How to Store an Electric Golf Cart for the Summer: Tips for Proper Care

Storing your electric golf cart properly during the summer is essential to maintain its performance and ensure it’s ready to go when you need it. With proper care, your golf cart will last longer, run more efficiently, and continue providing reliable service. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps to store your electric golf cart for the summer and whether building a shade for your cart is a good idea.

How Do You Store an Electric Golf Cart in the Summer?

Storing your electric golf cart correctly during the summer months ensures that it remains in top condition and is ready for use when you return to it. Whether you’re taking a break from using the cart or simply storing it for a few weeks, proper storage practices will help protect your golf cart from environmental factors and keep the battery in optimal shape. Below are some key steps to follow for storing your electric golf cart during the summer:

1. Clean Your Golf Cart

Before you store your electric golf cart, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate on the cart, potentially causing damage if left for an extended period. Here’s how to clean your golf cart properly:

• Exterior cleaning: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to wash the exterior of the cart. Pay special attention to the tires, wheels, and undercarriage to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected during use.
• Interior cleaning: Wipe down the seats, dashboard, and other interior surfaces. If your golf cart has a roof, check for any debris or leaves that may have collected inside the cart during your use.
• Battery cleaning: Carefully clean the battery terminals and ensure they are free of corrosion. Corrosion can interfere with the battery’s performance and longevity.

2. Fully Charge the Battery

One of the most important steps in storing your electric golf cart is ensuring that the battery is fully charged. A fully charged battery helps maintain the health of the battery cells and prevents them from becoming damaged. Here’s what you need to do:

• Charge the battery: Plug in your golf cart and let it charge fully before storage. A full charge helps prevent the battery from discharging too much during the storage period, which could shorten its lifespan.
• Disconnect the battery: If you’re storing the cart for an extended period, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery. This helps prevent any power drain while the cart is not in use and ensures the battery maintains its charge.
• Check battery health: Regularly check the battery’s voltage levels while stored. If you notice a significant drop in voltage, it may be time for a replacement or maintenance. You can find replacement golf cart batteries from reliable sources.

3. Store the Golf Cart in a Dry, Cool Place

Temperature fluctuations and exposure to moisture can cause damage to the electrical components of your golf cart. When storing your cart for the summer, choose a location that is cool, dry, and free from humidity. Here are some tips:

• Indoor storage: If possible, store your golf cart in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements. This will prevent exposure to rain, humidity, and extreme temperatures that could affect the performance of the cart.
• Outdoor storage: If indoor storage is not an option, consider using a high-quality, waterproof cover to protect the cart from the sun and rain. Be sure to place the cart in a shaded area if it is stored outdoors.

4. Protect the Tires

To prevent the tires from becoming flat or damaged during storage, it’s important to take the right precautions. Here are a few tips to protect your golf cart tires:

• Inflate tires: Ensure that the tires are properly inflated before storing the cart. Underinflated tires can develop flat spots over time, which can affect the handling and performance of the cart when you take it out of storage.
• Elevate the cart: If possible, elevate the cart using jack stands or blocks to relieve pressure on the tires. This is especially important if you plan to store the cart for several months.

5. Keep the Golf Cart Covered

To protect your golf cart from the sun and environmental elements, covering it during storage is a smart idea. A protective cover will help shield the cart from dust, dirt, and UV rays, which can cause the paint to fade and the seats to deteriorate. You can find durable, weather-resistant covers specifically designed for golf carts.

Should You Build a Golf Cart Shade for Summer?

While using a cover for your golf cart is important, building a permanent shade for your cart can be a great long-term solution to protect it from the sun and weather. A golf cart shade can help keep your cart cool, prevent UV damage, and extend the life of its exterior and interior components.

Building a golf cart shade provides the following benefits:

• Protection from UV rays: A shade will shield your golf cart from the harsh UV rays of the sun, which can damage the paint and upholstery over time.
• Temperature regulation: The shade can help keep your cart cooler, reducing the strain on the battery and motor, especially in hot climates.
• Convenience: Having a dedicated shade structure for your cart can make it easier to store and access the cart when you need it without having to worry about covering it every time.

Building a shade can be a simple DIY project or you can opt for pre-built structures designed for golf carts. Depending on your space and budget, a shade could be a worthwhile investment for long-term storage and protection.

Conclusion

Properly storing your electric golf cart during the summer ensures that it stays in excellent condition and is ready to go when you need it. By cleaning the cart, charging the batteries, and storing it in a cool, dry place, you can prevent damage and extend its lifespan. Additionally, building a golf cart shade can further protect your cart from the elements and provide long-term storage solutions.