Golf-FAQ.com

how to store electric golf cart for several months

by Dr. Marilie Collier II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Manufacturers recommend leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time, but only if using an automatic battery charger. This will keep the batteries topped off and ready to go. If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate and provide less capacity.

7 Tips for Long-Term Golf Cart Storage
  1. Step 1: Fully Charge the Battery. The typical golf cart is run by a 6-volt battery. ...
  2. Step 2: Disconnect the Battery. ...
  3. Step 3: Refill Water Level. ...
  4. Step 4: Secure the Cart. ...
  5. Step 5: Take Care of The Tires. ...
  6. Step 6: Make Sure it's Clean. ...
  7. Step 7: Store it in a Secure Place.

Full Answer

How long can you leave a golf cart battery in storage?

Parking your golf cart in a storage shed or garage and leaving it alone for up to three months will likely end with a golf cart that just won't start come spring. We'd like to walk you through what steps to take when preparing a golf cart battery for winter storage today.

How do I prepare my golf cart battery for winter storage?

We'd like to walk you through what steps to take when preparing a golf cart battery for winter storage today. Before leaving your golf cart, ensure that the battery is clean, fully charged, and has been disconnected from any source of electrical drain.

Can I store my Electric golf cart over winter break?

Your electric golf cart is now ready to be stored over the winter break. We have now checked and maintained all the important parts of your cart. We have also performed all the steps to optimize our battery and ensure it’s going to perform well once the spring and summer months arrive.

Where to store your golf cart?

Where To Store Your Golf Cart. You’ll want to store your cart in a cool, dry and air tight place. A golf cart storage shed is an ideal place, but not everyone has this luxury. At the very least, make sure you place it under shelter, and away from the rain. Extra Tip: Rodent Repellent

image

How do you store battery powered golf carts?

Electric Golf Cart Winter Storage TipsClean the vehicle.Park the vehicle in a covered, dry location.Fully charge the battery.Disconnect battery cables.Check the tire pressure.Turn the key switch to the OFF position and remove the key.Turn the power switch under the seat to the TOW position.

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 long can golf cart batteries sit without charging?

Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use.

Should I plug in my golf cart after every use?

Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

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.

How do I winterize my electric golf cart?

0:105:15Winterizing Your Electric Cart - Customcarts.ca - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first initial step is to go through and inspect all your cables on your batteries. The next stepMoreThe first initial step is to go through and inspect all your cables on your batteries. The next step after that would be to open the cells of the batteries.

How often should you fill golf cart batteries with water?

about once every 30 daysAlways fill the batteries after charging. The typical schedule is about once every 30 days, but this may vary by several days depending on your specific situation. When filling the batteries, add just enough water to bring it 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch shy of the indicator ring to prevent overfilling.

How long can golf cart batteries sit?

Golf cart batteries should last for 4-5years. So after 4-5 years if you're finding your golf cart is getting sluggish, it may be time for a new set of batteries.

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 long do 48 volt golf cart batteries last?

between five and ten yearsWhen you take care of your golf cart's battery, you can expect it to last anywhere between five and ten years.

Is it safe to charge a golf cart in the garage?

Batteries should never be used longer than recommended by the manufacturer. When charging a golf cart, it is preferable to do so outside, but it is acceptable to charge them in a garage as long as the windows and door are open or it is otherwise well ventilated.

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 clean a 6 volt golf car battery?

Clean your 6 volt golf car batteries with a mixture of water and baking soda before it goes into storage. After the initial maintenance when you put your car into storage, batteries should be charged and water levels checked at least monthly while not in use.

Why do you winterize an electric golf car?

Winterizing your electric golf car for the off-season is critical to prevent costly repairs and making your first round of the new year as fun as it should be .

How many holes can you run with 6 volt golf batteries?

Simple, regular maintenance of your 6 volt golf car batteries during the off-season ensures that your car is ready to run when the time comes, but neglecting to care for them will leave you with a car that can’t make it out of the garage, let alone 18 holes.

How to prevent a car from rolling?

Do not engage the parking brake, but do secure the car from rolling. Check compartments and remove perishables, as well as all belongings if not stored in a secure location. Check tire pressure and re-inflate tires, if necessary. Clean flooring and upholstery.

How to winterize a car?

Start by moving your car wherever it is going to be stored. If you plan on storing it outside, or in a semi-enclosed area that is still exposed to the weather, be sure to protect the car with a secure cover once you have completed the initial winterizing maintenance.

If any of the following conditions exist, use this electric vehicle long-term storage method

The charger cannot remain plugged in continuously throughout the storage period.

Two weeks prior to storage

Check the water levels in each battery cell. If water is required, fill the cells to cover the plates, charge the set and then use distilled water to top off each cell. The electrolyte level should be from 1/2-inch (13 mm) above plates to 1/4-inch (6 mm) below the level indicator.

Is it time to have your golf cart serviced?

Call 1-800-248-8871 to book your golf cart in for service or contact us through our website.

What is the 'Run/Tow' switch on a golf car?

If your golf car is an electric RXV, make sure the 'Run/Tow' switch is set to the 'Run/Storage' position. Remember, if it's left in the 'Tow" position, it will continue to drain the batteries over time.

Do golf cart batteries self discharge?

Before leaving your golf cart, ensure that the battery is clean, fully charged, and has been disconnected from any source of electrical drain. Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don't disconnect your battery's wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart battery ...

Can you put away a golf cart in winter?

If you're the type to put away your golf cart or ATV for winter storage, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure that your battery stays in peak condition, even if you're not heading out on the course or into the woods during the colder months. We've spoken before about winterizing your ATV, but we haven't really taken a close look ...

How to protect a golf cart from mold?

Wash dust and dirt off of the body and wax if desired. Treatments can also be applied to seats and tires. Storage covers may help protect the cart but be sure to choose a breathable option as plastic ones will hold moisture and cause mold.

How to clean a cart battery?

Start with the battery packs using a battery acid neutralizer (baking soda & distilled water,) then treat battery terminal connections with a battery terminal protector spray.

Why do you need a tow/run switch on a cart?

The TOW/RUN switch should be set to TOW in order to fully shut the cart down. If left in RUN mode, the electronic speed controller will stay energized and continue to monitor for a roll away situation and draw power from the batteries.

How long does it take for a lead acid battery to self discharge?

Deep-cycle lead acid batteries will self-discharge when not in use for an extended period of time. This can happen in as little as 30 days in the heat of a Florida summer.

How often should you charge a key switch?

Ideally, you would have someone who you trust to check the water levels and charge the batteries at least once per month. Unfortunately, batteries are not the only thing to consider.

Do golf carts have smart chargers?

There are also many golf carts on the market these days that include onboard smart chargers and are a very attractive option when you're looking to upgrade, such as the ETECH models that we stock. If you only have the standard charger, you will want to make sure you fully charge the batteries up prior to storage.

Can batteries cause flat tires?

For example, if a golf cart is left sitting in one spot for an extended amount of time it can cause flat spots on the tires.

How to keep car battery in good condition?

First, in terms of keeping the car’s main battery in good condition, you’re best off not leaving the car plugged in for long periods. Just make sure it has a good amount of charge in it – ideally 80% or more – and then unplug it. Coil the cables neatly but loosely so they don't get kinked.

Can you leave an electric car standing?

It’s easy to think that leaving an electric car standing for long periods would require nothing more than plugging it in, locking it and walking away. And you may well get away with that.

Can you store lead acid batteries indoors?

It’s better – if not essential – to store this lead-acid battery indoors rather than leaving it in a car that’s stored outside, as temperature changes aren’t friendly to battery charge and condition.

Can you jump start a car from an electric car?

You must not jump start another car from an electric car or plug-in hybrid, however, as that can damage the electrics in the plug-in vehicle. Always check the owner’s handbook regards jump-starting, as manufacturer advice varies between brands.

Can you use a trickle charger in an electric car?

Alternatively, a trickle-charger (an inexpensive purchase from any good car parts store) can be used to maintain charge in a 12v battery in an electric car, but the car will need to be parked in a garage with access to a domestic socket.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9