How to Store an Electric Golf Cart for Winter

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Quick Answer

• Give your electric golf cart a thorough cleaning, inside and out, paying attention to any food debris.
• Ensure the batteries are fully charged and, if possible, stored in a climate-controlled environment.
• Protect the entire cart with a breathable, weather-resistant cover to shield it from dust, pests, and moisture.

Who This is For

• Golf cart owners residing in regions that experience extended periods of freezing temperatures and snow.
• Individuals who plan to park their electric golf cart for more than a couple of months during the off-season.

What to Check First

• Battery Health and Charge Level: Before you do anything else, get a clear picture of your batteries’ current charge and overall condition. This is the most critical component for winter storage.
• Fluid Levels: Consult your owner’s manual. Identify any reservoirs that require fluid checks and top-offs, such as brake fluid or any specific battery maintenance fluids if applicable.
• Tire Condition and Pressure: Inspect your tires for any signs of cracking, dry rot, or significant wear. Note their current pressure.
• Overall Cleanliness: Take a quick look around. Is there accumulated dirt, mud, leaves, or anything else that might attract unwanted guests or cause damage?

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Store an Electric Golf Cart for Winter

Storing your electric golf cart properly over winter is key to ensuring it’s ready to roll when spring hits. It’s not rocket science, but a little care now saves a lot of headaches later. This guide walks you through how to store an electric golf cart for winter like a pro.

1. Give Your Golf Cart a Deep Clean:

• Action: Thoroughly wash and detail your golf cart. This means scrubbing the exterior, cleaning the seats, vacuuming the floor mats, and wiping down the dashboard and controls. Pay special attention to removing any food crumbs, wrappers, or spills from the interior.
• What to look for: Ensure all surfaces are free from dirt, mud, salt residue (if you use it near the coast), and especially any organic matter that could attract pests. Check cup holders and storage compartments.
• Mistake to avoid: Rushing this step or leaving behind any food items or significant debris. Pests love a buffet, and leftover grime can lead to mold or corrosion.

2. Address Tire Care:

• Action: Inflate your tires to the recommended tire pressure (PSI) as specified in your owner’s manual. If you have access to jack stands, consider placing the cart on them so the tires are off the ground.
• What to look for: Check the sidewalls for any cracks or signs of dry rot. Ensure the pressure is even across all tires. If using jack stands, make sure they are placed on a stable surface and are rated for the cart’s weight.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving tires underinflated. This is a fast track to developing flat spots where the tire rests on the ground, which can cause a rough ride and potentially damage the tire structure over time.

3. Check and Top Off Essential Fluids:

• Action: Consult your golf cart’s owner’s manual to identify any fluids that need attention. This typically includes brake fluid. If your cart uses specific battery maintenance fluids, check those as well. Top off any reservoirs that are low.
• What to look for: Ensure fluid levels are within the recommended range marked on the reservoir. Check for any signs of leaks around these components.
• Mistake to avoid: Neglecting fluid levels. Low brake fluid can compromise safety, and other low fluids can lead to premature wear or failure of mechanical parts.

4. Prepare the Batteries for Storage:

• Action: Fully charge your golf cart’s batteries. If your batteries are removable and you have a suitable separate storage location, consider taking them out. If not, leave them in the cart.
• What to look for: Ensure the charging indicator on your charger shows a full charge. If you have lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte levels and top them off with distilled water if necessary, after charging.
• Mistake to avoid: Storing batteries in a discharged state. This is the single fastest way to permanently damage lead-acid batteries through sulfation, significantly reducing their lifespan and capacity. Lithium batteries also have optimal storage charge levels; check your manual.

5. Manage Battery Storage Environment (If Removing Batteries):

• Action: If you removed your batteries, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. A basement or climate-controlled garage is ideal.
• What to look for: The storage area should be free of flammable materials. Ensure the batteries are placed on a non-conductive surface.
• Mistake to avoid: Storing batteries in a damp, freezing, or excessively hot environment. Freezing can damage the battery casing, and extreme heat can accelerate self-discharge and degradation.

6. Disconnect Non-Essential Electronics:

• Action: Unplug any aftermarket accessories that draw power, such as GPS units, aftermarket stereos, or phone chargers, that you won’t be using during storage.
• What to look for: Ensure all connections are cleanly disconnected.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving accessories plugged in. Even seemingly low-power devices can slowly drain your batteries over a long storage period, leading to a dead battery by spring.

7. Implement Pest Deterrents:

• Action: Place rodent deterrents inside the golf cart. This can include mothballs, dryer sheets (tucked into seating crevices and storage bins), or commercial rodent repellents designed for vehicles.
• What to look for: Ensure the deterrents are placed in areas where they won’t be easily dislodged or cause damage. Avoid direct contact with sensitive electronics if possible.
• Mistake to avoid: Not taking any precautions against pests. Rodents can chew through wiring harnesses, seats, and insulation, causing expensive damage that’s often hard to trace.

8. Cover Your Golf Cart:

• Action: Use a high-quality, breathable, weather-resistant golf cart cover. Ensure it fits snugly to prevent wind from lifting it, but allows for air circulation.
• What to look for: The cover should be made of a material that won’t trap moisture. It should also offer protection against UV rays if stored outdoors, even in winter.
• Mistake to avoid: Using a standard plastic tarp. These trap moisture, creating a humid environment that promotes mold, mildew, and rust on the cart’s body and components. It’s like creating a sauna for your cart.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Storing Your Electric Golf Cart for Winter

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Here’s how to handle them.

Battery Maintenance During Storage

• Mistake: Completely forgetting about the batteries until spring.
• Why it matters: Lead-acid batteries naturally self-discharge over time. If they sit too long without a charge, they can develop irreversible sulfation, killing their capacity. Lithium batteries also have optimal storage charge levels and can be damaged if fully depleted.
• Fix: Check your batteries’ charge level at least once a month. If the voltage drops significantly (consult your manual for specific voltage thresholds), recharge them. Consider using a golf cart battery tender or a smart charger designed for seasonal storage.

Protecting Against Moisture and Condensation

• Mistake: Storing in a damp location without adequate ventilation.
• Why it matters: Even with a breathable cover, if the storage environment is humid, condensation can form on the cart’s surfaces, leading to rust on metal parts and potential mold or mildew growth.
• Fix: If possible, store the cart in a dry, climate-controlled garage or shed. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, ensure the cover is properly secured and consider placing moisture absorbers (like silica gel packs) inside the cart or battery compartments.

Pests Making a Home

• Mistake: Not using any pest deterrents.
• Why it matters: Mice and other rodents can do serious damage by chewing through wiring, insulation, and upholstery. They can also leave droppings and nests, creating unsanitary conditions.
• Fix: Regularly inspect the cart for signs of pest activity (droppings, gnawed materials). Replenish or replace deterrents as needed. If you find evidence of pests, clean the affected areas thoroughly and consider more aggressive deterrents or traps.

Tire Flat Spots

• Mistake: Leaving tires on the ground at standard pressure for many months.
• Why it matters: Prolonged pressure on a single point can cause the rubber to deform, creating flat spots that lead to a bumpy ride and can eventually compromise the tire’s integrity.
• Fix: Inflating tires to the higher end of the recommended range can help. The best solution is to place the cart on jack stands, taking the weight off the tires entirely.

Using the Wrong Cover

• Mistake: Opting for a cheap, non-breathable plastic tarp.
• Why it matters: These covers seal in moisture, creating a microclimate perfect for mold, mildew, and rust. They can also trap heat, which isn’t ideal for battery longevity.
• Fix: Invest in a purpose-made, breathable golf cart cover. These are designed to protect from the elements while allowing air to circulate, preventing moisture buildup.

FAQ

• What is the ideal temperature for storing an electric golf cart for winter?

The ideal temperature range is generally between 40°F and 70°F. This cool, dry environment minimizes stress on the batteries and prevents extreme temperature fluctuations that can cause damage. Avoid storing in areas prone to freezing or excessive heat.

• How often should I check on my stored golf cart?

It’s a good practice to check on your stored golf cart at least once a month. This allows you to monitor battery charge levels, inspect for any signs of pest activity, and ensure the cover is still secure and in good condition.

• Should I disconnect the batteries when storing my golf cart for winter?

For extended storage, especially if you’re storing the cart in a location where ambient temperatures might drop significantly or if you’re storing the batteries separately, disconnecting them is often recommended. This prevents any residual drain from the cart’s onboard systems. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific advice related to your cart’s battery type.

• Can I leave my electric golf cart plugged in while in storage?

This depends heavily on your charger and battery type. Many modern chargers have a “maintenance mode” or “trickle charge” function designed for long-term storage, which is generally safe. However, always consult your charger and golf cart manuals. Overcharging can damage batteries, and some older chargers may not have this feature. If in doubt, it’s safer to charge fully and then disconnect.

• What kind of cover is best for winter storage?

You need a heavy-duty, breathable, water-resistant golf cart cover. Materials like polyester or canvas blends are good choices. Look for covers that are UV-resistant if stored outdoors, and ensure they have elasticized hems or tie-downs to keep them secure against wind. The key is allowing air circulation to prevent condensation.

• Do I need to worry about charging lithium batteries differently for winter storage compared to lead-acid?

Yes, lithium batteries have different storage requirements. While they don’t suffer from sulfation like lead-acid batteries, they still have an optimal state of charge for long-term storage to preserve their lifespan. Always consult your lithium battery manufacturer’s guidelines or your golf cart’s manual for the specific recommended charge level before storing.

• What if my golf cart is stored outdoors over winter?

If outdoor storage is your only option, it’s even more critical to follow these steps. Ensure you have a robust, fully waterproof, and breathable cover. Consider elevating the cart slightly on blocks to keep it away from ground moisture and snowmelt. Regularly check on it, especially after heavy snow or ice, to ensure the cover hasn’t shifted and there’s no pooling water.

Sources:

• Winterizing Your Electric Golf Cart