Winter Storage Tips for Your Golf Cart

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Here in Indiana, we can expect plenty of good golfing weather between March and mid November. But when those white flakes begin to fall, it’s time to prepare your trusty golf cart for the cold months ahead. Prevent your golf cart from sliding into disrepair during off-season storage with the following tips from Carts Gone Wild.

If you’re looking for a reliable golf cart dealer near Indianapolis, look no further than Carts Gone Wild. Our qualified staff can help you find the perfect match for your needs and budget. We’re located in Haubstadt, IN.

Preventive Maintenance

Just like any vehicle, your golf cart can deteriorate during long periods of disuse. In order to forestall some of these effects, make sure your golf cart is in the best possible condition before going into storage.

The first step is a good, thorough cleaning. It may seem backwards to clean up your cart before storing it away from sight, but any dirt and grime left on the exterior can cause damage over time, harming the paint job and even causing rust to develop. Wash it away, and when spring approaches, you can look forward to unveiling a sparkling clean golf cart!

Your tires will require special attention as well. Holding up the weight of your golf cart all winter can cause tires to slowly deflate, and cold temperatures can also lower air pressure. Keep your tires properly inflated, and chock the wheels to keep them in place.

Battery Care

Out of all the components of your golf cart, the battery is perhaps the most vulnerable to temperature extremes. Take these important steps to winterize your golf cart batteries:

Clean and neutralize the battery terminals. Any debris left on your battery can lead to corrosion, so gently clean the terminals using a wire brush and a mixture of water and baking soda.
Check the water levels and top off as needed, taking care not to overfill.
Fully charge the battery per manufacturer instructions. Storing batteries with only a partial charge can decrease their power output in the long run.
Store your battery in a temperature controlled indoor environment where the air is dry and cool, but not overly cold.
Take a hydrometer reading about every three weeks while your battery is in storage. You can also use a trickle charger to provide your battery with a consistent power source.
Avoid stacking up multiple batteries. This creates a strain that can weaken the structure of your batteries.

Preparing Your Gas Golf Cart for Storage

If you have a gas golf cart, fill the tank with fresh fuel treated with fuel stabilizer prior to storage, making sure to turn the shutoff valve to the off position. This is also a good time to take care of annual maintenance tasks, such as replacing your spark plugs and air filter.

Preparing Your Electric Golf Cart for Storage

If you have an electric golf cart, make sure to put the tow switch in the “tow” position before storage. This will disable the generative braking system, taking pressure off the battery pack. Remember to follow all the correct procedures for storing the battery, as listed above.

Where to Store Your Golf Cart

Now that your golf cart is ready for storage, where will it spend the winter? Protection from the elements is top priority, so park your golf cart in a dry enclosed space, like a garage or storage shed. Your next best option is to use a golf cart cover. High quality covers are made with water resistant, breathable materials that won’t allow moisture to collect inside.

We hope you found this guide helpful! Looking for more advice on golf cart maintenance? Feel free to ask the friendly staff at Carts Gone Wild, your premier golf cart dealership in Haubstadt, IN. We welcome customers from Indianapolis, Evansville, and beyond.