Yes, you absolutely need to winterize your golf cart if you plan to store it for an extended period during cold weather. Skipping this step can lead to serious damage, especially to the battery and tires. This guide gives you the complete steps for proper golf cart winter storage tips.
Preparing Your Golf Cart for Cold Weather
Winterizing your golf cart means taking steps to protect golf cart from cold temperatures and moisture. This preparation helps keep your cart running well when spring returns. It also saves you money on costly repairs later. Think of it as a long nap for your cart.
Basic Cleaning and Inspection
Before you put your cart away, a good cleaning is a must. Dirt and grime can hold moisture. This moisture can cause rust or damage finishes over time.
Exterior Cleaning
Wash the entire cart thoroughly. Use mild soap and water. Rinse off all soap residue completely. Dry the cart well afterward. Pay special attention to areas where water might sit.
Undercarriage Check
Look under the cart. Check the frame and suspension parts. Look for any loose bolts or obvious damage. Tighten anything that seems wobbly.
Inspect Tires
Tires can lose air pressure when stored. Check the sidewalls for cracks or dry rot. This often happens when tires sit in one spot for months.
- Clean the tires well.
- Apply a rubber protectant. This keeps the rubber from drying out.
- Adjust the tire pressure. Lower the pressure slightly, but do not let them go flat. This is one key part of golf cart maintenance winter.
Fuel System Care (For Gas Carts)
Gasoline breaks down over time. This breakdown can clog the fuel system. You must treat the fuel before storing a gas cart.
Adding Fuel Stabilizer
Buy a quality fuel stabilizer product. Follow the directions on the stabilizer bottle closely.
- Add the right amount of stabilizer to your gas can.
- Pour the treated gas into the cart’s fuel tank. Fill the tank almost all the way full. This reduces air space, which limits condensation.
- Run the engine for about 10 to 15 minutes. This makes sure the treated fuel moves through the carburetor and fuel lines. This step is vital for storing golf cart for winter.
Draining the Carburetor (Optional but Recommended)
If your cart sits for very long periods, you might want to drain the carburetor bowl. This removes all old fuel from the smallest parts of the fuel system. Check your owner’s manual for the drain plug location.
Critical Steps for Golf Cart Battery Care in Winter
The battery is the heart of an electric cart. Taking care of it is the most important part of winterizing electric golf cart. Cold weather hurts battery life quickly.
Battery Status Check
Before storing, fully charge the battery. Never store a battery in a discharged state. Sulfation happens quickly on a low charge. This greatly shortens battery life.
Disconnecting the Battery
For most carts, disconnect the negative battery cable. This stops any slow drain from accessories or the controller.
Storing Batteries in Cold Climates
This is where many people make mistakes. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions in batteries. It also makes them lose charge faster.
For Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries:
These batteries need the most care.
- Check the water levels. Fill them with distilled water only to the proper line.
- Charge them fully right before storage.
- If possible, remove the batteries from the cart. Store them in a cool, dry place, like a basement or heated garage. The temperature should ideally stay above freezing (32°F or 0°C).
- If you cannot remove them, keep them on a trickle charger or battery tender specifically designed for deep-cycle batteries. This keeps the charge topped up without overcharging. This is crucial golf cart battery care in winter.
For AGM or Gel Batteries:
These are less prone to freezing but still need attention.
- Keep them fully charged.
- Use a smart charger or maintainer designed for these types.
Note on Freezing: A fully charged 12-volt lead-acid battery freezes around -70°F. A fully dead battery freezes near 20°F. Keeping them charged prevents golf cart freeze protection issues.
| Battery State of Charge | Approximate Freezing Point | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Charged | -70°F (-57°C) | Store fully charged. |
| 50% Charged | 0°F (-18°C) | Needs constant monitoring. |
| 0% Charged | 20°F (-7°C) | Danger of cracking/damage. |
Protecting the Brakes and Moving Parts
While the cart is stopped, moving parts can seize up, and brakes can stick.
Applying Brakes
Do not engage the parking brake. If you leave the brake on for months, the pads can fuse to the drum or rotor. Instead, secure the cart by blocking the wheels. Use sturdy wheel chocks on both sides of the tires.
Lubrication
Grease all moving joints, such as the suspension fittings and steering linkage, before storage. This stops corrosion and keeps them ready for use next season. This fits well into a comprehensive golf cart winterizing guide.
Preparing the Body and Interior
The body needs protection from pests and dampness.
Cleaning the Interior
Remove all trash, food wrappers, and anything else that might attract rodents. Rodents love to chew on wires and upholstery.
Wipe down all vinyl and plastic surfaces. If you have a plush seat, clean it thoroughly. Damp seats can grow mold or mildew while stored.
Pest Control
Place mothballs or peppermint oil sachets inside the cabin and under the hood/battery compartment. These smells deter mice and insects without harming the cart’s electronics.
Securing the Cart
If you store the cart outside, use a high-quality, waterproof, breathable golf cart cover for winter.
- A proper cover lets air circulate. This prevents moisture buildup underneath.
- Avoid cheap plastic tarps. They trap moisture and promote rust and mold growth.
- If storing indoors, a simple dust cover might work, but a fitted cover is always better.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
The location significantly affects how well your cart survives the winter. The goal is dry, stable temperatures.
Indoor Storage Options
The best place is a climate-controlled garage or shed. This keeps temperatures moderate and moisture low. This is the best way to protect golf cart from cold.
Outdoor Storage Considerations
If outdoor storage is the only choice, you must take extra precautions.
- Elevate the Cart: If possible, place the cart on wooden blocks or sturdy platforms. This keeps the tires and frame away from cold, damp concrete floors. Concrete wicks moisture, making the area around the cart very damp.
- Use a Solid Shelter: Use a secure shed, carport, or heavy-duty canopy.
- Cover Properly: Use that high-quality, breathable golf cart cover for winter. Ensure the skirt of the cover sits tightly near the ground to keep pests out, but not so tight that air cannot move at all.
Finalizing the Golf Cart Winterizing Checklist
To make sure you don’t miss anything, review this quick checklist. This covers the basics of the golf cart winterizing checklist.
| Task | Gas Cart | Electric Cart | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash and Dry Exterior | Yes | Yes | $\square$ |
| Treat Fuel & Run Engine | Yes | N/A | $\square$ |
| Fully Charge Battery | N/A | Yes | $\square$ |
| Disconnect Battery Cables | Optional | Yes | $\square$ |
| Remove or Maintain Battery | N/A | Yes | $\square$ |
| Lubricate Moving Parts | Yes | Yes | $\square$ |
| Chock Wheels (Do not use brake) | Yes | Yes | $\square$ |
| Clean Interior & Pest Control | Yes | Yes | $\square$ |
| Apply Breathable Cover | Yes | Yes | $\square$ |
Getting the Cart Ready for Spring Revival
When spring finally arrives, you need to reverse the process. A quick revival is much easier than fixing winter damage.
Battery Revival
If you used a maintainer, the battery should be ready. If you disconnected it, reconnect the cables (negative last).
- Inspect the battery terminals for any corrosion (white or blue powder). Clean it off with a baking soda and water paste, then rinse and dry.
- Check the water levels again (for flooded batteries).
- Put the cart in “run” mode.
- Turn the key and allow the cart to run briefly. Listen for any strange noises.
Gas Cart Start-Up
If you used stabilizer, the gas should still be good.
- Check the oil level.
- Check the air filter.
- Turn the key to prime the system, then start the engine. Let it run gently for a few minutes. If it runs rough, you might need to drain the old fuel completely and refill with fresh gas.
General Inspection
Check the tire pressure and inflate them to the correct level. Test the lights, horn, and forward/reverse functions. This final check is part of good golf cart maintenance winter reversal.
Special Focus: Storing Lifted Carts or Carts with Accessories
If your cart has big tires, a lift kit, or aftermarket accessories, these items also need attention.
Lift Kit and Suspension
The springs and shocks are exposed to road grime, even when sitting. Give these components a thorough inspection. If they look rusty, consider applying a rust inhibitor spray.
Aftermarket Wiring
If you added aftermarket lights, stereos, or winches, check those connections. Moisture can easily corrode exposed wires. Ensure all connections are tight and dry.
Windshields and Cans
If you have a plastic or acrylic windshield, clean it gently. Store the cart with the windshield up, not down flat against the roof, if possible. Pressure on the plastic can cause stress cracks over time. Store loose items like coolers or cup holders inside a dry area.
Comprehending Different Storage Durations
How long you store the golf cart for winter changes the intensity of your preparation.
Short-Term Storage (1–2 Months)
If you live in a mild climate and only plan to use the cart occasionally during mild winter spells:
- Full charge on the battery.
- Keep it connected to a smart maintainer.
- Use a light cover.
Long-Term Storage (3+ Months)
This requires the full procedure laid out in this golf cart winterizing guide: fuel treatment, battery removal (if possible), and thorough cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Winterizing
Can I store my electric golf cart outside uncovered?
No, you should never store any golf cart outside uncovered, especially during winter. Exposure to rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures will damage the body, rust metal parts, and severely degrade the battery chemistry. A quality golf cart cover for winter is essential.
How often should I check the battery during winter storage?
For lead-acid batteries stored in the cart, check the charge level monthly. If you are using a smart maintainer, it manages the charge for you. If batteries are removed and stored separately, check them every 6-8 weeks, especially if the storage area is cold.
What happens if I skip the fuel stabilizer for my gas cart?
The gasoline will degrade. Varnish and gummy deposits will form in the carburetor jets and fuel lines. When you try to start the cart in the spring, it will likely surge, run poorly, or fail to start at all, requiring professional carburetor cleaning.
Is it okay to use a regular tarp as a golf cart cover for winter?
Using a regular plastic tarp is highly discouraged. Tarps trap moisture against the cart body, causing condensation, mold, mildew, and rapid rusting. Always choose a heavy-duty, waterproof, but breathable cover.
Do I need to worry about rats chewing wires if I store it in a shed?
Yes, rodents often seek warm, dry places for nesting during winter. This is why placing mothballs or peppermint sachets inside the cabin and engine bay is a necessary part of golf cart winter storage tips. Check for signs of nesting before the final storage.