This winter has had some of the coldest weather on record, and even the warmest parts of the country are feeling the chill. For most cart owners, this often means preparing and storing your cart until spring, but, for others, it can mean equipping your cart with the latest components and accessories so you can enjoy your cart all year round. So, to beat the chill and keep your cart on the road, here are the essential parts to winterize your vehicle.

Tires

For serious cart enthusiasts who use their cart throughout the winter, the first part is to install new all-terrain tires .

All-terrain tires have a deeper tread, thicker tire wall, and a wider surface area for superior grip, regardless of the weather conditions. However, all-terrain tires are unsuitable for off-road purposes due to the small tread blocks.

If you use your cart on uneven or loose terrain, mud tires may be a more suitable winter option, as they have wider gaps between the tread to easily navigate even the stickiest of muddy off-road tracks.

Seat Belts

There are around 15,000 injuries due to golf carts each year in the U.S., and one of the major causes of injury is due to ejection during an accident. As a result, most states have laws that require seat belts in golf carts for street use.

The risk of accidents is compounded in winter when roads become slippery and visibility is compromised.

There are two types of seat belts available on golf carts: retractable and non-retractable. Non-retractable seat belts can be a more convenient option for regular golfers who need to exit and enter the vehicle frequently, while retractable belts have enhanced safety features for road carts.

Enclosures

Open-sided carts can make for a cold and miserable driving experience in winter. Cart enclosures not only keep out the elements to protect you and your passengers but also help preserve the interior upholstery and equipment from damage.

Most enclosures are constructed from a durable aluminum frame for stability, and tear-resistant, weather-proof canvas will help keep out moisture. For winter use, ensure your enclosure has rubber seals along the door frames to avoid moisture permeating the interior and causing mildew.

Covers

If you aren't planning to take your cart out during the winter months, you still need to properly store it to ensure it functions optimally when the weather warms up. But, before you store your cart, clean and perform proper maintenance, such as removing freezable liquid from the motor.

Storage covers come in a variety of sizes to suit any cart, from standard 2-seaters to larger 6-seater passenger carts. The vinyl or nylon covers are often designed with vents to increase air-flow and prevent mildew. Plus, they are water-resistant to keep out the elements, so your cart is ready to drive as soon as spring arrives.

Heater

Once you have your enclosure installed on your cart, the next part you need is a heater to keep you warm and cozy while you travel. Chilly weather can make driving uncomfortable, but it can also be potentially dangerous if you are exposed to the cold for too long.

A heater for the interior of your cart keeps you and your passengers warm and requires a limited amount of power. There are a variety of golf cart heaters available, from electric space heaters to handy propane heaters that fit into your cup holder.

Snow Plow

When the roads are too dangerous to travel and the links are covered in snow, you can use your golf cart for a more unconventional purpose.

Adding a snow plow attachment to the front of your cart turns your economical everyday transport into a time-saving snow moving machine. That means no more early winter mornings spent shoveling your driveway.

Light Kit

Early nightfall, combined with seasonal fog, heavy rain, and snow, limits your visibility on the road and makes driving your cart in winter an extreme sport.

Reduce the risk of having an accident by installing a street legal light kit on your cart. The kit comes with headlights, brake lights, and indicators, as well as a horn to let people know you are coming.

If you have already installed lights on your cart, you can improve your visibility even more with a rooftop light bar—perfect for low-light off-roading in the winter.

Windshield

During the winter, a windshield is an absolute must for your cart to keep out the damp and cold. Most factory model carts come without a windshield to enable better visibility on the golf course. But, if you plan on using your cart on the streets in any season, a windshield is a legal requirement.

Golf cart windshields come in a variety of modes, from clear to tinted, folding to flat. The choice depends on what you use your cart for the most. The most flexible option for carts used both on the street and the course is a foldable windshield. However, for a more stable option that keeps out the weather, choose the flat windshield.

Remember …

Whether you are excited to hit the snow in your winter-ready cart or you want to tuck your cart in for the winter, it is always important to do a thorough maintenance check at least twice a year. Keeping your cart well-maintained and kitted-out with all the essential winter parts are the keys to enjoying your vehicle all year long.