The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Electric Golf Cart

For golf courses, resorts, campuses, and commercial facilities operating electric golf carts, winter is not just an off-season—it’s a critical maintenance window. Proper winterization protects your investment, reduces downtime, and ensures your fleet is ready to perform when spring demand returns.

As someone responsible for fleet reliability and operating costs, you already know that neglect during cold months can shorten battery life, accelerate corrosion, and create avoidable repair expenses. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step approach to winterizing electric golf carts, with a strong focus on modern lithium-ion systems now common across professional fleets.

Cold temperatures, moisture, and long periods of inactivity are a challenging combination for electric vehicles. Without proper preparation, fleets often face:

• Premature battery degradation

• Flat-spotted or damaged tires

• Corrosion of chassis and electrical components

• Costly spring recommissioning delays

Winterization is not about storage alone—it’s about preserving asset value, minimizing lifecycle costs, and ensuring operational efficiency when carts are needed again.

Most new commercial electric golf carts now use lithium-ion or LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries offer longer lifespan, lower maintenance, and better energy efficiency—but they still require proper winter care.

Cold temperatures slow chemical reactions inside lithium batteries and can cause permanent capacity loss if improperly stored.

Before storing carts for winter:

• Charge batteries to 50–70% state of charge

• Avoid storing at 100% or near-empty levels

• Never store a fully discharged lithium battery

This mid-range charge level reduces internal stress and preserves long-term capacity.

• Ideal storage temperature: 40°F–70°F (4°C–21°C)

• Avoid freezing conditions whenever possible

• If carts must remain in cold environments, ensure batteries are insulated and disconnected from load

• Turn off the master power switch or battery disconnect

• Follow manufacturer-recommended shutdown procedures

• Avoid parasitic drain from onboard electronics during storage

For long-term storage exceeding 3 months:

• Check battery state of charge every 6–8 weeks

• Recharge only if charge drops below ~40%

• Avoid frequent “top-off” charging, which can accelerate wear

Tires are often overlooked during winterization, yet they are one of the most common sources of spring maintenance issues.

• Inflate tires to the upper end of manufacturer-recommended PSI

• Cold air causes pressure loss, so slight overinflation is acceptable for storage

• Underinflated tires increase the risk of sidewall cracking and flat spots

For extended storage:

• Move carts slightly every 30–45 days if possible

• Alternatively, elevate carts using jack stands to remove weight from tires

• Avoid storing on bare concrete—use rubber mats or plywood to reduce moisture transfer

Before storage, check for:

• Uneven wear patterns

• Sidewall cracks or bulges

• Embedded debris

Addressing these issues now prevents safety concerns later.

Dirt, fertilizer residue, grass clippings, and salt can accelerate corrosion if left in place.

• Wash exterior panels, undercarriage, and wheel wells

• Use mild detergent—avoid harsh chemicals

• Allow carts to fully dry before storage

After cleaning:

• Apply a light anti-corrosion spray to exposed metal components

• Pay special attention to:

  • Frame welds

  • Suspension components

  • Fasteners and brackets

Cold weather and inactivity dry out lubricated surfaces.

Apply appropriate lubricants to:

• Steering joints

• Suspension pivot points

• Brake linkages

• Accelerator and pedal assemblies

This helps prevent stiffness and premature wear.

Modern electric golf carts often include onboard computers, displays, and control modules.

• Follow manufacturer-recommended power-down procedures

• Ensure displays and accessory systems are fully off

• Disconnect auxiliary accessories such as GPS units or radios

• Check seals and gaskets around control units

• Use moisture absorbers in enclosed cabins if humidity is a concern

• Avoid plastic tarps that trap condensation

If your fleet supports software updates:

• Complete updates before winter storage

• This avoids compatibility or startup issues in spring

The best storage environment is:

• Dry and well-ventilated

• Protected from direct snow and rain

• Temperature-stable whenever possible

Indoor storage is ideal, but if outdoor storage is unavoidable, additional precautions are necessary.

• Choose a breathable, weather-resistant cover

• Avoid airtight plastic covers

• Ensure airflow to prevent mold and corrosion

• Leave space between carts for airflow and access

• Label carts with storage dates and battery status

• Maintain a storage log for accountability

Even during storage, carts benefit from occasional attention.

Recommended monthly checks:

• Visual inspection for moisture, pests, or damage

• Tire pressure verification

• Battery charge level confirmation

These quick checks can prevent small issues from becoming major repairs.

When it’s time to return carts to service:

1. Recharge batteries to full operating level

2. Inspect electrical connections and cables

3. Restore tire pressure to normal operating PSI

4. Test brakes, steering, and acceleration

5. Check lights, displays, and accessories

6. Perform a short operational test drive

Address any irregularities immediately to avoid downtime during peak season.

Winterizing electric golf carts is not just a seasonal task—it’s a strategic maintenance practice that directly impacts fleet lifespan, operating costs, and spring readiness. By following a structured approach to battery care, tire management, corrosion prevention, and proper storage, facility managers and procurement teams can significantly reduce total cost of ownership.

As the industry continues to evolve, proper maintenance is also one reason many professionals are evaluating newer, innovative brands that design with durability and ease of maintenance in mind. This includes emerging brands like Widerway, which are gaining attention for their modern approaches to golf cart design and reliability.

Ultimately, winterization is about control—controlling costs, performance, and asset value—so your fleet is ready when your operation needs it most.

1. How long can an electric golf cart be stored during winter without use?

With proper winterization, an electric golf cart can be safely stored for 3–6 months or longer. The key factors are correct battery charge levels, dry storage conditions, and periodic inspections to prevent battery drain, tire damage, or corrosion.

2. Should lithium golf cart batteries be fully charged before winter storage?

No. Lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries should be stored at 50–70% state of charge. Storing at full charge or near zero can accelerate battery degradation and reduce overall lifespan.

3. Do lithium batteries need to be disconnected during winter?

Yes. For long-term storage, it is recommended to disconnect the battery or use the master power switch. This prevents parasitic drain from onboard electronics and protects battery health during extended inactivity.

4. What happens if electric golf carts are stored in freezing temperatures?

Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause permanent capacity loss in lithium batteries and increase the risk of moisture-related damage. Whenever possible, carts should be stored in a temperature-controlled or insulated environment.

5. How can flat spots on golf cart tires be prevented during winter?

To prevent flat spots:

• Inflate tires to the upper recommended PSI

• Move carts slightly every 30–45 days, or

• Use jack stands to remove weight from the tires during long-term storage

Storing carts on rubber mats instead of bare concrete also helps.

6. Is it necessary to cover electric golf carts during winter storage?

Yes. A breathable, weather-resistant cover protects carts from dust, moisture, and UV exposure. Avoid plastic tarps, as they trap condensation and can lead to corrosion or mold.

7. Should software or electronic systems be updated before winter storage?

If applicable, completing software or firmware updates before storage is recommended. This reduces the risk of system errors or startup issues when carts are returned to service in spring.

8. What is the most common winter-related failure in electric golf cart fleets?

Battery-related issues are the most common, often caused by improper storage charge levels, parasitic drain, or exposure to extreme cold. Proper battery winterization significantly reduces spring repair costs and downtime.