How to Winterize and Store Your Golf Cart for Cold Weather

What Is Winterizing a Golf Cart?

Winterizing a golf cart involves preparing it for extended periods of inactivity during the cold winter months. This process includes cleaning, maintenance, and specific steps to protect your golf cart from the harsh winter elements. Proper winterization ensures your golf cart remains in optimal condition and is ready for use when warmer weather returns.

Why Is It Important to Winterize Your Golf Cart?

Winterizing your golf cart is crucial to prevent damage from freezing temperatures, moisture, and inactivity. Without proper preparation, components like batteries, tires, and moving parts can suffer from corrosion, freezing, and other issues. By winterizing your golf cart, you extend its lifespan, maintain its performance, and avoid costly repairs in the spring.

How to Winterize Your Golf Cart?

1. Clean and Dry Your Golf Cart

Start by giving your golf cart a thorough cleaning. Remove all dirt, grime, and debris from the exterior and interior. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and wheels, as these areas are prone to dirt buildup. Ensure the cart is completely dry before proceeding to avoid moisture-related damage.

2. Check and Replace the Batteries

Fully charged lead-acid batteries won’t freeze until temperatures drop to -94°F, but batteries with a state of charge (SOC) of 25% can freeze at 9°F. Keep the batteries charged throughout winter, ideally every other week. If possible, store the cart in a location with more favorable temperatures. For carts with Club Car OBC, the charger won’t turn on unless it detects power drain, so drive it a couple of feet to engage the charger. Consider having a professional technician handle battery maintenance to ensure proper care.

3. Add Fuel Stabilizer

For gas-powered golf carts, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This prevents the fuel from breaking down and causing engine issues. Run the engine for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to ensure it circulates throughout the system.

4. Change the Oil and Filter

Before storing your cart, change the oil and filter to remove any contaminants that could cause damage during storage. Fresh oil helps protect the engine and ensures it runs smoothly when you use it again in the spring.

5. Check and Replace the Tires

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and inspect them for any signs of wear or damage. If possible, lift the cart off the ground to prevent flat spots and reduce stress on the suspension components.

6. Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubricate all moving parts, including the suspension, steering, and brake components. This prevents rust and ensures that these parts remain functional during storage.

7. Cover the Golf Cart

Use a high-quality, weather-resistant cover to protect your golf cart from dust, moisture, and UV rays. Ensure the cover fits snugly and securely.

How to Store Your Golf Cart During Winter?

1. Find a Suitable Storage Location

Store your golf cart in a dry, sheltered area such as a garage, barn, or storage shed. If indoor storage is not an option, use a heavy-duty cover and place the cart on a raised platform to keep it off the ground.

2. Prepare the Golf Cart for Storage

Follow the winterizing steps mentioned above, ensuring the cart is clean, dry, and properly maintained. Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

3. Cover the Golf Cart

Ensure the golf cart is securely covered with a weather-resistant cover to protect it from the elements.

How to Maintain Your Golf Cart During Winter?

1. Check the Batteries Regularly

Even in storage, check the battery charge level every other week. Keeping the batteries charged prevents them from freezing and extends their lifespan. For carts with a Club Car OBC, unplug and replug the charger to cycle and check the batteries.

2. Keep the Golf Cart Clean and Dry

Regularly inspect the cart to ensure it remains clean and dry. Moisture can cause rust and other damage if left unchecked.

3. Start the Golf Cart Regularly

Starting the golf cart occasionally helps keep the engine and other components in good working order.

4. Check for Rodent Infestation

Inspect the storage area for signs of rodents and take preventative measures to protect your golf cart from damage caused by pests.

When Is It Safe to Use Your Golf Cart Again?

1. Check Weather Conditions

Ensure that temperatures are consistently above freezing and the risk of frost has passed before using your golf cart again.

2. Fully Charge the Batteries

Reconnect and fully charge the batteries before use. This ensures they are ready to provide optimal performance.

3. Remove the Cover and Inspect the Golf Cart

Remove the cover and conduct a thorough inspection of the cart. Check for any signs of damage or wear that may have occurred during storage.

4. Take Precautions While Driving on Cold Surfaces

Be cautious when driving on cold or potentially icy surfaces. Take it slow and avoid sudden movements to maintain control of the cart.

Tips for Keeping Your Golf Cart in Tip-Top Shape Year-Round

• Keep your golf cart clean and dry throughout the year.
• Regularly check and maintain the battery, especially during the off-season.
• Schedule routine maintenance with a professional technician to ensure all components are in good working order.
• Protect your golf cart from extreme weather conditions by using a high-quality cover and storing it in a suitable location.

Let Us Handle Your Winter Storage

At Tigon Golf Carts, we understand the importance of proper winter storage for your golf cart. Our professional winter storage services ensure your cart is well-maintained and protected throughout the winter months. Our experienced technicians will handle all aspects of winterizing and storing your cart, giving you peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our storage solutions and let us take the worry out of winter storage for you.