How To Store Your Electric Golf Cart For Winter
- Check Tire Pressure. The first thing you’ll need to do is check the tire pressure on all four tires. ...
- Battery Maintenance. Keeping a well maintained battery will do wonders for your electric golf cart. ...
- Set The Switches. Many golfers forget to set the correct switches when storing their electric golf cart during winter.
- Look For Rust Spots. It’s good practice to give your cart a detailed inspection. You won’t need a mechanic, you can do this yourself.
- Clean & Wash Your Cart. So we now have our tire pressure checked, our battery in optimal condition, and cart repainted. ...
- Final Step – Covering Your Electric Golf Cart. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. Your electric golf cart is now ready to be stored over the winter break.
How to store your electric golf cart for the winter?
Preparing Your Golf Car Battery for Storage
- Start by moving your car wherever it is going to be stored. ...
- Leave the forward/reverse switch in the neutral position.
- Depending on your golf car, it will have either a tow/run or a maintenance/run switch. ...
- Fully charge the battery and water it with distilled water. ...
- Check terminals and cords for damage and corrosion. ...
What can go wrong in an electric golf cart?
What can go wrong in an electric golf cart?
- Batteries. Batteries can be one of the most common problems that take places in an electric golf car, however it doesn’t have to be with some proper education.
- Ignition. When you love to play golf, then you will be regularly visiting golf courses. ...
- Solenoid. It is one of the essential parts of the golf cart. ...
- Direction Switch. ...
- Controller. ...
- Bottom line. ...
How to winterize your RV generator?
Top 9 Tips for Winterization
- Drain Tanks and Water Lines. To prevent burst pipes during freezes, you need to remove all the water from your RV plumbing system and possibly add antifreeze.
- Clean Your RV. The first step to prep for storing your RV is to clean the inside and outside deeply. ...
- Prepare Appliances. ...
- Cover Openings. ...
- Motorhome and Generator Engine Maintenance. ...
How to winterize your scooter?
[4 Important Steps]
- Battery Maintenance: Over the cold winter months, batteries have a tendency to discharge. ...
- Gasoline and Carburetor Maintenance: Most gasoline now contains ethanol that is added to gas in the refining process. ...
- Tire Storage: Over time, tires that don’t roll tend to deflate and become misshapen from sitting in the same spot.
Should I leave my electric golf cart plugged in all winter?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
How do you store an electric golf cart for 6 months?
7 Tips for Long-Term Golf Cart StorageStep 1: Fully Charge the Battery. The typical golf cart is run by a 6-volt battery. ... Step 2: Disconnect the Battery. ... Step 3: Refill Water Level. ... Step 4: Secure the Cart. ... Step 5: Take Care of The Tires. ... Step 6: Make Sure it's Clean. ... Step 7: Store it in a Secure Place.
How do I protect my golf cart batteries in the winter?
Keep them in a cool area and stay away from areas that are near heat sources such as radiators or heaters, since hot temperatures accelerate battery self-discharge. In addition, al- ways avoid areas where freezing temperatures are expected during the storage pe- riod.
Do you have to winterize golf cart batteries?
The best place to store any golf-cart batteries is by looking for a cool and dry area. It shouldn't be cold, such as an exposed area to the elements, but cool. Cool temperatures will slow the battery's discharge rate. You want a slow discharge so that the battery maintains its charge.
Can golf carts stay outside in winter?
Golf carts can be stored outside for shorter and even longer periods. But one thing comes under consideration while keeping them outside and without any protection, i.e., they can quickly wear out. Golf carts left outside for weeks can cause severe exterior and surface damage and even sometimes become immovable.
How long can golf cart batteries sit without charging?
Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use.
Will electric golf cart batteries freeze?
Yes, golf cart batteries can freeze. There are a few factors that are going to affect how the golf cart battery freezes, and we will help try to explain that. A battery that is not charged is going to freeze at a much higher temperature than a battery that is charged.
Can you put a trickle charger on a golf cart?
If you tend to use the golf cart during the warmer months and store it during the winter, pick a trickle charger to make the battery last longer. These chargers connect to the battery over weeks or months at a time. They provide enough power to the battery to keep it charged but without harming the internal components.
What do I need to do to winterize a golf cart?
Winter Storage Tips for Your Golf CartClean the vehicle. Before storing, it is imperative that you clean your golf cart, inside and out. ... Drain the fuel. Drain the gas from your cart. ... Perform a full check up. ... Prepare the battery. ... Inflate the tires. ... Ensure the cart won't move. ... Park the vehicle in the proper position.
Can I drive my electric golf cart in the snow?
Don't be worried about taking your electric golf cart out in the snow as long as you are not going to just leave it without it running or charging. As long as the cart is being used and moved around, the battery should not have any issues.
How to protect golf clubs from rain?
Rain curtains, which protect the golf clubs during rain, are usually held in place by snaps or a zipper. Unzip the cover or pull the snaps to release. Neatly fold the rain curtain inside out and bring inside. The curtain can be left on the cart if it will be stored in a garage.
How to clean a battery with a neutralizer?
The neutralizer acts as a cleaning agent. Use an old paintbrush, if necessary, to place the neutralizer all over the battery. After a few minutes use water to clear the solution from the battery and remove debris. Dry the battery and the area around it with a towel.
How to winterize a golf cart?
You can winterize your electric golf cart and get it ready for the storage season by following a few simple steps. If possible , store the golf cart in an enclosed garage. Keeping it out of ice, snow and other elements will prolong its life. If space is limited in your garage consider transporting the golf cart to a climate-controlled storage storage facility where you can rent a small unit for the winter. Invest in a quality cart cover if the cart has to be left outside.
How to clean a car cart?
Use a water hose and a mild detergent or car wash solution to clean the cart. Remove all dirt and grime from the vehicle. Wipe it dry with a soft hand towel. Check the air pressure in the tires using a tire gauge. Find the valve stem on one of the tires; it will be an inch or so long and will protrude from the tire.
Can you leave a curtain on a golf cart?
The curtain can be left on the cart if it will be stored in a garage. In that case, pull down the cover as if it was being used to protect the clubs during rain. Drive the cart into the garage or outside area where it will be stored. Gain access to the battery compartment by lifting or removing the seat.
Do all golf carts have a neutral switch?
Not all golf carts will have this switch. If yours does, turn the switch to tow to completely shut down the electrical system for the storage period. Other carts may have a forward/neutral/reverse switch located on the dashboard or elsewhere in the cart. Set that switch to neutral.
Who is Robert Lee?
Robert Lee has been an entrepreneur and writer with a background in starting small businesses since 1974. He has written for various websites and for several daily and community newspapers on a wide variety of topics, including business, the Internet economy and more.
What is a golf cart enclosure?
Golf cart enclosures provide proper doors and frame to your cart, and that’s why it’s a must have accessory for winter rides. The enclosure offers safety in case of snow, rain, or just plain cold.
What to look for when using a golf cart in winter?
While you are using your golf cart for winters, keep an eye out for smaller issues like missing screws, broken bolts, or loose nuts. These little things may seem unimportant, but they can cause serious problems down the road.
What happens when you drive a cart in winter?
Driving your cart in winter means you will most likelydeal with road salt, leading to corrosion on your frame and other engine parts. A quick corrosion protection spray will help prevent salt-laden moisture from sticking to metal parts.
Do you need to check brakes in snow?
Do not forget to check your brakes to ensure they are in good condition and clean any dust or dirt on them. It is essential to check and replace your brakes before using them in snow.
Golf Cart Shelter
Although driving a golf cart in the snow is possible, golf is not a Winter sport, so you rather store your cart for the cold period. However, do not wait for the snow to fall but prepare your electric golf cart for long-term storage when the leaves start falling and temperatures drop significantly.
Basic Winterizing Maintenance
After finding a shelter for long-term winter storage, it is time to maintain and prepare your golf cart just as if you would do that with your family car or SUV, for example. Of course, procedures are different and more straightforward, especially if you drive a gas automobile. One thing is common for sure – the complete detailed cleaning.
Battery Care
Many specialists highlight that when you winterize your electric golf cart, the most critical maintenance is battery care. The battery pack for the electric motor in the cart is like a blood source for the heart in the human body.
Safety Measures
Golf cart winterizing is related to some maintenance operations that require taking special safety measures. It is not a secret that working with electricity and acid is not safe if you do not follow some safety requirements. A careless approach to any power source can cause fire or even death, while acid can burn you seriously.
Golf Cart Covers
Once the preventive maintenance is done and you double-checked your golf cart batteries, wiring, and connections, plugs, tire pressure, braking system, etc., you may think it is time to leave your small electric vehicle in peace for the winter. Of course, you are ready to do that.
Rodent Prevention
Some people may consider this information irrelative, but in fact, lessons learned from golf and any other vehicle long-term storage prove that rodent menace is real. Golf cart wiring is a favorite dish for rodents, such as mice and rats.
Clean the Cart
Dirt and grime become harder to remove the longer they’re allowed to stay, so you’ll want to thoroughly clean the cart before putting it away. A little bit of soap and water should get the job done, but if you don’t have a cover, consider waxing the paint to give it an added layer of protection.
Check the Brakes and Tires
You should also check the brakes and tires of your cart. Winter is the best time to send your cart in for repairs because you already won’t be using it. Inspect your vehicle to see that everything is in working order for next spring.
Empty the Gas Lines
This tip will only apply to you if you have a gas-powered golf cart. You’ll need to clean out your gas lines before the winter because the petrol could cause damage to your fuel systems if it just sits there. The easiest way to clean out the fuel lines is to run the engine until it is out of gas.
Disconnect the Battery
When you are decommissioning a battery for the season, you’ll want to unhook the plugs. Then, clean your connection points with anti-corrosion gel. Otherwise, a battery might corrode during the winter, causing it to become useless.
Put It in Neutral
Leaving a car parked places pressure on your brakes, and if you have your emergency brake down, that places unnecessary tension on your cables. When storing your golf cart, place it in neutral and then use bricks or blocks to hold it in place. This way, your braking systems can relax when they aren’t in use.
What happens when the battery light is off in tow mode?
When in Tow mode, the amber battery warning light will not illuminate. Do not attempt to use the battery light as an indication of battery state while in storage. If AC power is off for 7 days or longer, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted.
Why should the tow/run switch be placed in the tow position?
If the chargers are not going to be used to maintain batteries, the Tow/Run switch should be placed in the TOW position and the batteries disconnected after a full charge to prevent any parasitic loss during storage.
How to protect a car from rolling?
To protect the engine, remove the spark plug and pour 1/2 ounce of SAE 10 weight oil into the engine through the spark plug hole. Rotate the crankshaft by hand several times, and then install the spark plug. Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.
What happens if you don't store your car properly?
WARNING: Failure to store a vehicle properly during extended storage periods can result in battery and/or engine damage and render the vehicle inoperative. To prepare a vehicle for winter storage, the following steps outline the procedure that should be followed.
Do you need to charge a battery before off season?
Batteries should be fully charged prior to cars going into off-season storage. Ensure electrolyte level is at the proper level. Only check electrolyte level on a fully charged battery. If electrolyte level is below the top of the plates, refer to the Battery Care section of the Owner’s Manual. Check all electrical wiring ...
