Can I Leave My Golf Cart Plugged In All Winter

Wondering if you can leave your golf cart plugged in all winter? Smart battery care matters if you want reliable performance next spring and longer battery life.

When winter arrives and your golf cart goes into storage, it’s natural to wonder if you can simply leave it plugged in until spring. The short answer is: usually no, you should not leave it on a constant charger for months at a time—especially if you have traditional lead-acid batteries and an old-style charger. Instead, winter storage is about charging correctly, disconnecting at the right moment, and maintaining your batteries with a simple routine.

Good winter battery care not only prevents damage; it also saves money and frustration later. Below is a detailed guide that breaks things down by battery type and then covers general best practices that apply to almost every electric cart.

For Lead-Acid Batteries

Most older and many current electric carts still use flooded lead-acid batteries. These packs are tough and proven, but they do not like being overcharged or left discharged for long periods. Leaving a basic “dumb” charger connected all winter can cause slow overcharging, overheating, water loss, and permanent sulfation, which shortens battery life and reduces range when you finally start playing again.

A safer approach is:

• Fully charge the pack before storage so the batteries start winter at 100% or close to it.
• Unplug the charger once the charge cycle is complete, rather than leaving it running nonstop for months.
• Check the charge every 30–45 days. If voltage has dropped noticeably or the cart feels sluggish, reconnect the charger and top off the batteries.
• Use a smart charger or quality trickle charger that automatically switches to maintenance mode and won’t overcharge, if you want a more hands-off setup.
• Set the cart to “Tow” mode during storage (if your cart has a Run/Tow switch) to reduce parasitic drain from onboard electronics.

If you have traditional flooded batteries, it is also important to keep the tops of the batteries clean and dry, and to check water levels periodically. Only use distilled water, and fill to the recommended level after charging, not before. Corrosion on terminals should be cleaned carefully so that the pack delivers power efficiently when spring returns.

For Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion packs are increasingly common in newer carts and retrofit conversions. These batteries typically include a built-in battery management system (BMS) that protects against overcharging, deep discharge, and extreme temperatures. As a result, they are generally more forgiving than lead-acid if left connected to a compatible charger—but that still doesn’t mean you should ignore them all winter.

For lithium-powered carts, follow guidelines like these:

• Charge to the recommended storage level. Many manufacturers suggest storing between about 40–80% charge instead of 100% for the longest lifespan.
• Turn the main power switch off or use any storage mode the pack provides, so the BMS minimizes drain while the cart sits.
• Use the correct lithium charger designed for your specific battery pack; do not mix-and-match generic chargers unless approved by the manufacturer.
• Check the charge a few times over winter. Top up only if the state of charge falls noticeably, instead of trickle-charging constantly.

Lithium batteries usually do not require water checks or the same level of cleaning as flooded lead-acid packs, but they should still be kept dry, secure, and within the temperature range recommended in the manual. Extreme cold can temporarily reduce available capacity, and charging below the minimum temperature can damage some lithium chemistries, so always follow the maker’s instructions.

General Best Practices for Both Battery Types

No matter which kind of battery your cart uses, the core principles of safe winter storage are similar. Think in terms of three key ideas: charge correctly, protect from damage, and monitor occasionally.

• Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Avoid locations with standing moisture or extreme temperature swings. A protected garage or covered shed is usually ideal.
• Disconnect unnecessary accessories. Radios, lights, and aftermarket add-ons can slowly drain the batteries if left connected.
• Avoid deep discharge during storage. Batteries that sit empty for months can suffer permanent capacity loss.
• Inspect cables and terminals. Look for loose connections, corrosion, or damaged insulation and correct issues before storage if possible.
• Always follow the owner’s manual. Different brands and models can have specific recommendations for charge levels, switches, and charger types.

If you use a smart or onboard charger designed to maintain your pack, check that it truly shuts off or goes into float mode when the batteries are full. When in doubt, the safest routine is to fully charge, unplug, and then reconnect briefly once a month or so for a maintenance charge rather than leaving the system running nonstop.

Enjoy Trouble-Free Spring Starts

So, can you leave your cart plugged in all winter? In most cases, it is better not to. A simple seasonal routine—full charge, unplug, periodic check, and occasional top-off—will keep both lead-acid and lithium batteries healthier than months of continuous charging. Add in a clean storage space and attention to manufacturer guidelines, and your cart will be ready to roll as soon as the weather cooperates.

Taking care of your battery pack today also protects the investment you have made in your cart. When the snow melts and you head back to the course, proper winter storage means fewer surprises, better range, and more time enjoying your favorite fairways instead of dealing with dead batteries or emergency replacements in your golf cart.