How to Store Golf Cart Batteries for the Winter: Tips for Lead-Acid & Lithium
Introduction
Winter can be tough on your golf cart batteries. Cold temperatures, low usage, and improper storage can significantly reduce battery life and performance. Whether you own a daily-use golf cart or manage a fleet at a golf course, knowing how to store golf cart batteries for the winter is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll cover storage tips for both lead-acid and lithium batteries, explain common mistakes, and provide actionable advice to maintain your batteries in optimal condition until spring.
Why Winter Storage Matters
Battery performance is heavily affected by temperature. Cold weather slows chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing capacity and starting power. Leaving a battery discharged or exposed to freezing temperatures can lead to:
- Sulfation in lead-acid batteries
- Permanent capacity loss
- Shortened lifespan
- Safety hazards like cracks or leaks
Proper winter storage ensures that your batteries retain their charge, maintain efficiency, and last for years.
Types of Golf Cart Batteries
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are reliable but require careful maintenance. They are heavier, need periodic watering, and are sensitive to freezing when undercharged.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are increasingly popular due to their lighter weight, longer lifespan, and low maintenance requirements. They have lower self-discharge rates but still need proper storage procedures to maintain battery health.
Step-by-Step Winter Storage Guide
- Charge Fully Before Storage
Regardless of battery type, start by charging it to full capacity.
- Lead-acid: Fully charged batteries are less likely to freeze.
- Lithium: Charge to 40–60% if storing for long periods.
- Clean the Battery
Remove corrosion, dirt, and debris from terminals and casing. A clean battery prevents shorts and improves performance when you reconnect it in spring.
- Remove the Battery (if possible)
If your golf cart allows, remove the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Avoid garages that reach freezing temperatures.
- Use a Maintenance Charger
For long-term storage, connect the battery to a trickle charger or maintenance charger. This keeps the battery at an optimal charge without overcharging.
- Monitor Voltage Periodically
Check the battery voltage every 4–6 weeks.
- Lead-acid should remain around 12.6–12.8V for a fully charged battery.
- Lithium batteries should maintain their storage voltage (usually 40–60% of full charge).
Proper winter storage is just one part of maintaining your batteries. For detailed strategies to extend the lifespan and performance of your golf cart batteries year-round, check out our Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing a discharged battery – Can lead to sulfation or irreversible capacity loss.
- Exposing batteries to extreme cold – Particularly dangerous for lead-acid batteries.
- Skipping cleaning or inspection – Dirt and corrosion accelerate degradation.
- Using incompatible chargers – Can damage battery chemistry or BMS in lithium models.
By avoiding these errors, you can significantly extend the life of both lead-acid and lithium batteries.
Additional Tips for Longevity
- Lead-Acid: Top off distilled water as needed before storage. Check terminals for corrosion.
- Lithium: Store at 40–60% charge to prevent over-discharge and ensure long-term performance.
- Indoor Storage: Keep batteries in a dry, ventilated area away from flammable materials.
- Temperature Awareness: Avoid locations that drop below 32°F (0°C) for lead-acid batteries.
For tips specific to maintaining your lithium batteries, see our lithium battery for a golf cart resource.
Winterizing Your Golf Cart
- Disconnect the battery from the cart.
- Clean the battery tray and terminals.
- Protect connections from moisture using terminal covers or dielectric grease.
- Ensure the cart itself is stored in a dry, sheltered space to avoid corrosion.
Following these steps ensures your golf cart and its batteries are ready for spring use.
Conclusion
Storing your golf cart batteries properly during winter is essential for longevity and performance. Whether you have traditional lead-acid or advanced lithium batteries, following the right storage steps—charging fully, cleaning, indoor storage, maintenance charging, and periodic checks—will keep your batteries healthy.
Winter storage is one aspect of proper care; ongoing maintenance throughout the year will maximize lifespan and efficiency. Explore our Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Guide for advanced strategies and best practices.
