Best Cold Weather Accessories for Your Golf Cart
Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean your golf cart has to stay parked in the garage. Whether you’re still hitting the course during milder winter days, using your cart around the neighborhood, or cruising through a holiday light display, staying warm is key to enjoying the ride. The good news? There are plenty of accessories designed to keep you comfortable even when it’s cold outside. From full enclosures to heated seats, here’s a look at some of the best ways to stay cozy all season long.
Enclosures: Your First Line of Defense Against the Cold
If you ride in cold weather, an enclosure makes the biggest difference. Think of it like adding walls and a roof to your cart—it blocks wind, traps heat, and makes a massive difference in how comfortable you’ll be.
Enclosures come in several styles. Four-sided enclosures wrap your entire cart with clear vinyl windows and fabric panels, giving 360-degree protection from wind and weather. Three-sided enclosures leave the back open, allowing airflow or easier access while blocking most wind. Track-style enclosures slide on mounted tracks for easy use, and hinged door enclosures operate like car doors for a more permanent look.
Most enclosures are pretty straightforward to install, but they’re designed to fit specific makes and models, so double-check compatibility before you buy. Also, make sure you choose one made with quality materials like heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl that can handle UV exposure and cold temperatures.
Heated Seats: Warmth Where It Counts Most
Nothing beats sitting in a warm seat on a chilly morning. Heated seats might seem like a luxury at first, but once you try them, it can be hard to go without.
For the ultimate in comfort, premium heated and cooled seat systems like the Madjax ThermaFlex offer year-round climate control with dual temperature settings for driver and passenger. These replacement seats use advanced thermoelectric technology and offer multiple heating and cooling levels. They’re a significant investment, but if you use your cart year-round, they’re worth considering.
For a more budget-friendly option, heated seat covers slip over your existing seats and plug in to provide warmth. Most feature soft, quilted materials with built-in heating and multiple temperature settings. Look for covers with non-slip backing to keep them secure, and installation is usually as simple as stretching the cover over your seat and plugging it in.
Windshields: Block the Wind Without Full Enclosures
If you’re not ready to commit to a full enclosure, a windshield still can provide some protection. It blocks that direct blast of cold air hitting you head-on while you’re riding, and the difference it makes in comfort is bigger than you’d think, especially on windy days.
Windshields come in a few varieties. Fold-down windshields are popular because you can lower them when you don’t need the protection, while fixed windshields stay in place year-round. Tinted models are a great option as well to reduce glare, and many come with built-in vents or flip-up sections for airflow on warmer days. Clear acrylic or polycarbonate materials are generally standard; they’re durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean.
Heated Steering Wheels: A Rare but Welcome Upgrade
Cold hands on a freezing steering wheel? Not fun. Keeping your hands warm while you’re driving isn’t just about comfort—cold fingers lose grip and react slower, which matters when you’re taking turns or handling hills.
Heated steering wheels for golf carts do exist, though there aren’t many options on the market, and they come with a higher price tag. These upgraded steering wheels have built-in heating elements that warm your hands as you drive. If you’re someone who uses your cart regularly in chilly temperatures and wants every possible comfort upgrade, a heated steering wheel is worth looking into—just know that availability is limited compared to other accessories.
Final Thoughts
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your golf cart has to sit in storage. The right accessories can keep you comfortable enough to ride all winter long. Go big with an enclosure and heated seats, or keep it simple with a windshield, whatever fits your budget and how much you actually use your cart in the cold.
And if all this talk of upgrades has you thinking it might be time for a new cart altogether—one that’s ready to handle whatever accessories you throw at it—head over to CartFinder and browse thousands of new and used golf carts for sale from trusted dealers across the country.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the ride this winter!
