Preparing to winterize and store your golf cart for the colder months is crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. As winter approaches, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your investment from harsh weather, potential damage, and other issues that can arise from improper storage.

Battery maintenance and storing for long periods of time

Golf carts typically come with two types of batteries: lead-acid and lithium. Each has its own maintenance requirements and storage considerations.

Lead-acid batteries:

Should you disconnect golf cart batteries for storage? Yes, disconnect the lead-acid batteries and clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion.

Do you have to winterize golf cart batteries? For lead-acid batteries, it’s essential to keep them fully charged during storage, as a discharged battery can freeze and become damaged.

Can I leave my battery charger on all winter? It’s not recommended, as it can lead to overcharging and damage. Instead, use a smart charger that automatically turns on and off to maintain the charge.

Lithium batteries:

Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries can be left connected during storage, as long as the cart’s main power switch is turned off.

Lithium batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, so they can generally be stored for longer periods without the need for recharging.

However, it’s still a good idea to check the charge level periodically during winter and recharge if needed.