Should you remove golf cart batteries in the winter?
You want a slow discharge so that the battery maintains its charge. In contrast, leaving the battery in a hot area creates rapid discharge. The power may be gone by the time that you check the charging levels. A cool and dry space within a storage area should be sufficient during the winter months.
How do you keep golf cart batteries over 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.
Should I disconnect golf cart batteries for storage?
If you only have the standard charger, you will want to make sure you fully charge the batteries up prior to storage. All electrical accessories and anything that might draw off the battery pack should be disconnected. The TOW/RUN switch should be set to TOW in order to fully shut the cart down.
Can I store an electric golf cart 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.
Do you need to winterize an electric golf cart?
An electric golf cart needs to be winterized during the cold months of the year due to the vulnerability of its battery pack to cold temperatures. Low winter temperatures slow down the charge, and discharge rate, of your golf cart batteries.
How long can golf cart batteries sit without charging?
An electric golf cart can sit for months without charging if the battery is at about 50% and not exposed to temperatures above 100°F during the storage time. If you leave battery power too high or low while parked, this will damage the battery cells and cause them to wear out sooner.
Will 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.
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 you preserve golf cart batteries?
Here are 6 Tips to Making Your Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer.Always Use Distilled Water. Battery maintenance is best done in a well-ventilated area on a plain and level surface. ... Use a Proper Battery Charger. ... Trickle Charge the Battery. ... Prevent Corrosion. ... Pay More to Last More. ... Use Anti-Corrosion Lubricants.
How do you store batteries for the winter?
Moisture and extreme temperatures are a sure fire way to increase your batteries rate of self-discharge. A good rule of thumb is to store the battery above 32°F and below 80°F.
How do you store lithium batteries for the winter?
Storing them in the proper temperature: Keep your lithium batteries in a place that does not get colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you store lithium golf batteries?
Batteries must be stored and charged on a dry, non-carpeted surface at a temperature ranging between 10°C and 30°C - charging outside these temperatures may reduce capacity; The battery and charger must only be opened and maintained by authorised personnel.
How do you preserve golf cart batteries?
Golf Cart Battery Maintenance1) Keep the top of each golf cart battery dry, clean and tight. ... 2) Charge for 8 to 10 hours with the proper golf cart battery charger. ... 3) Fill all golf cart battery cells ONLY AFTER charging, and do not over fill. ... 4) Use golf cart batteries often.More items...
Can you use a trickle charger on golf cart batteries?
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.
How do you store a golf cart for 3 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.
Will a golf cart battery 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.
When to start preparing golf cart storage?
Fall is a critical time to start preparing the storage of golf cart for the coming winter months ahead. A small amount of cleaning and maintenance is required in order for your cart to survive being locked up in the freezing winter conditions.
When to prep a golf cart for winter?
Prepping The Cart (End Of Fall) During the end of fall season is when you will want to wind up your use of your electric golf cart. The leaves are dropping, the temperature is falling, and you can feel the end is near. Fall is a critical time to start preparing the storage of golf cart for the coming winter months ahead.
What is the best way to clean a battery?
A clean cloth, warm water and baking soda is perfect to clean the battery. The baking soda will neutralize any acid corrosion found.
What is the run/tow switch on a cart?
If the Run/Tow switch is found on your model of cart, it’s very important that you set it to the Run/Storage switch instead. Keeping your cart stored and set to Run/Tow is a great way to drain your battery completely!
Can you store an electric golf cart in the cold?
There comes a time each year when mother nature deems your electric golf cart unusable. The wet weather turns your otherwise enjoyable ride, into an off road journey into the unknown! When the weather turns cold, it’s time to store your golf cart in a safe place.
Can a golf cart rust in the winter?
Winters especially in the US, can reach extremely cold temperatures. If not careful, moisture from the cooler weather can cause havoc on your golf cart. The moisture from rain, ice and snow will exacerbate the amount of rusting if the issue isn’t taken care of beforehand.
Can you over inflate a car tire?
It’s critical that you don’t over inflate your tires. Over inflated tires have known to explode, and they also cause other issues like less stability while driving your cart. Over inflation is more dangerous if you plan on using the cart near-term, compared to during storage time, simply avoid it if you can.
Where you should store your golf cart for winter
You should store your electric golf in a covered dry area, away from any water exposure. A golf cart storage shed would be the best place, but if you don’t have a small storage building with a door, make sure you place it under a shelter, and away from where the elements can get to it. In milder climates, it should be ok to use a golf cart cover.
Will your batteries lose charge by sitting for long periods of time in cold weather?
Batteries naturally self-discharge. Lithium batteries have a much better discharge rate than lead-acid. They will only discharge at about 2% of the charge per month. During the winter months when you won’t be using the cart, you would have to charge your batteries once every 2 weeks.
Will leaving your charger connected all winter hurt your batteries?
It is acceptable to leave our batteries connected to the charger over the winter. However, it is best practice to leave the batteries off the charger and the vehicle in TOW mode. It may be obvious but you’ll be surprised by the number of people who will disconnect but forget to turn the vehicle switch to the TOW position.
How often you should check your batteries during winter storage
Considering lithium golf cart batteries have a much lower rate of discharge than lead-acid, it’s a general rule of thumb to check them once every 3 months. Lead-acid batteries would need to be checked every 2-3 weeks to make sure they stay at a sufficient charge capacity.
Should you charge your batteries before storing them for winter?
The best practice is to leave the batteries partially charged during storage (between 50-80% SOC). The next good practice is to charge the batteries fully before putting them in storage. It is discouraged to store batteries that are very discharged (<50% SOC).
Can you disconnect the batteries to avoid monthly maintenance?
Yes, disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle or other loads, and turning them completely OFF during extended periods of non-use is the best practice.
What is the best battery for electric golf carts?
Lithium batteries outperform lead-acid in every way and have boosted the overall experience of driving a golf cart. Lithium has a long list of advantages over lead-acid but comes with a higher retail price.
How to charge a golf cart battery?
Fill all of the battery cells to the proper levels. Remove the battery tops and use distilled water to raise the water levels in the battery cells to cover the plates. Electrolyte levels in your golf cart batteries are critical, especially when cold weather hits and you need to maintain a full charge to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. ...
How to revive a frozen battery?
First, bring the battery inside and thaw it out, then hook it to an automotive charger that is equipped with clamps to put on the terminals. Set the charger on the lowest charge rate setting and charge the battery for around an hour.
How to clean battery terminals?
Clean the battery terminals posts using 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a 1 quart of water. Use a wire scratch brush to remove the larger deposits. Keep any of the baking soda water from entering the battery. Rinse the battery thoroughly dry with a paper towel. 2.
What is a tow/run switch on a golf cart?
The Tow/Run switch is only installed on a golf car with a separately excited motor that produces regenerative braking. This uses a small amount of power even when the key is off and can take a full charge If your cart has this switch, Set it to “Tow” and set the parking brake.
How do batteries self discharge?
Batteries need to be dry and cleaned of any corrosion and dirt. Batteries can self-discharge by a small trickle of current slowly discharging your batteries through conductive debris.
What happens to electrolytes in cold weather?
Electrolyte expansion during cold weather can crack the battery case, causing complete battery failure. At a 40% state of charge, the electrolyte will freeze. As the state of charge in a battery decreases, the electrolyte solution gets to be more and more like water.
Can you store golf cart batteries in cold weather?
Also, note that golf cart batteries will take longer to charge in colder temperatures than they will in warm weather.
What is the gravity of a golf cart battery?
Every golf-cart battery should have a specific gravity of 1.265. Use the hydrometer’s probes to verify this value. You’ll know for sure that the charge is perfect for storage.
Why use a trickle charger for golf cart batteries?
Use a trickle charger in order to give the battery a power source without hindering its storage capacity. It’s natural for Trojan and Club Car golf cart batteries to slowly lose some charge over the winter months. Keeping up with maintenance will only save you time in the spring.
How to clean battery terminals?
Create a neutralizer with these ingredients, such as: 1 cup baking soda. 1 gallon water. Mix these two items together. Apply it to the battery terminals by using a wire brush. Gently clean off the terminals.
Do golf cart batteries have water?
Golf cart batteries, including models from the Trojan Battery Company, usually have water within their individual cells. Batteries with anything less than a perfect level will break down over the colder months.
Can golf cart batteries be discharged in the winter?
With a clean bill of health, golf cart batteries won’t have any conductive pathways to discharge during the winter. In the spring, the battery will be practically ready to go. Corrosion buildup will only cause problems over time.
Can you add acid to a battery?
Avoid the temptation of overfilling the battery because this action only dilutes the electrolyte, which leads to a decline in charging power. Never add any acid to the battery either. Its electrolytes are perfectly balanced during the manufacturing process.
Can you put a golf cart battery back on?
As an alternative, some people simply put the battery back into its respective spot on the golf cart itself. If you do store the battery on the cart, be sure that it’s not exposed to vibrations. Unnecessary movements of the battery will cause discharge and poor energy storage in the springtime.
Tips for Storing Your Lithium Batteries in the Winter
If you’ve recently made the switch to lithium batteries for your golf cart, boat, or RV, you may be wondering how to store them in the winter during the off-season. While cold weather can negatively affect your batteries, lithium batteries handle it better than the alternative lead-acid batteries.
Cold Weather Effects on Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are taking the world by storm because they’re more efficient at storing and releasing energy than any other type of battery. They can also handle higher and lower temperatures than the alternatives, but extremes on either end can compromise the battery’s efficiency.
Storing Your Lithium Batteries for Winter
Winterizing your lithium batteries is much easier than winterizing lead-acid batteries. Here are a few tips on how to properly store your lithium batteries during the off-season to keep them in optimal condition.
Preparing Lithium Batteries for Use During the Winter
Your lithium batteries should still have plenty of charge during winter storage, but there are still some things to keep in mind if you’re using your battery in the cold.
Proper Care & Maintenance
Fortunately, lithium batteries don’t require any routine maintenance like lead-acid batteries do. You don’t have to worry about adding water, checking acid levels, or cleaning off corrosion.
