As the warmer months approach, many golf cart owners are eager to hit the course, cruise around the neighborhood, or use their carts for work and recreation. But not every cart is in year-round use. Whether you’re a seasonal resident, storing a backup vehicle, or keeping your cart parked for weeks at a time, understanding how to store golf cart batteries for summer is essential to ensure longevity, safety, and performance.
Why Summer Storage Matters for Batteries
While winter storage often gets the most attention, summer storage comes with its own risks. High temperatures can accelerate battery discharge, cause fluid evaporation in flooded lead-acid batteries, and even lead to plate corrosion. If left unchecked, these issues can shorten battery lifespan and lead to poor performance—or complete failure—when you’re ready to use your cart again.
Golf cart batteries exposed to direct sunlight or stored in unventilated sheds can overheat. This not only reduces their charge retention but can also deform battery casings or cause internal damage. In extreme cases, batteries may leak or pose a fire hazard.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid costly replacements and extend the usable life of your golf cart batteries well into future seasons.
Start With a Full Charge
Before placing your cart in storage for the summer—or even for just a few weeks—ensure that the batteries are fully charged. A full charge helps stabilize the battery chemistry and prevents sulfation, a condition where lead sulfate crystals build up and degrade the battery.
This step is especially important for lead-acid batteries, which can lose charge faster in high heat. If your cart will be inactive for longer than a few weeks, consider topping off the charge every 30–45 days to maintain battery health.
Check and Maintain Water Levels
For carts using flooded lead-acid batteries, checking the water level is a must before summer storage. High heat accelerates the evaporation of electrolyte fluid, which can expose the lead plates and damage the battery internally.
Add only distilled water to each cell if levels are low, and be sure not to overfill. Overfilling can lead to spills and acid corrosion. Never add water to a battery that hasn’t been fully charged, as charging causes the electrolyte to expand.
During storage, inspect water levels monthly. If you’re in an especially hot or dry region, more frequent checks may be necessary.
Disconnect the Batteries or Enable Storage Mode
If your cart will remain unused for weeks or months, disconnect the battery cables to eliminate parasitic drain. Some golf carts have a tow/storage switch that serves the same purpose—make sure it’s activated if available.
Removing the power load ensures that the battery remains stable, reduces the chance of a full discharge, and protects your battery investment from unnecessary wear.
Before disconnecting cables, take a picture of the current wiring setup or label each terminal to make reconnection easier later.
Store in a Cool, Shaded Area
High ambient temperatures are the biggest threat to battery longevity in the summer. Whenever possible, store your golf cart—and its batteries—in a cool, shaded area that is well ventilated. Ideal storage locations include:
- A climate-controlled garage
- A shaded carport with airflow
- A ventilated shed with insulation
Avoid placing your golf cart directly under metal roofs or in sun-soaked driveways. If you must store it outside, use a breathable golf cart cover that blocks sunlight but allows heat to escape.
Keeping the ambient temperature in check reduces electrolyte evaporation, slows chemical degradation, and ensures your battery retains its charge longer.
Use a Battery Maintainer or Solar Charger
To maintain battery voltage over the summer, a battery maintainer or trickle charger is recommended for carts in long-term storage. These devices provide a low current that keeps the battery topped off without overcharging it.
For carts stored in outdoor sheds or carports, a solar battery maintainer can be an excellent hands-off solution. These units connect directly to the battery terminals and convert sunlight into a slow, steady charge that compensates for self-discharge.
Always use a charger that is compatible with your specific battery type (flooded lead-acid, AGM, or lithium) and includes automatic shutoff features.
Clean and Protect Battery Terminals
Before summer storage, clean the battery terminals using a solution of baking soda and water. This neutralizes acid residue and removes corrosion that could interfere with conductivity.
Dry the terminals thoroughly, and apply an anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly to prevent buildup during storage. Corroded terminals can lead to hard starts, poor charging performance, and even electrical shorts.
Inspect for Cracks, Swelling, or Leaks
A visual inspection of the battery casing is crucial before and during summer storage. Look for:
- Cracks or bulges in the plastic housing
- Leaking fluid
- Unusual odors (a sulfur smell may indicate a leak or overcharge)
If you notice any of these issues, do not store the battery without replacing it or having it serviced by a professional. Damaged batteries pose serious safety risks and should never be left in enclosed spaces.
Monitor Voltage Every Few Weeks
Even if you’re using a charger, check battery voltage every 30 to 45 days during storage. Most lead-acid batteries should stay above 12.4 volts; if they dip below that, recharge them immediately.
Keeping track of voltage ensures the battery doesn’t drop to a level that leads to sulfation or internal damage. For multi-battery systems (such as 36V or 48V carts), check each battery individually, not just the total system voltage.
Safety Precautions for Summer Battery Storage
Batteries should always be stored safely, regardless of the season. In summer, be especially cautious of overheating. Store batteries away from heat sources such as water heaters, grills, or direct sunlight. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid the buildup of flammable gases.
If you plan to remove the batteries for storage, place them upright on a wooden pallet or shelf in a dry, shaded space. Never stack batteries, and avoid placing them on bare concrete, which can lead to temperature imbalances and premature discharge.
Ready for Use: Summer Reconnection Tips
When you’re ready to bring your golf cart back into use, begin with a visual inspection. Look for signs of corrosion, leaks, or low fluid levels. Clean the terminals again if necessary and reconnect the cables following the labels or photo you took earlier.
Fully charge the batteries before your first ride to ensure optimal range and performance. If any of the batteries show significant voltage drop or struggle to hold a charge, consider a professional inspection or replacement.
Conclusion
Knowing how to store golf cart batteries for summer is just as important as preparing for winter. Heat, not just cold, can cause irreversible damage to your battery system if you don’t take proper precautions. By fully charging the batteries, maintaining water levels, keeping them cool and ventilated, and monitoring voltage regularly, you’ll ensure your golf cart is ready whenever you are.
For expert advice, replacement batteries, or summer storage accessories, visit Hartville Golf Carts. Our team can help you extend the life of your golf cart batteries and keep your cart performing at its best during every season.
