How to winterize your generator?
Cold Weather is Here: Winterizing Golf-Cart Batteries Clean and Neutralize the Battery Terminals. Any debris left on the battery terminals turns into a conductive... Check the Water Levels. Golf cart batteries, including models from the Trojan Battery Company, usually have …
How to winterize your outboard engine?
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. Set the key switch to "OFF". 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 …
How do you change batteries in a golf cart?
Nov 18, 2015 · As a rule of thumb, subtract four points (.004) from your hydrometer reading for every 10-degrees below 80 °F (5.6-degrees below 27 °C). For example; if the temperature of the electrolyte is 50 °F and your battery specific gravity reading is 1.200, you must subtract .012 from your reading. In this case .004 for every 10-degrees equals .012.
How to winterize your scooter?
Jan 13, 2021 · Tune Up the Engine - Replace your cart’s fuel, oil, and air filters before storing it for winter. Check your spark plug and if needed, install a new one. Disconnect your Batteries - Disconnecting your batteries can prevent any electrical problems while your cart is in storage. After disconnecting the batteries, clean terminal connections.
Should I remove golf cart batteries for winter?
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.Nov 18, 2015
How do I prepare my electric golf cart for the winter?
0:000:473 Winter Storage Tips for Your Electric Golf Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne of the most important thing is to keep your batteries charged over the winter. So they do notMoreOne of the most important thing is to keep your batteries charged over the winter. So they do not free and lastly. Make sure that your vehicle is in the tow maintenance position for the winter.
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.
Should I 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. Set the key switch to "OFF".Dec 6, 2016
Will golf cart batteries freeze in the winter?
If you have a golf cart battery that has not been charged sitting in your garage, it will freeze at around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As many people in cold climates know, this is not all that cold.
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...
Does it hurt to leave golf cart plugged in?
Final Thoughts. No, it's not recommended that you leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. Although automatic chargers are designed to prevent over-charging, there is still the risk of the circuit breaker tripping, which would result in damage to your battery's cells.Sep 6, 2021
How often should you fill golf cart batteries with water?
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.Nov 22, 2016
Should golf cart batteries bubble when charging?
The bubbling or gurgling sound is entirely normal during the charging process, especially when the battery is new because it is essential for the golf cart batteries to solidify the new lead within the batteries, commonly called curing the lead.
How do I store my golf cart for the 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.Feb 7, 2022
How do you store golf cart batteries in the summer?
How To Store Your Golf Cart During The SummerCharge Batteries Completely. a. Turn Key OFF and Remove Key. ... Refill Water Levels. a. Refill water levels to 1/4" above plates, using DISTILLED WATER ONLY. ... Disconnect Battery Charger. a. ... Disconnect Main Positive and Negative Connections. a. ... Lift Golf Cart Of The Floor. a.Apr 25, 2018
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
How to keep golf cart batteries from self discharging?
5. If your batteries for the golf cart are not staying in the car, place them on a wood pallet rather than on the ground. This helps prevent them from self discharging.
How cold should a club car battery be before charging?
If your batteries need to be recharged, the Club Car manual recommends that the area be heated to at least 60 7/8 F prior to charging. Just as batteries do not discharge quickly in cold temps, they don't charge very well either when it's really cold. Never charge a frozen battery.
How to make a dirty battery discharge faster?
3. Check the water levels in all of the battery cells. Use distilled water and an automatic shut off battery filler to fill the cells so the water covers the plates. 4. Check all of the cable connections. They need to be tight and secure.
Why do batteries need to be kept clean?
2. Batteries need to be dry and free of any corrosion and debris. Batteries need to be kept clean and dry to prevent self discharge. Dirty batteries can cause a trickle of small current that can slowly discharge your batteries. Dirty batteries discharge faster than clean batteries. 3.
Can a deep cycle battery be recharged?
If a deep cycle battery is allowed to completely lose it's charge, it may not recharge. If the charge drops significantly and the storage temperature is below freezing the batteries can freeze.
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.
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.
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.
