Author：Aron-LiuDate：2025-8-25
How to maintain a golf cart during the rainy summer season?
The arrival of rainy season, with its wet grass and sudden downpours, puts a real strain on golf carts! Every time I see a golf cart parked in the rain, I feel for its battery and undercarriage wiring. Don't worry, this rainy season maintenance guide is designed to help your golf cart safely weather the rainy summer months:
🛡 1. Protection First: Avoid Unnecessary Exposure
Parking is Key:
First Choice: Indoor Garage/Carport. This is the best way to protect your golf cart from the elements.
Second Choice: A dedicated golf cart cover. If you must park outdoors, be sure to use a high-quality, waterproof, breathable (to reduce condensation) cover that is fully covered and securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away. Regularly inspect the cover for damage.
Avoid: Parking your golf cart in the rain for extended periods. Even with a cover, prolonged exposure to humidity is not good. Taking Shelter While Driving:
In the event of sudden heavy rain, seek shelter as soon as possible (such as designated shelters at the golf course, under trees 🌳 (pay attention to safety), or near the clubhouse). Avoid driving for extended periods in heavy rain.
🔋 2. Core Component Maintenance: Top Priority
Battery System (The Lifeline of the Electric Golf Cart):
Keep it Dry and Clean: Rain and moisture are the battery's worst enemies. Regularly check the seal of the battery compartment cover to ensure there are no leaks. After each rainy day use (or periodically), inspect the battery surface and terminals (positive and negative) for water stains, dirt, or corrosion (white/green powder).
Terminal Corrosion Prevention: If you notice signs of corrosion on the terminal, first disconnect the power (safety first!), clean the corrosion with baking soda and water (or a dedicated battery terminal cleaner) and a wire brush. After thoroughly drying, apply a thin layer of battery terminal grease (Vaseline can also be used as a quick-fix alternative) to prevent further oxidation. Electrolyte Check (Lead-Acid Batteries): If using lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte level before and after heavy rain (after fully charging). The level should be slightly above the top of the plates. Only add distilled water to the specified level (do not add tap water or stock electrolyte). Avoid overfilling the tank to prevent overflow during charging.
Charging Environment: Always charge in a dry, well-ventilated indoor location or under a carport. Never charge in the open air! Keep the charger and charging port dry.
Protecting the Electrical System from Moisture:
Checking the Wiring Harness and Connectors: Visually inspect the connectors of the main wiring harness, controller, and motor (visible parts) for signs of looseness, damage, or water damage. If any problems are found, contact a qualified repair technician immediately.
Keep the Controller Dry: The controller is the "brain" of the battery. Ensure it is mounted in a relatively dry location, out of direct water exposure. Avoid covering the heat dissipation holes in the controller. Key switch and light switch: Avoid operating these switches frequently when wet to prevent short circuits. Dry them as soon as possible after rain.
Brake System Inspection:
Rainwater reduces the friction of the brake pads. Watch for weakened braking or unusual noises after rain.
Inspect the brake lines for signs of water accumulation or corrosion.
Ensure the parking brake (handbrake) is working properly to prevent the vehicle from sliding on slippery slopes.
III. Cleaning and Maintenance After Rain
Thorough Cleaning:
Wash as Soon as Possible: After rain or driving on muddy roads, thoroughly clean the golf cart as soon as possible. Rainwater is not pure and contains acids and airborne pollutants. Dirt and grass clippings accelerate corrosion in wet conditions.
Key Areas: Clean the chassis, wheel arches, wheels (to prevent mud accumulation), and the underbody. Pay special attention to removing sand and water stains that have accumulated in crevices, corners, near the battery compartment, and under the motor and controller. Cleaning Agent: Use a mild car detergent (avoid strong acids or bases) and clean water. Be careful when using a high-pressure water jet to clean, and avoid aiming the water jet directly at electrical components (such as the junction box, controller vents, motor shaft seals, and charging ports).
Drying: After cleaning, use a clean towel to dry the vehicle's body, seats, dashboard, pedals, and other components. Particularly dry any moisture around the battery compartment cover, switches, and sockets.
Lubrication and Rust Prevention:
Lubrication of Moving Parts: Rainwater can strip the lubricant from moving metal parts (such as the brake pedal, accelerator pedal, steering column, throttle linkage, and parking brake cable). After cleaning and drying, apply a small amount of lubricant (such as WD-40 or other specialized lubricant) to these moving joints to ensure smooth movement and prevent rust.
Body Inspection: Inspect the vehicle's metal parts (especially the chassis and frame), screws, and nuts for signs of rust. If there is minor rust, sand it off immediately and apply anti-rust primer and topcoat (or use anti-rust wax).
Interior Care:
Seats: If your seats are fabric or vinyl, wipe them dry immediately after rain. Keep them dry to prevent mold growth. Regularly use a dedicated interior cleaner and protectant.
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