How to Winterize Your Golf Cart

To winterize a golf cart, clean it, fully charge and care for the batteries (or stabilize the fuel on a gas cart), inflate the tires, and store it covered in a dry place. Hampton Roads winters are milder than up north, but cold snaps, damp air, and months of sitting still are hard on batteries. Here's a step-by-step guide from Virginia Golf Cars in Newport News.

Step 1: Clean the Cart

Wash off dirt, grass, sand, and salt, especially underneath. Clean the battery tops and terminals, since dirt and corrosion slowly drain batteries while the cart sits.

Step 2: Care for the Batteries (Electric Carts)

• Lead-acid batteries: check the water level and top off with distilled water after charging, then fully charge the pack. A fully charged battery resists cold much better than a low one.
• Keep them charged all winter: charge lead-acid batteries about once a month during storage, or use a charger or maintainer designed for your cart.
• Lithium batteries: follow your battery maker's storage instructions. Many recommend storing at a partial charge rather than full.
• Switch to tow or maintenance mode: if your cart has a run/tow switch, set it to tow to reduce slow drain.

Step 3: Prep the Engine (Gas Carts)

• Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer, then run the engine a few minutes so it reaches the carburetor or fuel system.
• Change the oil before storage so old, dirty oil isn't sitting in the engine all winter.
• Keep the starting battery charged with a maintainer, or disconnect it.

Step 4: Tires and Brakes

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. Leave the parking brake off for long storage and chock the wheels instead, which keeps brakes from sticking.

Step 5: Store It Right

• Store indoors in a garage or shed if you can, out of rain and damp.
• Use a breathable cart cover so moisture doesn't get trapped.
• Block openings and check for rodents, which love to nest in carts and chew wiring.

Step 6: Plan a Spring Tune-Up

Before your first spring ride, have the batteries tested, brakes checked, and tires inspected. A spring tune-up catches anything that went wrong over the winter before it becomes a bigger repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to winterize my golf cart in Virginia?

Yes, if it will sit unused for weeks or months. Virginia winters are mild, but batteries still lose charge and can be damaged by sitting discharged in the cold.

Should I leave my golf cart plugged in all winter?

It depends on your charger. Some are designed to maintain batteries safely while plugged in; others are not. If you're not sure, charge lead-acid batteries about once a month instead.

Can cold weather damage golf cart batteries?

Yes. Cold weather is hardest on batteries that are low or discharged. Keeping them fully charged is the best protection.

Can you winterize my golf cart for me?

We can service your cart before storage, including battery testing and charging, fluid checks, and a tune-up. We offer pickup and delivery for $150 round trip anywhere in Hampton Roads.