How to Winterize a Golf Cart
Winter is a time of year where most outdoor activities are limited, but you can use your golf cart during the cold season if you have the right gear. Customize your golf cart to make it winter ready by adding a golf cart cover, plastic enclosures with zip-up doors, heaters, and other accessories.
Easy Golf Cart Driving Experience in Snow
Winter Tires
You will surely want to have winter tires installed to have the best possible grip on slippery ice-covered streets or driveways. Their larger size and rugged tread will help you tackle the snowy road. Winter tires contain paddles to provide grip in high snowfall areas. If your winter tires are old and faded, go ahead and replace them. If they are still in good condition, make sure to check the tire pressure as temperature affects the air pressure.
Install Fender Flares
If you are using your golf cart during snow, then fender flares will help you and your passages stay snow-free. Let’s face it, it's fun to go splashing through the snow. But it’s not as much fun to suffer from a cold afterward.
Check Your Brakes
Do not forget to check your brakes to ensure they are in good condition and clean any dust or dirt on them. It is essential to check and replace your brakes before using them in snow.
Comfortable Golf Cart Ride in Cold Weather
Golf Cart Heater
There are two main types of heaters for your golf cart - Electric and Propane. Many companies make good heaters that fit inside the cup holder. These propane heaters are warm on their own, but pair them with an enclosure, and your golf cart will feel even warmer.
Golf Cart Enclosures
Golf cart enclosures provide proper doors and frame to your cart, and that’s why it’s a must have accessory for winter rides. The enclosure offers safety in case of snow, rain, or just plain cold.
Golf Cart Repair and Care
Small Checks
While you are using your golf cart for winters, keep an eye out for smaller issues like missing screws, broken bolts, or loose nuts. These little things may seem unimportant, but they can cause serious problems down the road.
Corrosion Protection Spray
Driving your cart in winter means you will most likelydeal with road salt, leading to corrosion on your frame and other engine parts. A quick corrosion protection spray will help prevent salt-laden moisture from sticking to metal parts.
Golf Cart Storage - Long Term
If you prefer not to use your golf cart for some time due to heavy snow and cold, it’s essential to store your cart correctly.
- Clean up your golf cart, battery, etc. - Before you store your cart for an extended period, it is essential to clean it. A small amount of soap, water, and other cleaning products will clean the exterior of your golf cart, including the mirrors, tires, and windshield.
- Drain the Fuel Tank- Drain the gas and run your golf cart engine until it's empty. If your cart has a shut-off valve, switch it off.
- Tune Up the Engine - Replace your cart’s fuel, oil, and air filters before storing it for winter. Check your spark plug and if needed, install a new one.
- Disconnect your Batteries - Disconnecting your batteries can prevent any electrical problems while your cart is in storage. After disconnecting the batteries, clean terminal connections. Make sure to charge the batteries before storage. You can also use a charger with winter storage mode to ensure the batteries maintain their charge while in storage.
- Store Golf Cart - It’s best to park your cart in an indoor storage area, but if you need to park it outside, be sure to use a good-quality golf cart cover.
Winter takes a good portion of the year, and your favorite ride shouldn’t spend that much time sitting idle. Add some accessories and make your cart winter-friendly. We hope this article helps you to use your golf cart comfortably in winter.
Published January 13, 2021