Can Golf Carts Get Wet?

In short, the answer is yes! Golf carts can get wet.

Golf carts are manufactured with the elements in mind and are made to be used outdoors. They are open-air vehicles with seats often made from vinyl or other water-resistant material. A little rain is not going to hurt them. Some golf cart manufacturers such as “Bintelli” even come stock with windshield wipers.

While driving in the rain will not harm your golf cart, exposing your cart to rain by leaving it outdoors for a long duration of time can do damage to your electrical system. A lot of water getting into the golf cart's battery compartment can cause it to fail and therefore cause your golf cart to stop working.

Be sure to avoid going through deep ditches or any large puddles that could cause the battery and electrical system to be submerged in water.

Can I use my gas golf cart in the rain?

A gas golf cart is slightly more water resistant when compared to battery-powered golf carts. But gas golf carts still have electric components so you will want to avoid driving your gas cart in deep water and leaving it out in the rain for long periods of time.

Now that we know what to avoid when it comes to golf carts and water.

What else can I do to ensure a safe ride in the rain?

• Check your tires and make sure there is plenty of tread left before driving in the rain.
• Know the road. Avoid areas that tend to flood.
• Make sure to check your brakes to ensure they are working properly before heading out.

What about rain covers for my golf cart?

A rain cover is a popular accessory for golf cart owners to purchase.

When it comes to accessories, the brand of golf cart that you buy plays a large role. The big three brands, EZ GO, Yamaha, and Club Car have been on the market for many years and have a large selection of aftermarket parts available on popular sites such as Amazon or Alibaba.

For other brands such as ICON and Evolution, the options tend to be more limited and a “universal” fit. To be fair, you can expect more aftermarket parts for these new brands with time.

Can I leave my golf cart outside in the rain?

Yes, you can but it is not recommended.

Leaving your golf cart outside in the rain for a prolonged period of time can water log your seats. Water sitting on your seats can speed up the breakdown of the material over time. Meaning more maintenance and a decrease in resale value.

If you live in a coastal area, rain is even more of a concern due to the damage that salt water can cause to your golf cart's frame. Most golf carts are made with steel frames that are powder coated but this is still not enough to withstand a hefty amount of rain, saltwater, and humidity over time.

In coastal areas, you may consider going with a brand that makes golf carts with aluminum frames such as Club Car or Bintelli. The reason for going with aluminum over steel in coastal areas is that aluminum is less likely to rust.

If enough water gets into your golf cart, for a long enough period of time, your electrical components will start to wear and malfunction.

A rainy cruise on the golf cart here and there is what it is built for. To ensure that your golf cart holds up over time, it is best to store them inside of a garage. If you do not have a garage it is best to store them under a covered area.

What if my only option is to leave the golf cart outside all of the time?

The truth is that your golf cart will probably still work (so as long as it's never flooded) if you store it outside but cosmetically the paint will fade faster, the interior will breakdown quickly, and the steel parts of the cart (think the frame of the cart, the frame around the windshield, the bracket that holds the rear part of the roof up) will start to rust sooner rather than later.

And if you live in a rainy climate, the chances that your electrical system will get damaged increases with the exposure to condensation.

Overall to reduce the maintenance required over time and to preserve the exterior condition of your golf cart, you should aim to store it in a garage or under a covering.

Can I wash my golf cart?

As a good rule of thumb, you should treat washing your golf cart similarly to how you approach washing your car. It is completely okay to use a hose and directly impact the exterior of your golf cart with a stream of water.

When it comes to the interior, you should try to avoid a direct impact with a hose and opt for wipes instead.

Be mindful that the sensitive electronics are located around the dash, so you definitely don’t want those parts to get too wet.

Do not spray water inside the engine or battery compartment, opt for degreaser and wipes to clean your engine compartment or battery bay.

If you have a golf cart with features such as an LCD screen, back up camera, or speakers, be aware that these items are electronic and should avoid rain or water if at all possible.

You may be thinking but hey, aren’t these all-weather speakers made for the rain?

Yes, they are made to withstand the elements like boat speakers but at the end of the day they are still electronic and have cables that run into the back of them, so you should try your best to keep them away from direct water contact.

Have any more questions about how to operate your golf cart around water? Let us know at support@skrtshare.com