Umair Gaines
Winterizing your electric golf cart is essential to ensure it remains in good condition during the colder months. The process involves several steps, including giving your cart a thorough cleaning, disconnecting the batteries, and storing the cart in a dry, covered area. It is also important to consider the specific type of batteries your cart uses and follow the appropriate charging and storage guidelines. By taking these steps, you can help maintain your electric golf cart's performance and prolong its lifespan.
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What You'll Learn
Disconnect the batteries
Disconnecting the batteries from your electric golf cart is a crucial step in winterizing your vehicle. Even when the cart is turned off, a connection to electrical equipment will still slightly drain the batteries, which could leave them dead or reduce their lifespan and power output.
Before disconnecting the batteries, it is recommended to take photos of the connections so that you can correctly reassemble them in the spring. The first step is to put your cart in neutral. Keeping your cart in park puts tension on the brake cable, and this tension over several months can cause extra wear and tear. Next, disconnect the batteries from the cart and each other. Although you can switch the cart from "Run" to "Tow", best practice is to separate the connection completely.
If you are in a location where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter, move the batteries indoors for storage. To maintain the batteries, you can purchase a small battery maintenance charger.
It is important to note that lead-acid batteries should not be stored in freezing temperatures. Fully charged lead-acid batteries will not freeze until temperatures reach -94°F, while batteries with a state of charge of 25% will freeze at 9°F. Therefore, if you are unable to store your batteries in a temperature-controlled environment, you should aim to keep them charged all winter long, charging them every other week.
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Store in a covered, dry area
When storing your electric golf cart for the winter, it is important to keep it in a covered, dry area. This will protect it from the elements, especially if temperatures drop below freezing. A golf cart storage shed is ideal, providing a dedicated, enclosed space for your vehicle.
If you don't have access to a small storage building, you can still take measures to safeguard your cart. Ensure it is sheltered and covered, using a designated golf cart cover or a large canvas cloth. This protective layer will shield your cart from the weather, and it is a wise investment, available at a low cost.
In milder climates, a cover may suffice without the need for additional shelter. However, if you anticipate extremely cold temperatures, consider moving your cart's batteries indoors. This will help maintain their lifespan and power output, as cold temperatures can impact their performance and require a more intricate charging process.
Before placing your cart in storage, it is recommended to give it a thorough cleaning. This will not only improve its appearance but also ensure its optimal performance by removing dirt and debris from key components. Pay special attention to the wheel wells, axles, brake components, and cart wiring. Additionally, remember to put your cart in neutral to avoid putting unnecessary tension on the brake cable during storage.
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Keep the cart in neutral
When preparing your electric golf cart for winter, it is important to keep the cart in neutral. This is because, when in park, there is tension on the brake cable, and this tension over several months can cause extra wear and tear on the cable. Therefore, it is recommended to put your cart in neutral before storing it for the winter.
It is also important to store your electric golf cart in a covered, dry area, away from any water exposure. A small storage building with a door, such as a golf cart storage shed, is ideal. In milder climates, a golf cart cover or any large canvas cloth can provide protection from the elements.
Additionally, it is recommended to disconnect your cart from its batteries during the winter. Even when the cart is turned off, the connection to electrical equipment will slightly drain the batteries, leading to dead batteries or reduced lifespan and power output. While some sources suggest switching the cart from "Run" to "Tow", others recommend completely separating the connection by disconnecting the batteries.
For extreme winter temperatures, it is advisable to store your batteries indoors. To maintain optimal battery performance, consider purchasing a small battery maintenance charger. Fully charged lead-acid batteries will not freeze until temperatures reach -94°F, while batteries with a state of charge of 25% will freeze at 9°F. Therefore, it is important to keep lead-acid batteries charged during the winter, charging them every other week or storing them in a temperature-controlled environment.
Unlike electric carts, gas golf carts should have close-to-empty gas tanks during winter storage. While this helps protect the gas lines from drying out and corroding, it is important to refill the tank with fresh gas before using the cart again to avoid engine issues caused by old gasoline.
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Clean the cart
To prepare your electric golf cart for winter storage and ensure it remains in top shape, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning. This process involves more than just making your cart look good; it is essential for maintaining optimal performance and longevity. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively clean your electric golf cart before storing it for the winter:
Begin by finding a suitable location to wash and detail your cart. Choose an area that provides ample space and easy access to all parts of the cart. Gather all the necessary cleaning supplies, including soap, water, brushes, and cloths. Remember to wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, to safeguard your hands from dirt and cleaning chemicals.
Start the cleaning process by giving your cart a thorough rinse. Pay close attention to areas that tend to accumulate dirt and debris, such as the wheel wells, axles, brake components, and cart wiring. Use a pressure washer or a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to effectively remove built-up grime. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and best practices for cleaning golf carts to avoid any potential damage.
After rinsing, apply a generous amount of soap or detergent specifically designed for cleaning vehicles. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub all surfaces, including the body, wheels, and undercarriage. Pay close attention to the small crevices and hard-to-reach areas, as dirt and debris can build up in these places and cause performance issues over time. Rinse the soap off thoroughly, ensuring that no soap residue remains, as this could cause streaking or attract dirt when drying.
Once the cart is rinsed and soap-free, dry it thoroughly using clean microfiber cloths or chamois. Ensure that all water is removed from the surfaces, especially from areas prone to water accumulation, such as the battery compartment and electrical components. Leaving water on these parts can lead to corrosion and potential electrical issues during storage. If needed, use compressed air or a soft cloth to reach tight spaces and remove any remaining moisture.
Finally, before storing your electric golf cart for the winter, take the opportunity to inspect all components for any signs of wear and tear. Check the tires, brakes, lights, and any other moving parts to ensure they are in good condition. This proactive inspection allows you to address any issues or make necessary replacements before the cart is stored away for an extended period.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your electric golf cart, ensuring that it not only looks its best but also performs optimally when you take it out of storage in the spring.
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Maintain battery charge
Maintaining battery charge is crucial for the performance and longevity of your electric golf cart. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your batteries stay in good condition during the winter months:
Firstly, it is recommended to disconnect the batteries from the cart. While the cart is turned off, the connection to the electrical equipment can still cause a slight drain on the batteries, reducing their lifespan and power output. You can either switch the cart from "Run" to "Tow" mode, or completely separate the connection by disconnecting the batteries. If you choose to disconnect, take a photo of the setup before removing any connections. This will be helpful when you reconnect the batteries.
If you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, it is advisable to move the batteries indoors for storage. Keeping them in a temperature-controlled environment will help maintain their charge and prevent freezing. Consider purchasing a small battery maintenance charger to keep your batteries in optimal condition.
For lead-acid batteries, it is important to note that they won't freeze until temperatures reach -94°F (-70°C) when they are fully charged. However, if the batteries have a state of charge (SOC) of 25%, they will freeze at 9°F (-13°C). Therefore, your goal during winter should be to keep them charged, charging them every other week. Alternatively, find a storage location with more favourable temperatures to prevent freezing.
Additionally, when charging lithium-ion batteries in cold weather, specifically when temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), reduce the charge current to 0.1C. This is because both lead-acid and lithium batteries need to be charged at a slower rate when temperatures drop.
By following these instructions, you can ensure that your electric golf cart batteries maintain their charge and are ready for use when the warmer months arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
First, give your golf cart a good clean, paying particular attention to the wheel wells, axles, brake components, and cart wiring. Then, disconnect your cart from your batteries. Finally, store your cart in a covered, dry area, away from any water exposure. A golf cart storage shed is ideal, but a protective cover will also help shield your cart from the elements.
Yes, you should disconnect your cart from its batteries before storing it for winter. Even when the cart is off, a slight drain on the batteries can minimise their lifespan and power output. If you're in a very cold climate, you might want to move the batteries indoors for storage.
It's important to keep your batteries charged over winter. You can either leave them on the charger (although this is not considered best practice), or charge them every other week. If you choose the latter, store them in a temperature-controlled environment.
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