Maintaining an electric golf cart through the winter months is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. As temperatures drop, several steps must be taken to protect your cart from the harsh elements. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to effectively store your electric golf cart during the winter, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for the upcoming season.
Preparation Steps for Winter Storage
1. Thoroughly Clean Your Golf Cart
Begin by giving your golf cart a thorough cleaning. Remove any dirt, debris, and grime that may have accumulated. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and battery compartments. Cleaning helps prevent rust and corrosion, which can be exacerbated by winter conditions.
2. Store in a Covered, Dry Location
Ideally, store your golf cart in a covered, dry location to shield it from rain, snow, and humidity. A dedicated golf cart storage shed is the best option. If a shed is not available, use a protective cover to minimize exposure to the elements. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Fully Charge the Battery
Before storing, fully charge the battery. This ensures that it retains as much power as possible during the storage period. A fully charged battery is less susceptible to freezing and will maintain its health better than a partially charged one.
4. Disconnect Battery Cables
After charging, disconnect the battery cables. This prevents any potential electrical drain during storage. Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion before disconnection.
5. Check Tire Pressure
Inspect and inflate the tires to their recommended pressure. Cold temperatures can cause the air inside the tires to contract, leading to under-inflation, which can damage the tires over time.
6. Turn Off Key Switch and Set Power Switch to TOW Mode
Turn the key switch to the OFF position and remove the key. Additionally, set the power switch under the seat to the TOW position. This minimizes the risk of the battery draining and protects the electrical system.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Choosing the Right Location
Store your golf cart in a covered, dry area, away from water exposure. A golf cart storage shed is ideal. If a shed is not available, use a durable golf cart cover. This prevents damage from snow, rain, and moisture.
Importance of a Protective Cover
Investing in a quality golf cart cover is wise. It can be purchased online for around $40. In milder climates, a heavy canvas cloth can suffice. This cover will protect the cart from dust, dirt, and light moisture.
Battery Maintenance During Winter Storage
Battery Self-Discharge
Batteries naturally self-discharge over time. Lithium batteries discharge at a slower rate than lead-acid batteries, about 2% per month. During winter, check the battery charge every three months for lithium batteries and every 2-3 weeks for lead-acid batteries to ensure they remain sufficiently charged.
Charging Recommendations
It is best practice to leave batteries partially charged (50-80% state of charge) before storage. Fully charging the battery before storage is also acceptable. Avoid storing batteries with less than 50% charge as it can harm their longevity.
Disconnecting Batteries
Disconnecting the batteries entirely during extended periods of non-use is recommended. Place the batteries on a wooden pallet or shelf instead of the ground to maintain charge better. Ensure the storage area is cool and dry.
Charging Practices in Cold Weather
Avoid Constant Charging
It is generally not advisable to leave your golf cart plugged in and charging over the winter. Turn the vehicle switch to TOW mode and disconnect the charger. Continuous charging can degrade the battery.
Temperature-Specific Charging
Both lead-acid and lithium batteries require careful charging in cold temperatures. For lithium batteries, reduce the charge current to 0.1C below 32°F and to 0.05C below 14°F to prevent damage. This careful management ensures the batteries are not harmed by the cold.
Checking and Maintaining Battery Charge
Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Batteries
Lead-acid batteries need more frequent checks and maintenance during winter storage compared to lithium batteries. Check lead-acid batteries every 2-3 weeks and lithium batteries every three months to ensure they stay at a sufficient charge capacity.
Benefits of Lithium Batteries
Superior Performance
Lithium batteries outperform lead-acid batteries in every aspect. They offer better discharge rates, longer lifespan, and do not require water refills. They can last up to 10 years, significantly outlasting lead-acid batteries.
Cold Weather Tolerance
Despite common misconceptions, lithium batteries perform well in cold weather. RELiON LiFePO4 batteries, for example, deliver about 90% of their rated capacity at 32°F and 70% at -4°F. Lead-acid batteries, in comparison, suffer greater efficiency loss in cold temperatures.
Customizable Battery Capacity
Lithium batteries like the RELiON InSight 48V can be connected in parallel, allowing for customization of battery capacity based on desired mileage range. This flexibility is not available with lead-acid batteries, which must be connected in series to achieve 48 volts.
Conclusion
Proper winter storage and maintenance of your electric golf cart ensure it remains in top condition for the next season. By following these comprehensive steps and utilizing lithium batteries, you can maximize your golf cart’s performance and longevity. For any questions about lithium batteries and their benefits, feel free to contact our expert team.
