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Keeping Your E-Z-GO Golf Cart Batteries Warm and Dry All Winter Lake Erie Golf cars

Dec. 16 2025 Battery Maintenance By Joseph Powell

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Keeping Your E-Z-GO Golf Cart Batteries Warm and Dry All Winter

Winter can be tough on any golf cart, but your batteries feel it the most. Cold temperatures reduce battery performance, moisture creates corrosion, and neglect during the off-season can shorten battery life dramatically. Whether your E‑Z‑GO golf cart runs on traditional lead-acid batteries or modern lithium technology, a little winter prep goes a long way.

Below is a practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping your batteries warm, dry, and healthy all winter long.

Why Cold Weather Is Hard on Golf Cart Batteries

When temperatures drop, battery chemistry slows down. This means:

  • Reduced driving range

  • Slower acceleration

  • Longer charging times

  • Increased wear if batteries are left discharged

Moisture adds another risk. Condensation and road salt can cause corrosion at terminals and connections, leading to voltage loss and electrical issues when spring arrives.

Winter Care for Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries require hands-on maintenance, especially in cold weather.

1. Keep Batteries Fully Charged

Lead-acid batteries should never sit in a discharged or partially charged state during winter. Cold temperatures increase the risk of sulfation, which permanently reduces capacity.

Best practice:

  • Fully charge after every use

  • If stored, recharge at least once every 30 days

  • Never store below 80% charge

2. Check and Maintain Water Levels

Electrolyte levels drop faster in winter due to charging cycles.

What to do:

  • Check water levels monthly

  • Only use distilled water

  • Fill after charging, not before

  • Keep plates fully submerged, but do not overfill

Low water levels expose battery plates, accelerating internal damage.

3. Protect From Freezing Temperatures

A fully charged lead-acid battery freezes around -75°F, but a discharged one can freeze near 32°F.

Ideal storage conditions:

  • Indoors when possible (garage or shed)

  • Temperature range: 40°F–70°F

  • Never store directly on concrete without insulation underneath

4. Keep Batteries Clean and Dry

Moisture and dirt create surface discharge paths.

Maintenance steps:

  • Clean terminals with baking soda and water

  • Dry thoroughly

  • Apply terminal protectant or dielectric grease

  • Ensure battery hold-downs are tight

Winter Care for Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are far more winter-friendly, but they still need protection.

1. Avoid Charging Below Freezing

Most lithium batteries include a Battery Management System (BMS) that prevents charging below 32°F, but relying on this repeatedly can limit usability.

Best practice:

  • Store and charge above freezing

  • Allow batteries to warm up before charging

  • If stored cold, move the cart indoors before plugging in

2. Store at a Partial Charge

Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium does not need to stay at 100% all winter.

Recommended storage level:

  • 50%–70% state of charge

  • Recharge every 2–3 months if unused

This reduces long-term stress on the cells.

3. Keep Lithium Batteries Dry

Lithium battery packs are sealed, but moisture at connections can still cause issues.

Tips:

  • Inspect battery compartments for standing water

  • Keep vents clear

  • Avoid pressure washing battery areas

  • Dry thoroughly after winter driving

4. Use Built-In Battery Heaters (If Equipped)

Some newer lithium systems for E-Z-GO carts include internal heaters.

Advantages:

  • Safer cold-weather charging

  • Improved winter performance

  • Extended battery lifespan

If your cart has this feature, it’s a major winter advantage.

General Winter Storage Tips for All E-Z-GO Carts

  • Park on rubber mats or wood, not bare concrete

  • Use a breathable cart cover to prevent condensation

  • Disconnect accessories that may cause parasitic drain

  • Keep chargers plugged into a reliable power source

  • Inspect cables and terminals before spring startup

The Winter Payoff

Proper winter battery care means:

  • Longer battery life

  • Better spring performance

  • Fewer unexpected repair costs

  • Maximum return on your investment

Whether you’re running a classic lead-acid setup or a modern lithium system, protecting your E-Z-GO golf cart batteries from cold and moisture ensures your cart is ready the moment warmer weather returns.

Winter doesn’t have to be hard on your golf cart—just hard on neglect.