Getting your golf cart ready before you head north
A cart that sits all summer in the Florida heat can come back to dead batteries, flat tires and surprise guests. A little work before you leave saves a lot of trouble in the fall.
Batteries come first
Lead-acid batteries slowly lose charge while they sit, and a battery left discharged for months can be damaged for good. Before you go:
- Charge them fully.
- After charging, check the water and top up with distilled water if needed.
- Clean any corrosion off the terminals.
- Decide how they'll stay charged: a charger or maintainer made for long-term connection, or someone who checks and charges them regularly while you're gone. Check your charger's manual before leaving it plugged in for months.
Lithium batteries hold their charge much better, but follow your battery maker's storage instructions. Many recommend storing at a partial charge rather than completely full, and some have a storage or sleep mode.
Set the cart up to sit
- Tow or maintenance switch. Many electric carts have a run/tow switch. Your owner's manual will say which position to use for storage.
- Tires. Inflate them to the pressure printed on the tire so they don't develop flat spots.
- Parking. Leave it on a level surface with the brake set, or chock a wheel.
- Clean it. Remove food, wrappers and anything that attracts critters. Rodents love to nest in carts and chew wiring.
- Cover it. A breathable cover keeps dust and pollen off without trapping moisture.
Gas carts
- Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank and run the engine briefly so it reaches the carburetor.
- Keep the small starting battery on a maintainer, or disconnect it.
- Change the oil before storage if it's due, so old oil isn't sitting in the engine all summer.
When you get back
- Check tire pressure and look for signs of rodents before driving.
- Check battery water (lead-acid) and give it a full charge.
- Test the brakes at low speed before heading out on the road.
Rather not worry about it?
With the away-season plan, I check on your cart while you're gone, keep the batteries healthy, and have it ready the day you're back.
Call or text Poncho(352) 356-8868More guides
- Lithium or lead-acid batteries: which is worth it in Florida?Upfront cost, upkeep, range, and when sticking with lead-acid is the smarter call.
- Golf cart won't charge? Six common causesWhat you can safely check yourself before you call anyone.
- Back for the season? Getting your golf cart running after summerBatteries, tires and brakes after months of sitting, in the order to check them.
- Golf cart battery voltage chart: how to tell if a battery is badRead your pack's charge level and spot the one battery dragging it down.
- Buying a used golf cart in The Villages: what to check firstBatteries, frame, modifications and the test drive, before money changes hands.
- How often should a golf cart be serviced?What the makers' manuals actually say, for electric and gas carts.
- What to do with an old golf cart: sell it, part it out, or have it hauled awayYour options for a dead cart, and why the batteries need proper recycling.