A well-maintained Club Car electric vehicle can give you years of reliable performance. Whether you’re storing your vehicle for the off-season or an extended break, following the proper long-term storage procedures is essential to protect your investment and ensure your golf car is ready when you are.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you store your vehicle the right way:
1. Two weeks before storage
- Check battery water levels: Inspect each battery cell. If water is needed, fill to cover the plates using distilled water only. Do not overfill. Electrolyte levels should sit about 13mm (½ inch) above the plates and no more than 6mm (¼ inch) below the level indicator.
- Charge the vehicle: Run at least five charge cycles with a minimum of 10 energy units (EUs) removed to ensure proper mixing of the water and electrolyte.
- Important: Do not water batteries immediately prior to storage. This won’t allow enough time for proper mixing and may lead to battery freezing.
2. Just before storage
- Turn everything off:
- Key switch to OFF.
- Forward/Reverse switch in NEUTRAL.
- Remove the key.
- Power down all accessories.
- Tow/Run switch: Set to TOW. (Note: the battery warning light won’t illuminate in this position, so don’t rely on it to check charge levels.)
- Clean batteries: Use a neutraliser mix (1 cup baking soda per 1.8l of water) to clean battery tops and terminals. Then apply terminal protector spray.
- Check and tighten all cable connections according to the owner’s manual.
- Single-point watering system: If equipped, place the fill tube on top of the battery to allow water to drain back.
- Protect your accessories:
- Store bag protector in the DOWN position.
- Store windshield in the UPRIGHT position to avoid damage.
3. Plug in the charger
- Plug the charger into the vehicle and confirm it is working by checking the ammeter or indicator lights.
- Leave the charger plugged in throughout storage. Vehicles with an Onboard Computer (OBC) will activate charging as needed.
4. Monthly checks
- Inspect battery electrolyte levels and charger function at least once a month.
- To verify the charger is operating:
- Unplug the DC cord (stationary charger) or AC cord (onboard charger).
- Wait five seconds and reconnect.
- Look for the ammeter to indicate current — this means it’s working.
5. Restarting the charger after power loss
If AC power has been off for seven or more days, the OBC will not restart automatically. To restart:
- Confirm power has been restored.
- Disconnect and reconnect the appropriate cord (as above) to reset the OBC.
6. Additional maintenance tips
- Tyre pressure: Inflate tyres to 18–20 PSI (or follow the owner’s manual recommendations).
- Lubrication: Complete all semi-annual lubrication tasks.
- Clean thoroughly: Wash the front and rear body panels, seat area, battery compartment, and underside of the vehicle.
- Ventilation: Ensure your storage area has adequate airflow as recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Do not engage the park brake. Instead, chock the wheels to prevent rolling, especially since the car is in NEUTRAL and TOW mode.
Final Thoughts
Proper storage is essential to prolong the life of your electric Club Car. By following these guidelines and referencing your owner’s manual, you’ll ensure your vehicle is ready for action when it’s time to hit the road (or course) again.
Need help preparing your vehicle for storage? Contact our service team today by phoning 0755 299 499.
Download the PDF summary below for Club Car long term storage advice: