Can I store my electric golf cart outside during winter? Generally, it is best to store your electric golf cart indoors to protect it from harsh weather, extreme cold, and moisture, which can damage the batteries and body components. Proper preparation is key to ensuring your cart starts up easily when spring arrives. This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps for electric golf cart winter storage.
Why Winterizing Your Electric Golf Cart Matters
Winter presents several unique challenges for electric vehicles. Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions, especially in batteries. Moisture can cause corrosion. Ignoring these issues leads to costly repairs later. Proper winter maintenance for electric golf carts saves you time and money in the long run.
Preparing for Cold Weather: The Essential First Steps
Before you tuck your cart away, some groundwork is needed. This stage focuses on cleaning and basic checks. Think of this as a mini-tune-up before its long rest.
Cleaning Your Electric Golf Cart Thoroughly
Dirt, mud, and salt are enemies of your cart’s finish and frame. A clean cart resists rust better during storage.
Exterior Cleaning
- Use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Rinse the cart gently. Do not use high-pressure washers near seals or electrical connections. High pressure forces water inside.
- Dry the cart completely. Pay close attention to seams and crevices where water can pool.
Interior and Undercarriage Care
The underside collects road salt and grime. This speeds up corrosion on metal parts.
- Inspect the frame for any signs of rust starting.
- Clean seats and floor mats. Mold and mildew love damp, dirty upholstery left sealed up all winter.
Battery Care for Electric Golf Carts in Winter: The Most Critical Step
The battery system is the heart of your electric golf cart. Battery care for electric golf carts in winter is the most important part of the whole process. Lead-acid batteries lose charge faster in the cold. Lithium batteries are slightly better but still need care.
Managing Lead-Acid Batteries (Flooded or AGM)
Lead-acid batteries must never be stored fully discharged. A fully discharged battery can freeze and crack in freezing temperatures.
Charging and Conditioning
- Ensure the batteries are fully charged just before storage.
- Use a quality, automatic “float” or “trickle” charger designed for golf cart batteries. This keeps them topped up without overcharging.
- Check the water levels in flooded batteries (if applicable). Use distilled water only to fill them just below the fill tube opening after they are fully charged.
Storing Lead-Acid Batteries
If possible, remove the batteries from the cart for storage. This keeps them away from any potential moisture in the cart body.
| Storage Location | Temperature Range | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-Controlled Area | 50°F to 65°F | Best option; minimizes self-discharge. |
| Unheated Garage/Shed | Above Freezing (Ideal) | Good, but requires more frequent checking. |
| Cold Basement | Above 32°F | Acceptable, but monitor charge levels closely. |
Protecting electric golf cart from cold means protecting the batteries. If the ambient temperature drops below 40°F, check the specific gravity or voltage monthly. Recharge them as soon as they drop by about 10-20%.
Caring for Lithium-Ion Batteries (Li-ion)
Lithium batteries handle cold better than lead-acid, but they still need attention.
- Charge the battery to about 50% state of charge (SOC) for long-term storage. Storing Li-ion batteries fully charged for months is not ideal.
- Never let a Li-ion battery drop below its critical low voltage threshold (usually around 10% SOC). This can cause permanent damage.
- Keep them in a location where the temperature stays above 32°F, if possible. Extreme cold temporarily reduces range, but long-term freezing storage can compromise the Battery Management System (BMS).
Protecting the Cart’s Body and Mechanical Parts
Once the power source is handled, focus shifts to the rest of the machine. This involves electric golf cart weatherproofing and mechanical preparation.
Lubrication and Moving Parts
Movement keeps things from seizing up. Even a cart sitting still can benefit from lubrication.
- Apply a light coat of protective lubricant (like white lithium grease) to suspension components, pivot points, and brake linkages. This prevents rust from setting in.
- If you have mechanical brakes (not common on all modern carts), ensure they are not fully engaged, which can cause the pads or shoes to stick to the drums.
Tires and Wheels
Storing electric golf cart tires over winter requires preventing flat spots. Tires left under constant, uneven pressure can develop permanent depressions.
- Inflate the tires to the maximum recommended pressure listed on the sidewall (usually around 20-25 PSI for standard golf cart tires). Higher pressure helps keep them round.
- If possible, elevate the cart onto jack stands. This takes all weight off the tires completely. This is the absolute best way to prevent flat spots.
- If you cannot use stands, move the cart slightly every few weeks to shift the weight distribution.
Inspecting the Body Panels and Finish
Plastic and fiberglass bodies are generally durable, but UV light and drastic temperature swings can cause brittleness.
- Apply a UV protectant or wax to all plastic and painted surfaces before storage. This acts as a barrier against dryness and potential humidity changes.
- Check for small chips or cracks in the paint. Touch these up, as moisture trapped in bare metal spots leads to rust quickly.
Winterizing Golf Cart Charging System and Electrical Components
The charging system must be disconnected correctly to prevent accidental drains or surges during storage.
Disconnecting Power Sources
This is crucial for safety and battery longevity.
- Turn the main key switch to the OFF position.
- If your charger has an external plug, unplug it from the wall outlet.
- If possible, disconnect the main battery pack negative cable. This completely isolates the electronics from the battery bank. Consult your manual, as some modern carts must remain connected to the main pack for the internal controller to maintain some basic functions.
Fostering a Dry Environment
Moisture leads to electrical gremlins, corrosion, and mold. Preparing electric golf cart for cold weather means keeping it dry.
- Electric golf cart antifreeze is not a standard consideration for electric carts as they do not use coolant like gasoline engines do. However, moisture control is the electric equivalent.
- Place moisture absorbers (like silica gel packs or desiccant bags) inside the cart cabin and near the controller box, if accessible. Replace these if they become saturated.
Selecting the Right Storage Location
The storage location dictates how much work you need to do beforehand.
Indoor Storage: The Ideal Choice
A garage, shed, or dedicated storage unit provides the best protection.
- Aim for a spot where the temperature stays consistently above freezing.
- Ensure good airflow. Stagnant, moist air is problematic. Do not seal the cart completely if the air is humid.
Outdoor Storage: When You Have No Choice
If outdoor storage is the only option, maximum protection is necessary. This requires heavy-duty covering electric golf cart for winter.
Choosing the Right Cover
Do not use a simple tarp. Tarps trap moisture underneath them, creating a humid microclimate against the cart’s finish.
- Use a cover specifically designed for golf carts. Look for one that is breathable but waterproof. This allows condensation to escape while keeping rain and snow out.
- Ensure the cover fits snugly underneath. You may need to cinch it tightly around the bottom.
Creating a Barrier Against Snow and Ice
If snow accumulates, it can damage the roof or weigh down the cover.
- Build a simple, temporary frame (using PVC piping or wooden stakes) over the cart. Drape the cover over this frame. This creates an air gap between the cover and the cart body, allowing air circulation and preventing snow load.
Final Checks Before Sealing Up
Before you walk away for the season, do a final review.
- Check Fuses: Briefly inspect the main fuses. Fuses protect the controller and accessories. A blown fuse during storage can prevent you from testing things easily later.
- Remove Accessories: Take out any portable electronics, like GPS units, radios, or chargers, and store them indoors at room temperature.
- Documentation: Make notes on the battery state of charge and where you left the key. This saves time when you retrieve the cart.
What About the Motor and Controller?
The main drive motor and the electronic speed controller (ESC) are generally sealed units. They do not usually require specific lubrication or draining, unlike gas engine components. However, moisture is still their enemy. Ensuring the cart is stored in a dry place is the best defense for the sensitive electronics.
When Spring Arrives: The Reawakening Process
Winter maintenance for electric golf carts also includes a careful startup procedure. Do not just turn the key and drive away.
- Inspect Visually: Check the tires again. If they were sitting on the ground, reinflate them to normal operating pressure (usually 18-20 PSI). Look for any signs of pest intrusion (mice love chewing wires!).
- Battery Reconnection: If you removed the batteries, clean the terminals with a wire brush and apply a thin layer of anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly. Reconnect the main negative cable last.
- Initial Charge Cycle: If lead-acid batteries were stored partially discharged, place them on the charger for a full cycle. For Li-ion, allow them to warm up to room temperature before charging or attempting to run the cart.
- System Check: Turn the key on. Listen for any strange noises. Test the lights and the horn before putting the cart in gear. Take it for a very slow, short drive in a safe area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Winterizing Electric Carts
Q: Do I need to worry about electric golf cart antifreeze?
A: No. Electric golf carts do not use traditional engine coolant. Your concern should be moisture control and protecting the battery system, not antifreeze.
Q: Can I leave my electric golf cart charger plugged in all winter?
A: Yes, but only if you are using a modern, high-quality automatic “float” or “trickle” charger. These chargers monitor the battery voltage and cycle on and off to maintain a perfect charge without overheating the battery. Always confirm your specific charger supports long-term maintenance charging.
Q: What is the minimum temperature electric golf cart batteries can handle?
A: Lead-acid batteries can freeze if they drop below 32°F (0°C) and are deeply discharged. A fully charged lead-acid battery won’t freeze until temperatures drop much lower (around -70°F). Lithium batteries perform poorly below freezing but are generally safe from cracking above 0°F, though they should not be charged below 32°F.
Q: Should I lift my electric golf cart off the ground for winter storage?
A: Lifting the cart (using jack stands) is highly recommended, especially if you plan to store it for more than three months. This completely relieves pressure on the tires, preventing flat spots and making it easier to inspect the undercarriage.
Q: How often should I move the cart if it’s stored outside under a cover?
A: If the cart is resting on its tires, move it a few feet every 3 to 4 weeks. This slight movement prevents the tires from developing permanent flat spots from sitting in the same position under the load of the cart.