When to winterize your golf cart

It’s that time of the year again! Temperatures are dropping, which means winter is near. Whether you have a gas or electric golf cart, there are a few steps you need to take in order to ensure that come spring next year, your cart is ready to roll. Winter weather can cause complications for a golf cart if the proper steps are not taken now. One of the main issues: freezing of the batteries. In almost all cases, that frozen battery will need to be replaced. Other problems include oil sludge, water in the fuel lines, and rusty components.

How to winterize; Step by step

Step 1: Give the golf cart a good power wash from front to back and top to bottom including the clutch and engine bay.

Step 2: Give the cart a good thorough inspection, to prep it for spring now so nothing surprises you later:

• Tires:
  • Check for uneven tread wear.
  • Possible weak spots in side walls (appear as “air bubbles”).
  • Uneven tire wear.
• Brakes:
  • Ensure all brake components are mounted securely and hardware is not missing.
  • Rotors (if applicable): Rotors are unserviceable if they are worn unevenly, show any signs of gouging/scarring, or cracked more than 5% of either face on the rotor.
  • Pads: Ensure padding is still present and no metal scrapes on surface of drum or rotor.
  • Check parking brake handle/cable components, ensure hardware is still intact and parking brake works properly (engaging & disengaging).

• Engine:
  • Check all sides of the engine (including bottom) for any oil leaks that may be present.
  • Any gasoline fuel leak should be repaired ASAP. Check condition of hoses and fuel lines before storing to ensure there is no slow drip anywhere.

Step 3: Grease the spindles.

Step 4: Give the cart a full tune-up. Change the oil including the oil filter. Replace the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug(s).

Step 5: Put some fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank (this will prevent any water build up).

Step 6: Park your cart in a secure location away from the elements and disconnect the battery.

Click here to view more information on SERVICE for your golf cart by Custom Golf Carts Columbia.

Why you should winterize your golf cart

The more you do for your batteries now before the offseason will dramatically increase their lifespan. Follow these simple steps and prevent issues BEFORE spring season rolls around. When it’s time to golf, make sure you can simply turn that key on, and hit the course! If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (803) 941-7523 or stop by our shop at 855 Chapin Road in beautiful Chapin, SC today!

Winterize your golf cart