Self-discharge is an inevitable problem for golf cart batteries during long-term winter storage, and improper winter storage is one of the main causes of permanent battery capacity loss and scrapping. Most golf carts are idle for weeks or even months in cold winter, and both lead-acid and lithium batteries will slowly release internal electric energy spontaneously without external load. Low winter temperatures will further accelerate the self-discharge process and aggravate battery chemical activity attenuation. If users ignore self-discharge characteristics and store batteries in a low-power state for a long time, the batteries will suffer from deep overdischarge, resulting in irreversible damage that cannot be repaired by subsequent charging.

Different battery types have distinct winter self-discharge rates and damage mechanisms. Traditional lead-acid batteries have a high self-discharge rate, losing 3% to 5% of power per week at low temperatures. Long-term storage in a low-power state will cause sulfation of battery plates, hardening of lead sulfate crystals, and permanent reduction of battery capacity. LiFePO4 lithium batteries have a lower self-discharge rate, only losing 1% to 2% of power weekly, but low-temperature storage will damage internal cell activity. Once the lithium battery is overdischarged due to self-discharge, the BMS will trigger low-voltage protection and lock the battery, making it unable to charge and activate normally, directly leading to battery scrapping.

Effective winter storage management can completely avoid self-discharge-induced battery damage. First, fully charge the battery to 100% before winter storage, and maintain the power level at 60% to 80% for long-term idle state, which is the most stable state for battery chemical properties. Second, store the golf cart and battery in a dry, constant-temperature indoor environment, avoiding outdoor low-temperature freezing and humid environments to reduce self-discharge speed. Third, supplement charge the battery every 2 to 3 months during winter storage to offset self-discharge power loss. After winter, fully charge the battery before reuse to restore full performance. Standardized winter maintenance can maximize battery life and avoid unnecessary replacement costs caused by seasonal storage.