How to maintain your golf cart during the rainy summer?

Author：DavisDate：2025-8-25

How to maintain your golf cart during the rainy summer? A professional guide to help you protect your car's performance.

With the arrival of summer, many parts of China are experiencing periods of concentrated rainfall. Golf carts, essential tools for daily golf course operations, are prone to battery failure, component corrosion, and brake failure due to prolonged exposure to humid environments. To help golf course operators and owners extend the life of their vehicles and ensure driving safety, industry professionals have developed a targeted maintenance plan tailored to the rainy season.

1. Battery system: Moisture-proof is the core to avoid short circuit hazards

Electric golf cart batteries are most susceptible to damage in humid environments. Professional technicians recommend opening the battery compartment immediately after every rain to check for accumulated water or moisture. If moisture is detected, wipe thoroughly with a dry cotton cloth and apply a moisture repellent as necessary. Also, inspect the battery terminals weekly for signs of oxidation and corrosion. If white or green powder is present, clean with a baking soda solution and then apply petroleum jelly to prevent rust. When charging, ensure the battery surface is dry to prevent rainwater from seeping into the charging port. Strictly adhere to the "shallow charge and shallow discharge" principle to avoid over-discharge that can shorten battery life.

2. Body and Chassis: Clean promptly to prevent rust.

Rainwater mixed with mud and sand easily settles in the crevices of the vehicle body and chassis. Long-term accumulation accelerates rust. We recommend rinsing the vehicle body and chassis with clean water after each use, focusing on areas prone to dirt and grime, such as the inside of the wheel hubs, the bottom of the doors, and the chassis crossmembers. After rinsing, use a high-pressure air gun to dry out any moisture in the crevices. Scratches on the vehicle body should be repaired promptly with touch-up paint to prevent rainwater from seeping into the metal and causing rust. The chassis can be sprayed with a rust inhibitor regularly to enhance corrosion resistance.

3. Brakes and Tires: Ensuring Driving Safety on Wet Roads

During the rainy season, roads are slippery, and the sensitivity of the brake system is directly related to safety. Test brake performance before daily operation. If you notice increased brake pedal travel or unusual brake noise, check brake pad wear and the water content in the brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and excessive water content can reduce braking effectiveness. We recommend changing the brake fluid every six months. Regarding tires, check tire pressure regularly (reducing by 0.2-0.3 bar is recommended in summer), remove small stones from the tread, and ensure the tread depth is at least 1.6mm to improve drainage and grip, preventing slipping in rainy weather.

4. Electrical and Wiper Blades: Detailed Maintenance to Prevent Failures

Protect electrical components such as vehicle lights and instrument panels from water ingress and short circuits. After rain, check lampshades for damage and sealant deterioration. If water ingress is detected, dry them immediately. Wiring connections can be wrapped with waterproof tape to enhance sealing. Wiper blades, which safeguard visibility in rainy weather, should be inspected weekly for wear. If water residue or unusual noises are detected, replace them promptly. Use windshield washer fluid with a special antifreeze-resistant formula (to protect against mosquitoes in the summer) to prevent water from accumulating in the water tank and potentially clogging the pipes.

In addition, professionals advise that golf carts should be parked indoors if possible. If parked outdoors, cover with a waterproof cover and avoid prolonged immersion in standing water (no more than one-third of the wheels). Regular and comprehensive maintenance will not only reduce the frequency of breakdowns during the rainy season but also extend the vehicle's service life by 3-5 years, reducing maintenance costs for course operations.