How to Properly Winterize Your Golf Cart

Whether you're a snowbird just pulling the tarp off your cart for the season ahead, or you live in the north and are getting ready to put your cart away for the winter; it is a good idea to perform proper maintenance to enhance the life of your golf cart. Although, geographic location aside, it is important to do larger maintenance checks on your cart at least twice a year: we recommend spring and fall. Before you put your gas golf cart to bed for the winter, read on for some helpful tips to guide your winter prep. If you own an electric golf cart, several of these tips can be applied as well.

Step 1: Clean your Golf Cart, Battery Terminal, etc.

Before you store your golf cart away it is important to thoroughly clean it. Use soap & water, degreaser and any other cleaning products of your choice to help you wash away any dried mud, sand, grime and dirt on the cart. If these items are not addressed properly before storage, they will only be harder to clean off later (and cleaning your cart will be a nagging chore for next season in the back of your mind). Cleaning the golf cart also makes it easier to work on / inspect before storage. It is a good idea to pick up the seat and spray the battery (cleaning it of any corrosion) before storage as well. Try simply using some water to clean the battery. If there is extensive corrosion (and water isn't working) mix a bit of baking soda and water together and use it to lightly brush the terminals. Rinse the solution off with water and dry with a towel. It is a good idea (While the seat is up) to check the connecting wires on the battery, making sure that cables are tight and in good shape.

Now is a good time to park your golf cart in the spot where it will be hibernating for the winter (after winterizing, you will need to push the cart to move it)!

Step 2: Winterizing your Golf Cart

Drain gasoline from all plumbing and parts from the carburetor to the fuel tank. Any fuel left in the cart over the winter can gum up small parts in the carburetor or the fuel pump. If your golf cart has a shut-off valve, make sure it is in the off position. A cart without a shut-off valve will need to have its fuel line disconnected from the fuel tank. After all fuel has been drained, and lines shut off / removed...run the engine until it quits. Loosen bottom screw on the carbuerator bowl to drain the remaining fuel out of it. The last step here is to seal the gas tank so no air can get in. First, tighten the gas cap. Next, stick a golf tee into the vent tube and seal the edges with some duct tape.

Step 3: Tuning up the Golf Cart

• Replace both the fuel filter and air filter
• Clean or replace the oil filter and
• Remove the old spark plug
• Pour a half-ounce of oil into the spark plug hole (this keeps the cylinder from corroding)
• Install a new spark plug
• Check and change your oil if needed
• Check all other fluids

Step 4: Disconnect Battery Cables and Check Tires

Disconnect battery cables to help prevent any unnecessary electrical problems from occuring while in storage. Now is also a good time to inflate your tires to the proper pressure before storing (helps your tires maintain shape). It is important for you to NOT LOCK your cart's parking brake. Locking the parking break cable for an extended period will cause the cable to stretch. You can place wooden blocks behind the tires to prevent movement while in storage.

----

Enjoy the off season! Start thinking about how you can modify your cart for next year!