When it comes to cold weather vs. golf cart batteries, the drop in temperature does more than just frost your windshield—it slows down the internal chemistry your cart needs. To keep your cart moving, check out our guide to maintaining your battery in the cold.
How the cold affects your golf cart batteries
Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions your cart relies on, essentially forcing the battery to work twice as hard for half the results.
Freezing temperatures act as a chemical bottleneck for golf cart batteries, slowing power delivery and increasing internal resistance. This leads to sluggish performance and an increased risk of sulfation, which can permanently reduce the battery’s capacity.
Extreme cold also poses a physical threat. If a battery is left uncharged, the electrolyte can freeze and expand, potentially cracking the casing and ruining the unit entirely.
The best way to store your batteries for winter
To keep your batteries safe from the winter’s chill, store them in a cool, dry place between 32°F and 80°F, disconnecting the negative terminal. If you must store your cart in unheated areas, use insulation or a battery blanket to maintain a stable internal temperature.
Always monitor the environment to ensure AGM batteries stay above 40°F and lithium batteries remain above freezing to avoid expansion and cracking that can lead to permanent casing damage.
Ways to prevent your batteries from freezing.
The most effective defense for your golf cart batteries is to keep them fully charged, as a higher state of charge significantly lowers the electrolyte’s freezing point. Start by cleaning the terminals and ensuring they are charged to the correct level. Additionally, perform bimonthly voltage checks to catch any discharge early and keep the units healthy until spring.
Year-round battery maintenance.
To maximize battery life year-round, establish a consistent charging routine that avoids deep discharges and use a charger compatible with your specific battery type. Keep the battery compartment clean and dry to prevent corrosion. For flooded lead-acid models, regularly top off cells with distilled water to the designated level.
By avoiding extreme temperatures and overcharging, you’ll maintain optimal performance and keep your cart ready for the next round.
Summary
With this new understanding of the cold weather vs. golf cart batteries, head to The Cart Source to learn more about proper golf cart care. And for more cart info—including when to replace your golf cart battery—continue reading our blogs.