Golf Cart Batteries for Winter Storage: Essential Tips

If you put your golf cart batteries in winter storage, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure that your battery stays in peak condition, even if you’re not heading out on the course or into the woods during the colder months. We’ve spoken before about winterizing your golf cart, but we haven’t looked closely at caring for your golf cart battery.

Parking your golf cart in a storage shed or garage and leaving it alone for up to three months will likely end with a golf cart that just won’t start come spring, and you will have to rejuvenate your golf cart battery.

Here are the steps to take when preparing a golf cart battery for winter storage.

Preparing Your Golf Cart Battery for Winter Storage

The Basics of Golf Cart Battery Care

Before leaving your golf cart, ensure the battery is clean, fully charged, and disconnected from any electrical drain source. Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don’t disconnect your battery’s wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart battery that won’t start in the spring.

1. Clean and Inspect: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your golf cart battery. Ensure that it’s free from dirt and debris, which can lead to corrosion. Inspect the battery for any visible damage or leaks.
2. Full Charge: Ensure that your battery is fully charged before storing it. A fully charged battery is better equipped to withstand the self-discharge that occurs during periods of non-use.
3. Disconnect from Electrical Drain: To prevent your battery from losing charge while in storage, disconnect it from any electrical drain sources. If left connected, you may find that your golf cart battery won’t start in the spring

Setting the Key Switch to ‘OFF’ and ‘Run/Storage’ Position

Set the key switch to “OFF”. If your golf car is an electric golf cart, ensure the ‘Run/Tow’ switch is set to the ‘Run/Storage’ position.

Remember, if it’s left in the ‘Tow” position, it will continue to drain the batteries over time. If it’s an electric TXT, you’ll want to look for the “Tow/Maintenance/Storage” position. In both vehicles, you’ll find the switch you need under the passenger seat.

Find Indoor Battery Storage Area

The ideal location to keep your golf-cart batteries is in a cool and dry spot. It should not be in a cold place, like an area exposed to the weather, but rather somewhere cool.

Cool conditions will decelerate the battery’s discharge rate. A slow discharge is desirable as it helps the battery retain its charge. On the other hand, storing the battery in a hot location results in a quick discharge.

The energy might be depleted by the time you inspect the charge levels. A cool and dry corner in a storage room should be adequate during the winter season.

Check, Re-Check, and Check Again

Make a note in your planner or set an alarm on your phone to remind you about every three weeks to check on the batteries, even when you’re not using the golf cart or ATV itself. Golf cart batteries need to be recharged at least every 30 days or as required. You don’t need to have your golf cart constantly plugged in — just head out there every two to three weeks, check on the charge, and make sure it recharges back to full.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your golf cart batteries remain in excellent condition throughout the winter storage period. Proper maintenance now will save you from the hassle of dealing with a non-starting golf cart when spring arrives.

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