Can I store an electric golf cart for six months? Yes, you can absolutely store an electric golf cart for six months, but you must prepare it first. Proper preparation, often called winterizing an electric golf cart, is key to ensuring your cart runs well when you take it out next season. Storing it the wrong way can cause big problems, especially with the battery. This long guide will walk you through every step for long-term electric golf cart storage. We will cover everything from cleaning to battery care to make sure your cart stays in great shape.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Putting your golf cart away for half a year is more than just parking it in a corner. Electric golf carts have delicate parts. The biggest concern is the battery. If you skip the right steps, you risk corrosion, flat spots on the tires, and battery damage. Preparing golf cart for winter saves you time and money later. Good golf cart off-season maintenance keeps your investment safe.
Step 1: Thorough Cleaning and Inspection
Before putting your cart away, make it spotless. Dirt and grime can cause damage over many months.
Cleaning the Exterior and Body
Start with a good wash. Use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals. They can damage the paint or plastic.
- Rinse off all loose dirt.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge.
- Wash the body panels, roof, and bumpers.
- Rinse again thoroughly.
- Dry the cart completely. Water left sitting can lead to rust or mold.
Detailing the Interior
The seats and floor can hold moisture and pests.
- Remove all trash and items from the cart.
- Vacuum the floor mats and seats well.
- Wipe down vinyl seats with a vinyl cleaner.
- If you have cloth seats, spot clean any stains. Make sure they dry fast.
Checking Mechanical Parts
Look closely at moving parts. This helps with preventing golf cart issues in storage.
- Check the brakes. Make sure they are not sticking.
- Inspect the suspension and frame for any loose bolts. Tighten what you find.
- Look at the lights and wiring. Nothing should look frayed or broken.
Step 2: Crucial Electric Golf Cart Battery Storage Procedures
This is the most important part of winterizing an electric golf cart. The battery needs special care for electric golf cart battery storage. Failure here means you might need a new battery next season.
Battery Type Check
The steps depend on your battery type. Most carts use Lead-Acid (flooded) or Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Lead-Acid Battery Care
Lead-acid batteries need regular checks and maintenance.
- Fully Charge Batteries: Before storage, charge the batteries to 100%. Never store them partially charged. This causes sulfation, which ruins the battery.
- Disconnect the Cables: Disconnect the main negative cable first. This stops any small drain on the system.
- Check Water Levels (Flooded Types Only): If you have flooded lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte levels. Top them off with distilled water after the full charge. Do not overfill. Storing golf cart batteries requires them to be at the correct level.
- Clean Terminals: Use a wire brush and a baking soda/water mix to clean any white or blue corrosion from the terminals. Rinse and dry well.
- Apply Protectant: Put a thin layer of petroleum jelly or battery terminal spray on the posts. This stops future corrosion.
Lithium-Ion Battery Care
Li-ion batteries are easier but still need attention.
- Charge Level: Do not fully charge Li-ion batteries for long storage. The best storage charge level is between 40% and 60%. Check your battery manual for the exact recommendation.
- Disconnect Power: Turn the main power switch off. Disconnect the main battery connection if possible.
- Temperature Control: Keep Li-ion batteries in a stable, moderate temperature. Extreme cold or heat hurts them.
Using a Battery Maintainer
For lead-acid batteries, a smart charger or “trickle charger” is highly recommended. This is essential for long-term electric golf cart storage.
- Use a charger designed for your battery type (e.g., 36V or 48V).
- Connect the maintainer. It keeps the battery topped off without overcharging it.
- Check the maintainer every month to ensure it’s still working correctly.
Step 3: Protecting Tires and Brakes
The weight of the cart sitting in one spot for six months puts stress on the tires and can seize the brakes.
Tire Care
Flat spots on tires are a common storage problem.
- Inflate Tires: Pump the tires up to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. Higher pressure helps prevent flattening.
- Use Jack Stands (Ideal): For best practices for golf cart storage, the best thing is to lift the cart completely off the ground using sturdy jack stands under the frame. This takes all the weight off the tires and suspension.
- Rotate Monthly (If on Ground): If you cannot use jack stands, move the cart a few feet every month. This changes where the weight rests on the tires.
Brake Check
If your cart has drum brakes, moisture can cause them to stick.
- Before storage, apply the parking brake lightly a few times while the cart is moving slowly (if you are doing monthly checks).
- If possible, spray a light lubricant on exposed brake linkages, ensuring it doesn’t touch the actual friction surfaces.
Step 4: Pest Control and Cabin Protection
Mice and insects love dark, quiet places like a parked golf cart. They chew wires and nest in the seats.
Keeping Pests Out
- Block Exhaust Ports: If your cart has an exhaust (less common on electric, but check vents), stuff steel wool tightly into any openings. This stops small animals from climbing in.
- Use Repellents: Place mothballs or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls strategically under the seats and near the battery compartment. These smells deter most rodents. Do not place anything near the battery terminals that could cause a short circuit.
- Seal Gaps: If you store the cart uncovered indoors, check gaps around the floorboard where wires enter.
Protecting the Finish
Use a good quality electric golf cart cover. This protects against dust, moisture, and accidental bumps.
- Breathable Cover: Always choose a cover that is breathable. A non-breathable plastic tarp traps moisture underneath. This leads to mold, mildew, and paint damage.
- Secure the Cover: Make sure the cover is tied down tightly so wind cannot tear it or blow it off.
Step 5: Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where to store an electric golf cart makes a big difference in its condition after six months.
Ideal Storage Environment
The best place offers protection from elements and temperature swings.
| Storage Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-Controlled Garage | Stable temperature, dry, secure. Best option. | May be limited space. |
| Standard Garage/Shed | Protected from rain and direct sun. | Temperature swings can still happen. |
| Outdoor Under Cover | Protects from direct sun/rain. | Still exposed to humidity, dust, and pests. Needs a high-quality cover. |
Key Environmental Factors to Control
- Dryness: Humidity is the enemy. It causes metal parts to rust and promotes mold growth in the cabin. A dry space is crucial.
- Temperature Stability: Extreme cold can affect battery chemistry, even if maintained. Extreme heat can degrade plastic and rubber components. Keep temperatures moderate if possible.
- Security: Ensure the storage spot is secure to prevent theft or vandalism.
Step 6: Pre-Storage Fluid Checks (If Applicable)
While electric carts need less fluid maintenance than gas models, some areas still require a look.
Grease and Lubrication Points
Check your owner’s manual for grease fittings. Many modern carts have sealed components, but some older or heavy-duty models may have spots needing lubrication.
- Lubricate the steering linkage joints.
- Grease the axle points if specified.
- This keeps things moving smoothly and stops parts from seizing during the golf cart off-season maintenance period.
Suspension System
If you lifted the cart, check the springs and shocks for any visible cracks or leaks when you bring it down later.
Step 7: Documentation and Planning for Retrieval
Keep track of what you did. This makes retrieval much easier.
Create a Storage Checklist
Write down exactly what you did during the preparing golf cart for winter process.
- Date of storage.
- Battery charge level at storage.
- If maintainers were attached.
- Location of any stored items (like charger or cover bag).
Plan Your First Drive
When you are ready to bring the cart out of storage, don’t just turn the key and go. Give yourself time for setup. This is part of best practices for golf cart storage.
Retrieving Your Cart After 6 Months
Bringing the cart back into service requires reversing the storage steps carefully.
Battery Reconnection and Check
The battery needs attention first.
- Check Maintainers: If using a maintainer, let the battery charge fully. For lead-acid, this might take several hours or days if it dropped significantly. For Li-ion, check that it’s back to a safe operating level (usually near 100%).
- Clean and Reconnect: Remove any anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly. Reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative.
- Inspect Water Levels (Lead-Acid): Once fully charged, recheck the water levels and top up with distilled water if necessary.
Final Checks Before Driving
Now, perform a quick check before hitting the course.
- Tires: Reduce tire pressure back to the normal operating PSI listed on the cart’s placard.
- Pest Removal: Remove all mothballs or repellents. Check under the seats carefully for any nesting materials.
- Brakes: Test the brakes at very low speed in a safe area. Listen for strange noises.
- Test Drive: Drive slowly in a private area for 10 minutes. Check steering, acceleration, and braking performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to disconnect the battery when storing my electric golf cart?
A: Yes, disconnecting the battery is highly recommended, especially for lead-acid types. It prevents slow battery drain from the cart’s onboard electronics, which can kill the battery over six months. Always disconnect the negative cable first.
Q2: Can I use a regular tarp to cover my golf cart for storage?
A: No. A regular plastic tarp traps moisture underneath, leading to mold, mildew, and potential damage to the paint and electrical systems. You must use a cover specifically designed to be breathable for long-term electric golf cart storage.
Q3: What is the best temperature range for storing golf cart batteries?
A: For lead-acid batteries, temperatures between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C) are ideal. Li-ion batteries prefer a slightly warmer environment, usually above 32°F (0°C), but stable temperatures are more important than the exact number. Avoid freezing conditions for lead-acid batteries.
Q4: Should I leave the golf cart key in the ignition during storage?
A: It is best practice to remove the key. Leaving it in can cause the key switch (a common failure point) to fail prematurely, or it might allow accidental activation if someone brushes against the dash, drawing down the battery.
Q5: Is lifting the golf cart necessary for six months of storage?
A: While not strictly required if you inflate the tires correctly, lifting the cart onto jack stands is the best way to practice good golf cart off-season maintenance. It completely removes pressure from the tires, preventing flat spots, and also relieves stress on the suspension components.