How to Winterize Your Golf Cart

Winterizing your golf cart is essential to protect it from cold weather and ensure it operates smoothly when you’re ready to use it again.

1. Clean Your Golf Cart

• Exterior: Wash and dry the cart thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and road salts that could cause corrosion.
• Interior: Clear out trash, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum the interior.
• Underneath: Inspect and clean the undercarriage to ensure no mud or debris is left.

2. Acid, Lithium, or Gas

Lithium

• Charge the Battery: Fully charge the lithium battery before storage to maintain its health.
• Check Voltage: Ensure the battery is holding an appropriate charge (check the manufacturer's recommendations for specific voltage levels).
• Disconnect if Needed: If you’re storing the cart for an extended period, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent parasitic drains.
• Store in a Warm Place: Lithium batteries don’t perform well in freezing temperatures. If possible, store the battery in a climate-controlled area between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Avoid extreme cold or heat. If you are storing your cart below freezing temperatures then turn the battery off and do not charge in freezing temperatures.
• Use a Maintenance Charger: If your cart allows, use a trickle or maintenance charger compatible with lithium batteries.

Acid

• Inspect the Batteries:
  • Check for corrosion on the terminals and clean them using a mixture of baking soda and water. Use a wire brush to remove buildup.
  • Inspect for any cracks or damage to the battery case.
• Top Off Electrolyte Levels:
  • Open the battery caps and ensure the water level covers the plates. Use distilled water to top off if needed.
• Fully Charge the Batteries:
  • Charge the batteries completely before storing. A full charge helps prevent sulfation (crystal buildup on the plates).
• Disconnect the Batteries:
  • Remove the negative cable first, then the positive. Store the cart with the batteries disconnected to prevent parasitic power drains.
• Consider a Battery Maintainer:
  • If possible, use a battery maintainer designed for lead-acid batteries to keep the charge steady throughout storage.
• Store Batteries in a Warm Location:
  • If winter temperatures drop below freezing, remove the batteries and store them in a location above 32°F (0°C). Cold can damage or freeze lead-acid batteries.

Gas

 Prepare the Engine

• Change the Oil and Filter:
  • Drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil suitable for your engine.
  • Replace the oil filter if your cart has one.
• Add Fuel Stabilizer:
  • Fill the gas tank to about 90% full to prevent condensation.
  • Add a fuel stabilizer according to the product instructions and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it through the system.
• Empty the Carburetor:
  • Turn off the fuel valve and run the engine until it stalls to empty the carburetor of any remaining fuel.
  • This step prevents varnish buildup in the carburetor during storage.

Maintain the Battery

• Disconnect the Battery:
  • Remove the negative cable first, then the positive, and store the battery in a cool, dry place.
• Charge Fully:
  • Fully charge the battery before storage and periodically recharge it throughout the winter to maintain its health.
• Clean Terminals:
  • Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the terminals, then apply terminal grease to prevent corrosion.

3. Protect the Tires

• Check Tire Pressure: Inflate the tires to the recommended PSI to prevent flat spots from developing during storage.
• Lift the Cart (Optional): Use jack stands to lift the cart slightly off the ground if it will be sitting for an extended time.

4. Cover and Store Properly

• Use a Quality Cover: Protect your golf cart with a breathable, weatherproof cover to shield it from dust, moisture, and dirt.
• Choose the Right Storage Location: Store the cart indoors if possible. If outdoors, ensure the cover is secure and the cart is on a level surface.

5. Perform a Final Inspection

• Check for Wear: Look for any signs of wear or damage and address them before storaging.
• Secure Loose Items: Remove any accessories or items that could be damaged or cause harm during storage.

By following these steps, your golf cart will be well-prepared to handle the winter and ready to roll when warmer weather returns!