The cold weather can bring a lot of challenges for Golf Cart fanatics. Lithium-Ion Golf Carts have some critical things to keep in mind when the weather shifts to cold. Here are the key aspects you need to remember when you gear up for the snow:
Can I drive my cart in the snow/cold? –
Yes! You absolutely can. However, be cognizant that certain carts do better than others. We suggest reaching out to your golf cart dealer or manufacturer for these insights. Winter can be a very fun time to have a golf cart, but safety is always a factor. At the end of the day, these are not cars, and they do not handle snow and ice like them. Make sure you do your research prior to creating snow tracks!
Charging-
Do you charge your cart indoors, or out? If you are an outdoor charger, the winter may prove more challenging for you (and maybe your checkbook). Lithium-Ion batteries are not meant to be charged in temperatures LOWER than freezing. Charging them in temperatures below freezing can degrade the cells of the battery, leading to a lower life expectancy for your battery. Given the cost of repairing and replacing Lithium-Ion batteries, we STRONGLY advise against charging them outside during the winter. Instead, try to charge them in a dry, heated space. A heated garage or shop would be ideal!
Storage-
Most Lithium-Ion batteries have a longer-term storage button on them (often labeled with a power logo and found on the side of the battery). We use these whenever the cart sits for more than a week without being driven, per advisement from our manufacturers. This button plays a critical role in ensuring the battery’s life is maximized. It ensures the cart does not over or under cycle energy as it sits. Here is the step-by-step process of how to utilize this button in storing your cart, long term:
- Step one is to find a warm, dry place to store and charge your cart. Get the battery to 100% and then remove it from the power source.
- Next, make sure the cart is off. Press the long-term storage button, making sure it is also off.
- Your cart is ready to be stored! We recommend checking the battery frequently while it is stored and topping off the charge when able. Every 2-3 weeks would be ample for this. Just make sure you turn the storage button on prior to charging, and back off once you are done. Do not leave it plugged into a power source during storage!
If you complete these steps, your cart will be properly stored! Just as importantly, you will be getting the most out of your battery life. Once the weather gets warmer, get your cart out as soon as possible for a ride.
If you have any questions about this process, we are always happy to support. Your adventure starts here, at Hurricane Golf Carts.
