Golf cart winter storage

In the last issue, we wrote about how to prepare your house when you are going to be away so there are no preventable problems when you return. Many of you also have a golf cart which needs attention when you put it away for the winter whether you are home or not. Jim Johnson of Beaver Creek Golf Carts provides these helpful suggestions in the following checklist:

1. Inspect your golf cart batteries before you charge them. If you smell rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide–-H2S), it is either because the battery cells were overfilled or there is a crack in a battery case. The smell is from leaking battery acid (sulfuric acid–H2SO4). Before proceeding, put on rubber gloves and goggles. If the cells have been overfilled, charging the battery will cause the battery acid to boil out through the vent holes in the battery caps and cause a rotten egg smell. Remove the battery caps and check the acid level. It should be just below the plug inset. If it is higher, contact a professional to remove the excess acid. The acid must be removed, neutralized, and disposed of properly. Battery acid can cause serious burns.

If the acid level is correct, check each battery for cracks. If cracks are found in any of the battery cases, the batteries must be replaced.

2. If you see a white powder on any of the battery terminals, battery cases, or the battery support shelf, it should be neutralized and washed away. Before proceeding, put on rubber gloves and goggles. Put two tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in a quart of water. Pour this water on any areas with white powder. You will see a bubbling action as the baking soda neutralizes the acid. After a few minutes, wash these areas with a gentile flow from a garden hose.

3. Fill the batteries with distilled water to just under the plug inset under the battery caps. Do not overfill the batteries. Charge the batteries overnight.

4. The batteries should be recharged every four to six weeks during the winter months, but if this is not possible, disconnect the NEGATIVE main battery cable.

5. If you will be storing your golf cart for three to six months, it is not a good idea to leave the batteries on charge, even if your charger has an automatic recharge indicator. It is better to disconnect the negative main battery cable.

6. Fill your tires with air to 25 pounds per square inch (psi). Make sure the key is in the off position and devices such as the directional signals are off.

7. Do not keep the cart and batteries in an area that will be below 0° F for an extended period of time.

8. If you can move the cart during the winter months, drive it up and down the driveway, and then recharge the batteries every four to six weeks.

9. Batteries will loose 80 to 90 percent of their charge when stored for four months. After storage for more than two months, make sure the batteries are filled with distilled water and charged for 12-14 hours before driving the cart.

If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com

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