If your golf cart is sitting for months, your batteries are at risk. Cold weather, long periods without charging, and poor storage habits can cause them to lose performance — or fail completely.
The good news? You can keep your batteries in top shape with a few smart steps before and during seasonal storage.
Why Seasonal Storage is Hard on Batteries
When you park your golf cart for the winter (or any long break), the battery still slowly loses charge. Without attention, sulfation, corrosion, and deep discharge can set in. These issues shorten lifespan and cost you money.
Pulled Quote: “Batteries don’t die in storage. Neglect kills them.”
Step-by-Step: Preparing Golf Cart Batteries for Storage
Follow these steps to give your batteries the best shot at lasting for years.
1. Fully Charge Before Storage
Always charge your batteries to 100% before putting your cart away. This helps prevent deep discharge over time.
2. Clean Battery Terminals
Remove dirt, dust, and corrosion. A mix of baking soda and water works well. Dry completely before reconnecting.
3. Check Water Levels (Lead-Acid Only)
For lead-acid batteries, fill cells with distilled water after charging. Don’t overfill.
4. Disconnect or Use a Maintainer
Unplug cables to avoid slow drains, or better yet, connect a battery maintainer to keep charge steady.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Extreme cold or heat reduces capacity and shortens lifespan.
Best Battery Storage Practices (Quick Reference)
| Storage Factor | Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Charge Level | 100% before storage | Prevents deep discharge damage |
| Cleaning | Remove dirt and corrosion | Improves electrical contact |
| Water Levels | Top off after charging (lead-acid) | Prevents plate exposure |
| Connection | Disconnect cables or use maintainer | Stops slow drain |
| Temperature | Cool, dry, away from freezing | Slows capacity loss |
| Inspection | Check monthly | Catch problems early |
Common Mistakes That Kill Stored Batteries
- Leaving them partially charged
- Storing in freezing garages or sheds
- Forgetting to check water levels
- Skipping monthly inspections
Considering an Upgrade?
If your batteries are older, storage season is a great time to think about an golf cart battery upgrade. Upgraded batteries can provide longer run times, less maintenance, and better performance when the season starts again.
For those tired of constant water checks, a lithium battery upgrade might be the perfect choice. Lithium batteries require almost no maintenance and handle storage better than lead-acid models.
Callout Box:
Need Professional Help?
Schedule a golf cart battery service before you store your cart. A quick check-up now can save you hundreds later.
Monthly Winter Check-In
Even when stored, take 10 minutes each month to:
- Check charge level
- Inspect for corrosion
- Test voltage if you have a meter
This small effort can add years to your battery’s life.
Bottom Line
Seasonal storage doesn’t have to ruin your golf cart batteries. Charge them fully, keep them clean, store in a safe location, and inspect them monthly. If your current set is struggling, consider a golf cart battery upgrade or lithium battery upgrade for a worry-free off-season.
Your cart will be ready to roll — and you’ll avoid that dreaded “click” when spring finally arrives.
