Follow these steps when prepping your electric golf cart for winter:
- Clean 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
How to winterize your generator?
Winterizing a Standby Generator
- Clear Surrounding Brush. It is a good idea to clear the generator’s area, as this will also give clear access for maintenance.
- Schedule a Routine Tune-up & Cleaning. The next step is to call a professional to perform a routine tune-up. ...
- Install a Battery Warmer. ...
- Run it Periodically. ...
How to winterize your outboard engine?
- Winterizing is Really Important. Correctly preparing your outboard motor for the off-season will help insure that it’s ready to go next spring.
- Keep a Winterization Supplies List. ...
- Treat the Fuel. ...
- Change the Oil. ...
- Fog the Engine. ...
- Change the Gear Lube. ...
- Check the Prop Shaft. ...
- Check the Power Trim Fluid. ...
- Lubricate Any Grease Points. ...
- Coat the Powerhead. ...
How do you change batteries in a golf cart?
Steps to Determine the Voltage of a Golf Cart:
- Raise the seat of your golf cart upwards and find out where the battery compartment is located.
- Now that you have identified the location, check how many holes or cells there are on a battery. ...
- Now, multiply this number by 2 to get the golf cart battery voltage. ...
- Multiply the golf cart battery voltage by the total number of golf cart batteries. ...
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.
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 do you winterize an electric Club Car golf cart?
Plug the fuel tank vent nipple so that it is air tight. We recommend using a slip-on vinyl cap. Disconnect the battery cables: negative cable first, then positive. Make sure the battery is clean: Wash the top and terminals of the battery with a baking soda and water solution (1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon of water).
Can 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 a electric golf cart be stored 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 do you maintain electric 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...
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.
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.
Should you disconnect golf cart batteries for storage?
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 that won't start in the spring.
Does cold weather drain golf cart batteries?
The cold winter months can slow down the rate of charge/discharge on your vehicle, golf cart and equipment batteries. In addition to affecting rates, colder temperatures also carry the risk of freezing the electrolyte if the battery is not stored properly.
How do you store batteries for the winter?
Winter battery storage checklistCharge the batteries one final time. ... Disconnect the negative cable and wait a few hours before checking specific gravity or voltage. ... Disconnect terminals to remove all electrical loads from your batteries. ... Remove batteries, storing them in a cool, dry place where they won't freeze.More items...•
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 ...
What happens when a battery is discharged?
A discharged battery in extremely cold temperatures will allow the electrolyte to freeze, causing it to expand. Electrolyte expansion can crack the battery case, causing a leak or complete battery failure.
How much should a fully charged battery read?
In this example, the battery cell is less than 50 percent charged and should be recharged before being put into winter storage; (a fully charged battery should read approximately 1.270) . If your corrected specific gravity readings are low, fully charging the batteries will put them in a safe state for storage.
Why is it important to check specific gravity on lead acid batteries?
It allows the operator to fully understand the effects of cold temperature on the batteries, and allows them to be properly maintained. While the downside of storing or operating golf car batteries in ...
Can a golf cart battery freeze?
The cold winter months can slow down the rate of charge/discharge on your vehicle, golf cart and equipment batteries. In addition to affecting rates, colder temperatures also carry the risk of freezing the electrolyte if the battery is not stored properly. Here are some key tips to keep golf cart batteries from freezing ...
Does temperature affect battery charge?
Temperature also effects charge and discharge rates. A cold battery will charge and self-discharge slower than a warm battery, but will also exhibit lower capacity. This is especially true for those golf car fleets that are that are able to operate in colder temperatures during winter months. Although these fleets may not experience freezing ...
Can golf car batteries be discharged in cold weather?
Flooded lead-acid batteries used in golf car applications have charge and discharge rates that depend highly upon temperature. While warmer climates tend to speed-up charging and discharging rates, cold winter months can slow down the rate of charge/discharge. In addition to affecting rates, colder temperatures also carry the risk of freezing the electrolyte if the battery is not stored properly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.