Can I leave my electric golf cart plugged in all winter?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 13, 2026
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Is it OK to leave my golf cart plugged in all winter?
No, it's not recommended that you leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. Although automatic chargers are designed to prevent over-charging, there is still the risk of the circuit breaker tripping, which would result in damage to your battery's cells.
How do I protect my golf cart batteries in the winter?
Keep them in a cool area and stay away from areas that are near heat sources such as radiators or heaters, since hot temperatures accelerate battery self-discharge. In addition, al- ways avoid areas where freezing temperatures are expected during the storage pe- riod.
How long can you leave a golf cart plugged in?
In my opinion, the recommendation that E-Z-GO makes is the simplest and most practical. Charge your golf car completely, Unplug the charging plug from the vehicle receptacle when charging is complete. Repeat every 20-30 days.
Can electric golf cart batteries freeze in the winter?
Yes, golf cart batteries can freeze. There are a few factors that are going to affect how the golf cart battery freezes, and we will help try to explain that. A battery that is not charged is going to freeze at a much higher temperature than a battery that is charged.
35 related questions foundHow do I store my electric golf cart?
Electric Golf Cart Winter Storage Tips
- Clean the vehicle.
- Park the vehicle in a covered, dry location.
- Fully charge the battery.
- Disconnect battery cables.
- Check the tire pressure.
- Turn the key switch to the OFF position and remove the key.
- Turn the power switch under the seat to the TOW position.
Should I leave my electric golf cart plugged in?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Should golf carts stay plugged in?
Manufacturers recommend leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time, but only if using an automatic battery charger. This will keep the batteries topped off and ready to go. If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate and provide less capacity.
What happens if you overcharge golf cart batteries?
An overcharged golf cart battery will boil the distilled water mix and sulfuric acid. The casing of the battery can steadily get heated up and become hot to the touch. Equally, it may begin to swell or melt as flammable hydrogen builds up inside the sealed cells.
Can you leave golf cart outside?
Golf carts can be stored outside for shorter and even longer periods. But one thing comes under consideration while keeping them outside and without any protection, i.e., they can quickly wear out. Golf carts left outside for weeks can cause severe exterior and surface damage and even sometimes become immovable.
How long does an electric golf cart charge last?
Golf course maintenance personnel recharge institutionally owned golf carts after every 18-hole round of golf, which lasts approximately four to five hours, and measures approximately 6,000 yards (3.5 miles).
How do I extend the battery life on my golf cart?
Here are 6 Tips to Making Your Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer.
- Always Use Distilled Water. Battery maintenance is best done in a well-ventilated area on a plain and level surface. ...
- Use a Proper Battery Charger. ...
- Trickle Charge the Battery. ...
- Prevent Corrosion. ...
- Pay More to Last More. ...
- Use Anti-Corrosion Lubricants.
How far will a 48 volt golf cart go?
How Long Will a 48 Volt Golf Cart Run? A 48 volt golf cart, depending on its amperage can go from 12 miles to 35 miles.
How often should you fill golf cart batteries with water?
The typical schedule is about once every 30 days, but this may vary by several days depending on your specific situation. When filling the batteries, add just enough water to bring it 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch shy of the indicator ring to prevent overfilling.
Should lithium golf batteries be left on charger?
If the battery is being used regularly (once a week for example), it is OK to leave it connected to the charger, with the charger turned on. The Battery Management System (BMS) within the battery will prevent any damage.
How often should you charge a 48 volt golf cart?
4) To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. Always remember to do a refresh charge every 45 to 60 days, and even more frequently in hotter climates.
How do I winterize my EZ Go golf cart?
The steps include:
- Replacing the fuel and air filters.
- Changing the oil and filter.
- Removing the old spark plug, pouring a half-ounce of clean oil in the hole and installing a new plug.
- Draining the fuel tank and running the engine until it stops in order to remove gas from the system as old gas can gum up the fuel lines.
Should I charge my golf cart in tow or run?
Golf Cart Battery Care
NEVER work on the golf cart without flipping the RUN/TOW switch to "TOW." Batteries should be recharged after each day's use. Flip the RUN/TOW switch to "TOW" when charging to avoid damage to the controller. We recommend charging between any usage; if it is feasible to do so.
What type of water is best for golf cart batteries?
Do not use Tap Water
To be safe, always use distilled water, a much less significant investment than a new battery.
How often do golf cart batteries need to be replaced?
Properly maintained golf cart batteries will last on average about 6-10 years for private owners. For properly maintained fleet golf cart batteries that get used for 2-3 rounds of golf everyday, you can expect them to last 4-6 years.
How long does a 48V golf cart charge last?
A 48V E-Z-GO RXV golf car with an AC motor and new(er) batteries will travel the following distances based on the stated factors: Trojan T-1275+ 12V batteries should run 102 minutes at 56 amps. The max range would be roughly 20.5 miles @ 12 miles/hour, or in golfing terms about 3 rounds or 54 holes.
How much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?
Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries
The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.
How do you store an electric golf cart for 6 months?
7 Tips for Long-Term Golf Cart Storage
- Step 1: Fully Charge the Battery. The typical golf cart is run by a 6-volt battery. ...
- Step 2: Disconnect the Battery. ...
- Step 3: Refill Water Level. ...
- Step 4: Secure the Cart. ...
- Step 5: Take Care of The Tires. ...
- Step 6: Make Sure it's Clean. ...
- Step 7: Store it in a Secure Place.
Can golf carts be charged outside?
Golf carts need to be charged in the open or in a well-ventilated area, he said. With hydrogen present, a problem could develop, he noted, by even touching the garage door switch or garage door light -- all of which work off electricity.