Golf Cart Storage: Why It Matters
How you store your golf cart — particularly for winter or extended periods — directly affects battery life, mechanical condition, cosmetic appearance, and resale value. A well-stored cart is worth 10–20% more at trade-in than a poorly stored equivalent.
Storage Preparation Checklist
For All Electric Carts (Before Storage)
☐ Clean the cart thoroughly
Wash body panels, clean seats, and vacuum carpet. Remove any wet or damp items. Moisture accelerates rust and mildew.
☐ Inspect tires
Check tire pressure and condition. Add air if needed. Low tires can develop flat spots in storage.
☐ Check brakes
Ensure parking brake is properly adjusted. Do not leave cart with parking brake fully engaged for months — it can seize or develop flat spots on brake pads.
☐ Protect exterior
Apply a UV protectant to plastic body panels. Cover with a breathable cart cover if stored outdoors.
Lead-Acid Battery Preparation
☐ Fully charge before storage
Lead-acid batteries should be stored fully charged. A discharged lead-acid battery will sulfate (a form of permanent damage) in as little as 30 days.
☐ Check electrolyte levels
For non-sealed lead-acid batteries, check and top off with distilled water before storage.
☐ Connect a maintenance charger
For storage longer than 30 days, use a maintenance charger (trickle charger) rated for your battery system to maintain charge through storage.
☐ Disconnect if not using maintenance charger
If no maintenance charger is available, disconnect the battery terminals to prevent slow discharge.
Lithium Battery Preparation
☐ Charge to 50–70% before storage
Unlike lead-acid, lithium batteries should NOT be stored fully charged. 50–70% state of charge is optimal for long-term lithium storage.
☐ No maintenance charger needed
Lithium's very low self-discharge rate means no maintenance charging is necessary for seasonal storage (up to 6 months).
☐ Temperature considerations
Lithium performs best in moderate temperatures. Avoid storage in locations that exceed 100°F or fall below -4°F for extended periods.
Storage Environment Recommendations
| Storage Location | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-controlled garage | Excellent | Best for battery and cosmetic preservation |
| Unheated garage | Good | Protects from UV and precipitation |
| Carport | Fair | UV exposure accelerates plastic aging |
| Outdoor (covered) | Fair | Use a quality cart cover |
| Outdoor (uncovered) | Poor | Avoid; accelerates all forms of deterioration |
Bringing the Cart Out of Storage
Electric carts:
For service scheduling: TIGON's service departments offer spring inspection and tune-up service. Schedule before the busy season. Schedule service →
Related Guides
- What Golf Cart Holds Its Value — Storage's impact on resale
- Golf Cart Trade-In Guide — Maximizing trade-in value
- Lithium vs. AGM Battery Guide — Battery-specific storage differences
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store a golf cart without using it?
With proper preparation, lithium carts can be stored 6+ months without issue. Lead-acid carts require maintenance charging or full recharge every 30–60 days to prevent sulfation.
Should I store my golf cart inside?
Yes when possible — garage storage is significantly better than outdoor storage for battery health, cosmetic preservation, and overall longevity.
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