Can You Store A Golf Cart Outside?

Golf cart storage is something that needs to be considered seriously. Proper preparation is required to maintain the cart for years to come when stored outside. However, golf cart storage is not easy as storage options are limited, and golf carts cannot be left out casually.

Golf carts can be stored outside for shorter and even longer periods. But one thing comes under consideration while keeping them outside and without any protection, i.e., they can quickly wear out. Golf carts left outside for weeks can cause severe exterior and surface damage and even sometimes become immovable.
This article can help you know more about storing Golf carts outside and how to do it properly.

Can You Store Your Golf Cart Outside?

Simply, the answer is yes but with proper covers and precautions. There is no way that you can’t or are not allowed to store a golf cart outside. There are no rules to stop you from doing so. Storing a golf cart outside can be tricky as there is limited space. One has to a suitable place for storing a golf cart.

For winter-prone places, the golf carts along with golf equipment have to be winterized. Winterizing the golf cart can prevent costly repairs and unnecessary expenses. Other simple precautions that have to be taken care of are:

• While storing the golf cart outside, make sure that the cart doesn’t roll out. The parking brake cannot be engaged, so securing the cart through other methods is necessary.
• If the cart is not stored in a secured and safe place, removal of personal belonging is required.
• Perishable materials or food should be removed as well to prevent bacteria growth inside the cart.
• The cart before parking must be cleaned thoroughly, including its floors and upholstery.
• The tires need to be checked before storing and re-inflated if required.
• The keys must be removed before storing, and the cart’s location must be memorable for later access.

What Are The Effects On A Golf Cart When Stored Outside?

Throughout the year, seasons keep changing across the world. It may rain during some months while snow in some, some months may have the highest temperature while some may have pleasant weather.

Rain

Rain generally damages metal parts of the cart, but it may also affect the plastic part. Rain grows mold on both the exterior and interior parts of the carts. This may cause severe staining and smell.

Mold

Mold affects the electrical parts severely, like the battery and wires. And once mold and rainwater get into the battery and electrical components, the entire thing needs to be replaced.

Snow and Hail

Snow and hail can cause similar damages to the golf cart, like rain. Along with that, storms and wind can erode the exteriors massively, making the entire golf cart useless.

Animals and Birds

Small animals, rodents, and birds can also cause damage to the cart. Mice and other similar rodents can damage the textiles easily, along with birds who nib here and there and damage rubbers and cloth.

Ways to Store Golf Cart Outside

Purchase A Cover

Having a space to store a golf cart is not enough! You may consider buying a good quality cover for the golf cart. Even when your golf cart is stored under a shed or roof, other elements like sunlight, insects, and animals can still cause damage to the textile, metal part, and all in all, the golf cart.
Golf cart covers are customizable according to the owner’s preference. There are many types of covers where only the roof is protected; in some, the entire golf cart, including its wheels, is protected. So, choosing a cover depends totally on the space where the golf cart is stored.

Store In Your Garage

If you own a garage, then storing your golf cart would be hassle-free. And this is one the cheapest way of storing it. You can easily keep the golf cart along with your private vehicle. This method is also the safest, considering the garage is a roofed and secure place. The golf cart will be protected and be even under your surveillance. The only thing to consider is to clean and prepare the space as well as the golf cart. The area must be cleared out, remove extra items and clutter for later accessibility.

Renting A Space

Renting a storage unit is one of the best options for keeping golf carts for long periods. This option is best if you do not own a place or garage separately. Rental units are affordable, safe, weather-tight, often have temperature control. Finding a cheap storage unit could save you some bucks and protect your golf cart for seasons.

Get A Carport Or Car Hard Port

A portable carport or hard port is relatively inexpensive as a golf cart cover. Carports are permissible for lawns and backyards. You can easily store your golf cart under a carport, and it will be protected by animals, wind, insects, and sunlight. But specific preparations are required to store it under a carport. You have to watch the batteries, tires and cover them separately, clean the cart, and put it safely under the carport.

Preparation is highly suggested before storing your golf cart outside. The exteriors and interiors are relatively fragile, so covering each element of the cart is important. It would be best to do a complete maintenance routine before leaving your golf cart for an extended period. You can also winterize the cart if you live in a winter-prone or snowy place. That could save the cart and make it usable for later seasons. Leaving the cart on neutral is also essential when stored outside, as other carts or vehicles may need to take out theirs. This ensures that you are not causing any difficulty to others. Charge the battery to the fullest and fill in the water and electrolyte sufficiently. Checking the cords and wires and removing the damaged ones could avoid further corrosion. If the preparations are not done accordingly, it could leave you with an unusable golf cart. Hope this article has cleared the doubts and drove you enough to start preparing your golf cart for storing it outside.

If you need more advice on how to store your golf cart, contact J’s Golf Carts for more information. Fill out the contact form below and we will answer any questions or concerns you have about caring for your golf cart.