Wiktor Wise
As the cold weather creeps in, golf cart owners need to consider how to store their vehicles for the winter. Winterizing your electric golf cart is essential to ensure it remains in good condition and performs well when spring arrives. There are several steps to follow, and the process differs slightly depending on whether your cart is gas or electric. This guide will cover the key considerations for electric golf cart owners, including battery maintenance, storage location, and general care, to help you prepare your cart for the winter months ahead.
How to Winterize an Electric Golf Cart
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A covered, dry area, away from water exposure. A golf cart storage shed or a small storage building with a door. In milder climates, a golf cart cover or a large canvas cloth will do. |
| Battery | It is best to disconnect the batteries from the cart and each other. Store them in a place where temperatures don't drop below freezing. Keep them charged all winter long, charging every other week. |
| Maintenance | Clean the connections and put anti-corrosion gel on them. |
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What You'll Learn
Store in a covered, dry area
Storing your electric golf cart in a covered, dry area is essential for protecting it from the elements during the winter months. While a golf cart storage shed is ideal, you can also use a small storage building with a door or a shelter that will keep the cart safe from water exposure. If you live in a milder climate, a golf cart cover or any large canvas cloth can provide sufficient protection from the weather. These protective covers are affordable and can be purchased online.
If you have access to a climate-controlled storage room, this can be an excellent option to keep your cart safe from the cold. Alternatively, you can store your cart inside a garage or barn, ensuring it is away from water exposure and shielded from the elements.
For those who experience extremely cold temperatures, it is recommended to move the batteries indoors for storage. Lead-acid batteries won't freeze until temperatures reach -94°F, while batteries with a lower state of charge will freeze at higher temperatures. To maintain optimal battery life, consider purchasing a small battery maintenance charger.
Additionally, it is crucial to prepare your batteries before storage. While some sources suggest disconnecting the batteries completely, others recommend keeping them connected to the charger. However, if you choose to leave them connected, remember to switch the vehicle to "TOW" mode to prevent parasitic battery drain. Regularly unplugging and replugging the charger will help keep the batteries topped off and force the charger to cycle and check them.
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Disconnect the batteries
Disconnecting the batteries from your electric golf cart before storing it for winter is an important step in ensuring your cart remains in good condition. Even when the cart is switched off, the connection to electrical equipment will still slightly drain the batteries, which can reduce their lifespan and power output.
Before disconnecting the batteries, it is recommended to take photos of the setup to refer to when it's time to reconnect them. The first step is to switch the vehicle to "Tow" mode. While it is possible to simply switch from "Run" to "Tow", best practice is to completely separate the connection. This can be done by pulling one of the main connections off.
If you live in a location where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter, it is advisable to move the batteries indoors for storage. To maintain the batteries, you can purchase a small battery maintenance charger.
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Keep the cart plugged in
Keeping your electric golf cart plugged in over the winter is a good way to ensure your batteries remain charged. However, it is generally not recommended to leave your golf cart plugged in for long periods of time. If you do decide to keep your cart plugged in, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the safety and longevity of your cart and its batteries.
Firstly, it is crucial to choose an appropriate location for your cart. If possible, store your cart inside a garage or barn, providing a more stable and controlled environment. If you do not have access to an indoor space, consider using a golf cart storage shed or, at the very least, a protective cover for your cart. This will shield your cart from the elements, including water exposure, which can be detrimental.
When keeping your cart plugged in, it is good practice to periodically unplug and replug the charger. Doing so once every couple of weeks will force the charger to cycle and check the batteries. This process ensures that the charger keeps the batteries topped off automatically. When unplugging, simply detach the charger and wait for about fifteen seconds before plugging it back in.
It is worth noting that some carts, such as the Club Car with an OBC, may not respond well to this unplug/replug method. In such cases, you may need to drive the cart a couple of feet to trigger the charger. Additionally, certain batteries, like lead-acid ones, may be better off being left in \"Tow\" mode rather than being constantly plugged in.
Finally, it is important to monitor the temperature during the winter months. Extremely low temperatures can affect the charging process and the performance of your batteries. If possible, store your cart in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid any issues caused by freezing temperatures.
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Use anti-corrosion gel
To winterize an electric golf cart, it is important to use anti-corrosion gel. This will help to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal battery performance when you take your golf cart out of storage in the spring. Corrosion can be caused by dirt, mud, and debris, so it is important to thoroughly clean your golf cart before applying the anti-corrosion gel.
Start by disconnecting the battery cables and cleaning the terminal connections with a battery terminal cleaner. Pay special attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and any other areas where dirt might collect. Once the connections are clean, coat them with a layer of anti-corrosion gel. This will protect the connections from corrosion and ensure a good contact between your cart and its power source when you take it out of storage.
If your golf cart has a battery with removable caps, you should also remove these and check the water level inside each cell. If the water level is low, add distilled water as necessary. This will help to ensure that your battery is properly maintained and will prolong its lifespan.
After applying the anti-corrosion gel and checking the battery water level, be sure to park your golf cart and set the transmission switch to neutral. If your cart has a tow/maintenance switch, set it to the tow position. This will help to ensure that your golf cart is properly prepared for storage and will make it easier to take out of storage when the winter is over.
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Store with a near-empty tank
Storing your electric golf cart for the winter is essential to ensure it remains in good condition and to prevent costly repairs. One of the critical steps in the process is storing the vehicle with a near-empty tank. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:
Firstly, it is recommended to drain the fuel tank before storing your electric golf cart for the winter. This is especially important if you plan to store the cart for longer than three months. By draining the tank, you prevent the fuel from deteriorating and causing potential engine issues when you take your cart out of storage.
Next, before you begin the process of cleaning and preparing your cart for storage, move it to the location where it will be stored. This is an important step as it ensures you have the space to work on the cart and helps you visualize the available space. The ideal storage location for your electric golf cart is a dry, covered space, such as a shed or garage. This protects the cart from the elements, particularly moisture, which can cause rust and corrosion.
Once you have chosen the storage location, it's time to start preparing the cart. Begin by giving the exterior a thorough cleaning. Wash off any mud, dirt, or road salt using mild soap and water. Pay particular attention to metal components, ensuring they are free of grime. After cleaning, apply a layer of wax to the body, which will provide additional protection against moisture and rust during storage.
The next step is to address the tires. Proper tire care is crucial to maintaining the overall condition of your golf cart during the winter. Start by inspecting and cleaning the tires, ensuring that all dirt and debris are removed from the tire treads and sidewalls. This step helps prevent punctures and leaks caused by debris buildup during storage. Once the tires are clean, apply a generous amount of an appropriate lubricant, such as WD40. This will keep the rubber supple during the cold winter months and prevent cracking.
Finally, if possible, consider storing each wheel/tire separately and away from concrete surfaces. This prevents potential breakage if the tires are bumped into each other and avoids issues with moisture trapped underneath, which can freeze overnight.
By following these steps, you can effectively store your electric golf cart with a near-empty tank for the winter, ensuring it remains in optimal condition and ready for use when the warmer weather returns.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are the steps you should take to winterize your electric golf cart:
- Pick a storage location that is covered, dry, and protected from the elements. A golf cart storage shed is ideal, but a shelter or cover will also do.
- Disconnect your cart from the batteries.
- Clean the connections and apply anti-corrosion gel to ensure a good connection when you reconnect them.
- Store your batteries in a place where temperatures don't drop below freezing.
- Consider purchasing a small battery maintenance charger.
If you are storing your golf cart in a location where temperatures can drop below freezing, it's best to move the batteries indoors. Keep them charged all winter long, charging them every other week, or store them in a temperature-controlled environment.
When gearing your golf cart back up for warm weather, fill up your tank with fresh gas to keep your engine clean.
