correct tire pressure helps to evenly distribute the weight of the vehicle and prevents flat spots in the tires caused by long periods of vehicle parking.

Correctly inflated to prevent flat spots:

If the tires are under-inflated, the weight of the vehicle will be concentrated in certain parts of the tire, and flat spots will easily form when the vehicle is parked for a long period of time. This will not only affect the service life of the tire, but may also cause the vehicle to lurch when driving.

2.Optional: jacking up the golf cart

Reduce tire pressure:

If the golf cart is expected to be parked for an extended period of time, consider jacking up the vehicle so that the tires are not carrying the full weight of the vehicle. This will further reduce the pressure on the tires during storage and reduce the risk of flat spots forming.

Special benefit of this step for long-term storage:

For golf carts that will be stored for several months, jacking up the vehicle is an effective tire protection measure that will help extend the life of the tires.

Checking the Braking System

1.Brake pad inspection

Check the brake pads for wear. If the brake pads look badly worn or damaged, consider replacing them before storing them. Brake pads may be inspected and replaced differently on different models of golf carts; refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.Replacing worn brake pads in a timely manner will ensure that the braking system works properly when the golf cart is reused in the spring.

2.Brake fluid level check

While electric golf carts may not require as much brake fluid maintenance as fuel-powered carts, it is still important to check brake fluid levels. A low brake fluid level may affect braking performance. If the brake fluid level is too low, add the right type of brake fluid according to the user manual. Be careful not to add too much as this may cause brake system failure.

3.Brake test

Start the golf cart, depress the brake pedal and make sure the pedal feels firm and responsive. If the pedal feels soft or bouncy, there may be air in the brake lines or other problems, you need to be investigated and resolved in a timely manner to ensure safe driving.

4.Check brake lines and cables

Carefully inspect brake lines and cables for signs of wear, damage or corrosion. These problems may cause the brake system to malfunction and affect the braking performance of the vehicle.Once you find a problem with the brake line or cable, replace the damaged part promptly. If you are unsure how to proceed, it is recommended that you consult a professional repairer.

5.Cleaning and lubricating brake parts

Clean dust and debris from brake parts to prevent them from entering the braking system and affecting the braking effect.Apply a small amount of lubricant to the necessary parts, such as the pedal assembly and brake cable. Be careful not to let the lubricant come into contact with the brake pads, as this will reduce the coefficient of friction of the brake pads and affect the braking performance.

Golf Cart Storage FAQ

1.Can I store my golf cart outside all winter?

While it is theoretically possible to store your golf cart outside all winter, it is not recommended. This is because severe weather conditions such as snow, ice, rain and cold can cause serious damage to your golf cart, leading to rust, corrosion and other problems. If possible, golf carts should be stored in a dry, protected area such as a garage or storage shed. If indoor storage is not possible, use a high-quality, waterproof car cover and park the cart in a sheltered location to minimize the amount of time it is exposed to the harsh environment.

2.Should I leave my golf cart plugged in all the time during the winter?

It is not recommended to leave an electric golf cart plugged in all the way through the winter. While it is important to keep the battery fully charged before storage, being connected to the charger for extended periods of time may cause the battery to overcharge and shorten the life of the battery. The proper practice is to disconnect the charger and battery cables when fully charged. Check the battery level periodically during storage and recharge as needed to maintain proper charge levels.

3.Should I disconnect my golf cart battery when storing?

Yes, it is a good idea to disconnect the battery when storing your golf cart during the winter months. Disconnecting the battery cables helps prevent the battery from leaking during storage and keeps the battery charged. Make sure the battery is fully charged before disconnecting it. It is also recommended to mark or take a picture of the battery connection cables to make it easier to reconnect them in the spring. Additionally, store the battery in a cool, dry place to avoid damage to the battery from extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Proper winterization and storage is essential for golf cart maintenance. By following the steps outlined above, including choosing the right storage location, cleaning and inspecting the vehicle, maintaining the battery and tires, checking the braking system, and properly covering and securing the cart, you can ensure that your golf cart is properly protected during the winter months. Not only will this extend the life of your cart and save you money on repairs, but it will also ensure that it performs well when you return to using it in the spring. We hope you take these winter protection and storage measures seriously so that your golf cart is always in tip-top shape.