Preparing to winterize and store your golf cart for the colder months is crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. As winter approaches, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your investment from harsh weather, potential damage, and other issues that can arise from improper storage.
If you’re looking for a cart that performs well in the winter elements consider the Beast LE! With power, speed, and reliability – the Beast LE is your go-to cart when you’re ready to tackle the great outdoors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential tips and best practices for winterizing and storing your golf cart during the off-season.
We’ve got you covered with expert advice on battery care, storage location, maintenance checks, and more. So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep your golf cart in top shape, ready to hit the greens or neighborhood as soon as spring arrives!
Preparing to store your electric golf cart
Before you store your golf cart, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Remove any debris, dirt, and mud from the cart’s body, undercarriage, and wheels using soap and water. A clean cart will not only look better but also prevent rust and corrosion during storage.
Next, check all the bolts and screws, ensuring they are tight and secure. Loose components can lead to unnecessary wear and tear or damage during the winter months.
Lastly, inspect your tires for signs of wear or damage and ensure they have the proper air pressure. If you notice any issues, address them before storing your cart for the winter.
Battery maintenance and storing for long periods of time
Golf carts typically come with two types of batteries: lead-acid and lithium. Each has its own maintenance requirements and storage considerations.
Lead-acid batteries:
- Should you disconnect golf cart batteries for storage? Yes, disconnect the lead-acid batteries and clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion.
- Do you have to winterize golf cart batteries? For lead-acid batteries, it’s essential to keep them fully charged during storage, as a discharged battery can freeze and become damaged.
- Can I leave my battery charger on all winter? It’s not recommended, as it can lead to overcharging and damage. Instead, use a smart charger that automatically turns on and off to maintain the charge.
Always follow your battery manufacturer’s suggestions on storage! If you need new batteries please check our accessories page!
Lithium batteries:
- Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries can be left connected during storage, as long as the cart’s main power switch is turned off.
- Lithium batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, so they can generally be stored for longer periods without the need for recharging.
- However, it’s still a good idea to check the charge level periodically during winter and recharge if needed.
Read this to see how long golf cart batteries last!
We’ll always say this, but please follow whatever your manufacturer suggests!
Protecting the golf cart from the elements
Q: Can a golf cart be left outside in the winter?
A: It’s best to store your golf cart in a garage or shed to protect it from moisture, wind, and extreme temperatures.
If outdoor storage is your only option, invest in a high-quality, golf cart cover. Ensure the storage location is dry and well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Inflate Tires to the Proper Pressure
Proper tire pressure is crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of your electric golf cart. As temperature changes can affect tire pressure, it’s important to check and adjust the pressure before storing your cart for winter.
- Locate the recommended PSI: Refer to your golf cart owner’s manual to find the recommended tire pressure (usually measured in PSI – pounds per square inch). The recommended PSI may also be printed on the tire’s sidewall.
- Check the tire pressure: Using a tire pressure gauge, measure the pressure in each tire. It’s best to check the pressure when the tires are cold, as driving can cause temporary pressure increases.
- Inflate or deflate as necessary: If the tire pressure is lower than the recommended PSI, use an air compressor or pump to inflate the tires. If the pressure is too high, release some air until the pressure reaches the desired level.
- Repeat for all tires: Make sure to check and adjust the pressure for all tires, as they may not be equally affected by temperature changes.
- Consider using tire covers: To protect your tires from potential damage caused by UV rays, snow, ice, and other winter elements, consider using tire covers. These covers can help prolong the life of your tires by shielding them from harsh weather conditions.
By maintaining the correct tire pressure and using protective covers, you can minimize the risk of tire damage during winter storage and help ensure your electric golf cart is ready to go when the warmer weather arrives.
Protect and Lubricate Moving Parts
To keep your electric golf cart in optimal condition during winter storage, it’s essential to protect and lubricate its moving parts. Doing so prevents rust formation, reduces wear and tear, and ensures smooth operation when you’re ready to use the cart again.
- Identify moving parts: The key components to focus on include hinges, cables, pedal assemblies, brake components, and wheel bearings. Check your owner’s manual for a comprehensive list of parts that may need lubrication.
- Clean and inspect: Before lubricating, clean each part to remove dirt and debris, as these can cause friction and damage. Inspect each component for signs of wear or damage, and address any issues before proceeding.
- Choose the right lubricant: Use a high-quality lubricant that’s suitable for your golf cart’s specific needs. Some components may require a silicone-based lubricant, while others might need lithium grease or a specialized product. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations.
- Apply lubricant: Carefully apply the lubricant to each moving part, making sure to cover all friction points. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess grease can attract dirt and lead to other issues.
- Apply a rust inhibitor: To further protect metal components from corrosion, consider applying a rust inhibitor or anti-corrosion spray. This can be especially helpful for carts that will be stored in damp or humid conditions.
- Operate the cart briefly: After lubricating and applying a rust inhibitor, operate your golf cart for a short period to distribute the lubricants evenly and ensure they reach all necessary areas.
By taking the time to protect and lubricate your golf cart’s moving parts, you can reduce the likelihood of issues arising during storage and help maintain the cart’s performance for the long term.
Check the Braking System
The braking system is an essential component of your electric golf cart, ensuring your safety during operation. Before storing your cart for winter, it’s important to inspect and maintain the braking system to avoid potential issues in the future.
- Inspect brake pads: Check the brake pads for wear and tear. If they appear worn or damaged, consider replacing them before storage. Consult your owner’s manual for guidance on how to inspect and replace brake pads for your specific cart model.
- Check brake fluid levels: Although electric golf carts may not require the same level of brake fluid maintenance as gas-powered carts, it’s still important to check the fluid levels. If the brake fluid is low, top it off with the appropriate type specified in your owner’s manual.
- Test the brakes: With your golf cart switched on, press the brake pedal and ensure that it feels firm and responsive. If the pedal feels spongy or soft, there may be air in the brake lines or other issues that need to be addressed.
- Inspect brake lines and cables: Check the brake lines and cables for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If you notice any issues, replace the damaged parts or consult a professional for further assistance.
- Clean and lubricate brake components: Clean any dirt or debris from the brake components and apply a small amount of lubricant to the necessary parts, such as the pedal assembly and brake cables. Be careful not to get lubricant on the brake pads, as this can reduce their effectiveness.
By inspecting and maintaining your electric golf cart’s braking system before winter storage, you can help ensure that your cart remains safe and reliable when it’s time to use it again in the spring.
Secure and Cover the Golf Cart
Proper storage of your electric golf cart is crucial for protecting it from winter elements and potential damage. Following these steps can help ensure your cart remains in good condition throughout the winter months.
- Choose a storage location: Ideally, store your golf cart in a dry, protected area such as a garage or shed. This will shield it from the harsh winter elements, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. If indoor storage isn’t an option, try to find a covered outdoor area that offers some protection.
- Use a high-quality golf cart cover: Regardless of whether your cart is stored indoors or outdoors, using a high-quality cover is essential for added protection. Choose a cover that is made of durable, water-resistant material and is specifically designed for golf carts. This will help protect the cart from dust, moisture, and UV damage.
- Elevate the tires (optional): If you expect the cart to remain stationary for an extended period, consider elevating the tires off the ground using jack stands. This can help prevent flat spots from forming on the tires due to prolonged pressure.
- Lock and secure the cart: To prevent unauthorized use or theft, ensure that your golf cart is locked and secure during storage. This may involve using a steering wheel lock or removing the key from the ignition.
- Check on your cart periodically: While your golf cart is in storage, it’s a good idea to check on it occasionally. This allows you to address any potential issues, such as pests, moisture buildup, or changes in tire pressure before they become significant problems.
Golf Cart Storage FAQs
Q: Can I leave my golf cart outside all winter?
A: While it is possible to leave your golf cart outside during the winter, it is not recommended due to the potential damage that harsh weather conditions can cause. Exposure to snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures can lead to rust, corrosion, and other issues.
If possible, store your golf cart in a dry, protected area such as a garage or shed. If indoor storage isn’t an option, use a high-quality, waterproof golf cart cover and park the cart in a sheltered location to minimize exposure to the elements.
Q: Should you leave the golf cart plugged in over winter?
A: No, it’s not recommended to leave your electric golf cart plugged in for the entire winter.
While it’s important to fully charge the batteries before storage, leaving the charger connected for an extended period may overcharge the batteries and shorten their lifespan. Instead, disconnect the charger and battery cables after fully charging the batteries. Check the battery charge periodically during storage, and recharge them as needed to maintain an appropriate charge level.
Q: Should you disconnect golf cart batteries for storage?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to disconnect the golf cart batteries during winter storage.
Disconnecting the battery cables helps prevent any potential discharge and preserves the battery charge during the storage period. Before disconnecting the batteries, ensure they are fully charged. Remember to label or take photos of the cable connections to make reconnection easier when it’s time to use the cart again. Additionally, store the batteries in a cool, dry place to prevent any damage due to extreme temperatures.
Conclusion:
Winterizing your electric golf cart is an essential process to protect your investment and make sure your cart has a long life.
At golfcarts.com, we want you to enjoy your cart with your friends and family for years!
By following the steps outlined in this guide—cleaning your golf cart, inspecting and charging the batteries, inflating tires to the proper pressure, protecting and lubricating moving parts, checking the braking system, and securing and covering the cart—you can help maintain your cart’s condition during the winter months. Contact us today or Visit our nearest outlet today!