How to Store Your Golf Cart

Your golf cart is an invaluable piece of equipment. With the proper care and storage, it will hit the links with you for ten years or more. A self-storage facility is the perfect place to keep your golf cart during the off-season or even in between games.

We’ll show you how to store your electric golf cart when you’re not using it. Whether you’re putting it away for winter or just keeping it out of sight as a courtesy to that supportive spouse, follow these golf cart storage tips.

Golf Cart Storage Checklist

Golf carts require little regular maintenance beyond the regular battery charge. When you put your cart in storage, take a few extra minutes to go over it and follow the steps outlined below. Your efforts will extend its life and make sure that your caddie is ready for its next tee time without getting stranded on the back nine.

How to Store Golf Cart Batteries in the Winter

The most important component of your golf cart is its batteries. If you’re planning to store your golf cart over the winter or for any extended period, follow these five golf cart battery-saving tips:

• Disconnect your battery: Fully charge your battery before you disconnect it. Partially charged batteries can lead to power output issues later.
• Clean and neutralize your terminals: Use a wire brush to scrub the terminals with a solution of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. This eliminates corrosion that can lead to discharge.
• Check battery water level: Make sure each individual cell is filled to the “fill line” using only distilled water. Don’t overfill – this could compromise your battery’s ability to charge later.
• Store in a cool, dry area: A climate-controlled storage unit is the perfect place. Cooler temps will slow the discharge rate.
• Check periodically: It’s natural for your battery to lose some charge over time. Take a hydrometer reading occasionally and use a trickle charger to keep your battery topped off.

By properly storing and maintaining your batteries, you should get a good five years of life from them.

How to Clean Your Golf Cart

Keep your golf buggy clean and running smoothly with these tips:

• Wash with warm, soapy water: Remove dirt, bird waste, and other harmful build-up.
• Clean and treat rust: Sand and paint over areas that are starting to rust before the corrosion gets worse and spreads.
• Check cables: Make sure all connections are clean and tight.
• Replace air filters, oil filters, and spark plugs: If you have a gas-powered cart, ensure your mechanical parts are clean and working well.
• Clean upholstery: Use laundry detergent and warm water to keep your favorite seat clean and ready. Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove tough stains. 

Golf Cart Maintenance Tasks

• Tire Care: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. If storing for an extended period, use blocks or a lift to take the weight off the tires.
• Lubrication: Apply lubricant to moving parts such as hinges, springs, and steering mechanisms to prevent rust and wear.
• Cover openings: Plug any openings, such as exhaust pipes or air intakes, to keep out pests.
• Add fuel stabilizer: Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent fuel from breaking down and damaging the engine. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the system.

A clean, well-maintained golf cart is not only more pleasant to take out of storage but also lasts longer. Ensure you perform these functions at least at the end of each season.

Additional Golf Cart Storage Tips

• A cover or tarp keeps dust and pests away.
• Set your cart to “tow” or “maintenance” mode while not in use.
• Remember where you put your keys.
• Remove personal items from compartments.
• Don’t set the parking brake.
• Use a wheel lock or steering lock to deter theft.
• Verify that your golf cart insurance covers damage or theft during storage and document its condition with photos. 
• Inspect your golf cart periodically to ensure it’s in good condition. 

The Best Place to Store Your Golf Cart

A self-storage unit is the ideal place to keep your golf cart safe, clean, and ready for your next game. In most cases, a 10’X10’ unit is ideal and has enough space for your golf clubs, balls, gloves, and other seasonal items.

Measure your golf cart to ensure you get a storage space that fits without overpaying for one that’s too big.

Self-Storage for Golfers

Check out the Storelocal near you. We’d love to help you find a home away from the course for your golf cart. Storelocal facilities are always clean and secure, so you know your golf cart will be safe. Check the location finder above or contact us. We make it easy to set up your account and start storing today!