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what do i do with my golf cart when i'm not using it for 6 weeks

by Betsy Erdman Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Any lights, radio, or electric components in your cart should always be turned off when you stop using it. Leaving the radio or lights running on an idle golf cart can run down the battery incredibly quickly. In the case of a gasoline-powered golf cart, you may end up having to jump-start the cart to get it working again if this happens.

Here is our step by step process to store your golf cart for the summer.
  1. Charge Batteries Completely.
  2. Refill Water Levels.
  3. Disconnect Battery Charger.
  4. Disconnect Main Positive and Negative Connections.
  5. Lift Golf Cart Of The Floor.
Apr 25, 2018

Full Answer

Should you leave your golf cart plugged in during storage?

According to Club Car, you should leave your cart plugged in during storage and let the computer detect when the batteries need a charge. According to E-Z-GO, you can leave your cart charging during storage, but you should consistently check on your power source. And, according to Yamaha, you should remove your batteries from the cart completely.

What to do if your golf cart is not working?

If your cart is not working, this is the first place to check. Generally, lead acid-based batteries are used for electric golf carts, and you must recharge them regularly so that they function correctly. Make sure to charge and, if needed, clean your batteries properly. Apart from this, golf cart batteries need water added regularly.

How often should I charge my electric golf cart battery?

Charge Your Cart's Batteries Every Day When you use an electric golf cart, you need to make sure they're charged. Once a golf cart's battery dies, you need to charge it thoroughly before you start using it again. That's why it's best to charge your golf cart batteries after every use. This way, you will always know your batteries are fully charged.

Why won’t my golf cart pick up charge?

Leaving your golf cart sitting for long periods, especially in very hot or cold weather, can lead to your batteries losing charge and being unable to pick up a charge as they don’t have enough voltage to click the charger on.

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Should I keep my golf cart plugged in when not in use?

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 a 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 long will golf cart batteries last when not in use?

They may last anywhere from months, up to 5-7 years under the right circumstances. But when left idly in high temperatures for long periods of time (such as in a hot garage in the summertime) or when left unused for months, it can really take a toll of the lifespan.

Should I disconnect golf cart batteries for storage?

It's important to either disconnect the batter- ies from the golf cart while in storage, to re- move any parasitic loads which can discharge the batteries, or based on the type of charger you have, keep the charger plugged into the golf cart.

Should I take the batteries out of my golf cart for the winter?

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.

How do you keep golf cart batteries charged in the winter?

Find an Indoor Storage Area 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.

How long should golf cart batteries hold a charge?

How Long Will a Cart Last Fully Charged? # Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery.

How do you know when golf cart batteries are dying?

8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart BatteriesCharge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.

How long do you charge a golf cart battery?

A relatively-new battery – say 1-3 years old – will typically charge quicker than an older battery. For comparison, a five-year-old battery that is almost fully discharged may take 10 hours or more to charge while a newer battery with the same discharge level may only take 1-3 hours to reach full power capacity.

How do you Summerize a golf cart?

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.

How do you maintain 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...

Confusion Among Golf Cart Owners

At present, there are three major manufacturers of golf carts: Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha, and it comes off that most of the confusion surrounding the issue at hand is their difference of instruction. It can become confusing for many when each of these three prominent golf cart companies gives opposing instructions.

Why Should You Leave a Golf Cart plugged in?

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.

Conclusion

A crucial point to remember is that a golf cart battery is built to discharge and recharge. Retaining a persistent state of full charge is not adequate for your overall battery performance. Enabling the battery to lose its charge before plugging it up again boosts its operational stability, resulting in optimal functioning for much longer.

How to store a golf cart?

The first step is to store your cart where you intend to leave it for the season. Park it in the most convenient space available and switch the forward/reverse control to the neutral position. If you are storing your cart in an area that is exposed or semi-exposed to the elements, then you need to place a cover over your cart to protect it.

How to disconnect a battery from a cart?

Begin Disconnecting. Once the battery has been fully charged and the distilled water has been placed, you can begin to disconnect the charger. First, disconnect the battery charger from the AC outlet before you disconnect it from the cart. You should then disconnect the main positive and negative connections on the battery ...

Can a golf cart break down?

Even when not in use, your golf cart still runs the risk of breaking down over an extended period of time. Most of the problems you can experience stem from the cart’s battery being left alone for so long. It’s essential to make sure that you know how to safely store your gold cart during the summer and take care of it to ensure ...

Can you ruin tires?

The risk of ruining tires is high when a vehicle is left to sit in one spot for an undetermined amount of time. Leaving the tires to support the full weight of the vehicle may ruin them, which will result in you having to purchase a new set.

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.

Why won't my golf cart start?

Like any other electric vehicle, the batteries are mainly at the root of why your cart won't start. After all, they are the primary source of power for your electric golf cart. If your cart is not working, this is the first place to check. Generally, lead acid-based batteries are used for electric golf carts, and you must recharge them regularly so that they function correctly.

What is a direction switch on a golf cart?

The direction switch or forward/reverse switch controls whether the golf cart moves forward or backward. This switch is one of the most used parts in a golf cart, which means it will be subject to wear and tear. You'll find what the issue is if the switch is acting up. There is a big chance that it will need to be replaced. Again, it's best to choose a mechanic for repair.

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 keep golf cart tires from wearing out?

Check Tires Pressure. Make sure to check the air pressure in your golf cart tires every week or so. If you inspect that air pressure is low, fill air in your tires right away. By doing this, you'll protect your golf cart tires from wearing out.

Why is it important to maintain a golf cart?

When you own a golf cart, it's important to keep it maintained for a smoother and trouble-free ride. Regular golf cart maintenance will keep your golf cart running for a long time without any issues.

How to know if golf cart batteries are fully charged?

This way, you will always know your batteries are fully charged. 2. Check the Water Levels in Batteries. Keep a close eye on the water level in your batteries. If the water level is too low, you'll need to add water to bring them back up.

What do you need to know about street legal golf carts?

Inspect Lights and Mirrors. Street legal golf carts are equipped with a street legal light package and side mirrors. If your cart is street legal, do not forget to check turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and mirrors. If any of your lights are not working, read out the owner's manual to find the fuse location. 9.

Can you replace golf cart batteries?

When you need to replace your golf cart batteries, it is best to replace all of the batteries simultaneously. If you put a new battery with an older pack of batteries, then the older batteries will reduce the new battery's life. The older batteries take a longer time to charge than the new ones, and eventually, you will destroy the new ones by overcharging.

Do golf carts need lubrication?

Like other vehicles, golf carts also require regular suspension lubrication. The steering wheel rack and pinion also need to be greased regularly. The frequency of lubricating varies by model, so be sure to read the owner's manual for the required timeframe. If you ever notice oil on the ground near or around your golf cart, get underneath your cart and inspect or just connect with a mechanic.

Strut is leaking oil or shows physical damage

Most of the time if a strut is going bad it is because a seal holding the fluid (usually oil) in the shock starts to get old and starts to let the oil escape. This can often be discovered by a simple inspection of the shock. If it appears to be oily, wet or caked with dust and dirt, it is likely that the shock is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Golf cart is experiencing excessive body roll

Excessive body rolling is another indication of a strut going bad. This test can be performed by driving the golf car then turning the steering wheel so that the golf cart is tracing out an “S” pattern.

Bonus tip

If none of these tests or inspections reveal that your shock is bad, you may want to inspect the shock bushings. These are the rubber or plastic bushings at the ends of the shocks and also found where the leaf springs are bolted to the spring plates or brackets.

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