Do you own a golf cart and live in a region with cold weather? You might then wonder: Will golf cart batteries freeze at low temperatures?
The simple answer to this question is yes; even the best golf cart batteries will freeze in winter if it isn’t fully charged. And if they freeze, it isn’t easy to recover frozen batteries. It also shortens battery lifespan.
Uncharged golf cart batteries can cause several problems. So, maintain your golf cart before storing it in the winter.
This blog will walk you through the impact of winter on golf cart batteries and how to store them in cold weather.
Why Do Golf Cart Batteries Freeze?
A golf cart battery freezes when the temperature drops below a certain level. Battery charging status is the major determinant of whether a golf cart battery will freeze— a poorly charged battery is more susceptible to cold weather than a fully charged battery.
The electrolyte solution inside the battery contains water, which freezes when it gets cold. When water freezes, it expands, cracking battery plates. This damage causes batteries to leak acid and corrode, making them ineffective.
At What Temperature Will Golf Cart Batteries Freeze?
In general, a fully charged battery freezes at -80°F. On the other hand, if a golf cart battery is not fully charged, it will most likely freeze at around 20°F. However, several factors will influence the freezing temperature of a discharged golf cart battery, including the battery’s type and discharge level.
Thus, keeping golf cart batteries in a temperature-controlled environment is recommended to prevent damage from extreme temperatures.
What Happens If Golf Cart Batteries Freeze?
When golf cart batteries freeze, the solution’s water inside them turns into ice, damaging them. Expansion can damage battery connections and crack battery packs. It results in a loss of battery life and a decrease in battery performance (battery charge cycle).
Additionally, freezing temperatures reduce viscosity and drive cars slower than usual because of their reduced power capacity. So, charging your golf battery fully will prevent any damage.
Does Temperature Affect Charge Rate?
Temperature can significantly affect battery charge and discharge rates. Generally, higher temperatures increase the rate of chemical reactions inside the battery, which leads to faster charging and discharge.
Low temperatures can also significantly impact battery charge and discharge rates. Lower temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, slowing down the charge rate. Battery capacity is estimated to decrease by 10% every 15-20 degrees below 80°F.
Do You Need to Plug Your Golf Cart Throughout the Winter?
It is the most common question golf owners ask. Since different cart manufacturers have varying recommendations for plugging in the cart charger all the time, there are no straight answers. For instance, E-Z-Go doesn’t recommend keeping golf cart chargers plugged in all winter. On the other hand, Club Car recommends keeping your golf cart plugged in for extended storage.
How To Keep Your Golf Cart Charged All Winter?
Here are the steps you need to follow if you want your golf cart to stay charged all winter:
Charging Before Storage
It is important to fully charge the battery before storing it. When you use it again, make sure it has the maximum capacity.
Maintain the Temperature
It is important to store the battery in a dry place where it will remain between 32 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use an Automatic Golf Cart Charger
Use a smart charger to charge the battery and ensure it’s working correctly. Using these automatic chargers will allow you to keep your batteries charged longer.
Regular Maintenance
Lastly, if you wish to drive your golf cart in the long run, it’s essential to check its maintenance every month or two.
Following these steps, you can keep your golf cart’s battery charged all winter and its maintenance updated.
How Do I Winterize Golf Cart Batteries?
Winterizing golf cart batteries involves preparing your golf cart for the cold season and ensuring that your batteries are ready to be used. If you’re looking for golf cart battery winter storage tips, here they are:
- To winterize golf cart batteries, you must clean them properly to remove dirt, corrosion, and grime.
- The next step is to check the water level to ensure it’s above the lead plates but not too high.
- Make sure the golf cart batteries are fully charged before winterizing them.
- Afterward, disconnect all of the golf cart’s batteries.
- Finally, remember to recharge your batteries if necessary during the winter months.
If you want to learn more about winterizing golf carts, you can read our article Winterizing Golf Carts – 7 Essential Steps.
What Is The Best To Keep Golf Cart Batteries Warm During The Winter?
Golf cart batteries are most likely to freeze when the temperature reaches 20°F. The batteries in your cart must be kept warm not to freeze. Here are some golden tips for ensuring your batteries don’t freeze:
- The batteries should always be fully charged. This will allow them to stay warm during the winter and maintain their battery capacity.
- To keep batteries warm, thermal insulation provides a constant heat source.
- Also, you can install a battery heater on the batteries to ensure they receive enough heat.
- To keep a golf cart warm, you should keep it in the garage.
Final Thoughts
A golf cart battery will freeze in cold climates, so it needs to be properly maintained and kept at the proper temperature. It is important to keep batteries fully charged so they do not freeze. This article discussed how low temperatures affect golf cart batteries and how to protect them. We hope you will find this helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store a lithium golf battery in winter?
To prevent damage caused by freezing or over-freezing in the winter, lithium golf cart batteries need to be charged between 50 and 70%.
Can you leave golf cart batteries outside in winter?
It is not recommended to leave golf cart batteries outside during winter because freezing temperatures can damage them and reduce their lifespan. The best way to store them is in a temperature-controlled room.
