How to Maintain RC Cars
Just like a full-sized car, proper maintenance will lengthen the lifetime of your remote control car, protect your investment, and help your vehicle operate at peak performance.
First, consider what you need to do before you let it run and before you change out the battery.
Is there any damage on the tires or on the structure of the car? Are all the screws tightened? These are just the basics, but you'll be surprised how much grief they spare you.
All the wires should be connected, especially where they meet the batteries, and if you have adjustable shocks, make sure that they are set for the kind of terrain you want to run.
Unless you have decided that you want some interesting weight distribution, make sure that the weight is evenly distributed, and get the right tires for your car.
Remember that pavement or off-road racing needs heavier tires and if the tires get loose, take some time to make sure that they have been reglued well.
Check to make sure that the motor and the slipper gear are properly aligned, because if they are not, more wear will occur.
Even before you take your RC car out for its first spin, make sure that you check the alignment and that the mesh is properly fitted.
The gap between them should be about that of the width of a piece of paper, though the paper should never be in there when you put the car back together.
If the motor and the slipper gear are getting lose, consider using some LocTite on them and retighten them as you need.
This is something you should check regularly.
Always make sure that you know what your car's strengths are.
A car that is meant to go off road won't perform as well an on it and a carpet car won't give you great jumps.
If you crash your car too much, expect to see lots of damage and wear.
Remember to take your jumps straight on and at a steady speed; doing otherwise is inviting disaster.
Never let your electrical components overheat.
If you can smell burning electronics, this means that there is too much stress on the motor and that there is too much damage being done.
Do not allow your RC car to get wet.
Moisture will invite corrosion and damage the electrical parts.
Before you recharge your batteries, make sure that they are completely discharged unless you have instructions otherwise.
If your vehicle has a gas engine, follow the manufacturer?s recommendations for maintenance and storage.
Usually, you'll at least need to drain the fuel and clean and oil the filter before storage.
After you have run your car and before you put it away, use a damp cloth to remove and debris or dirt.
Make sure that the batteries are taken out of the car and the controller.
Make a note of any broken parts that you need to replace before you can use your car again, and make sure that you get the replacement parts that you are after, as using bad replacements can cause even more damage.
Cars do have an end to their use life, but if you get a good quality product from the beginning, it will cost you less in the long run.
Always use your common sense and make sure that you follow the maintenance on your RC car.
First, consider what you need to do before you let it run and before you change out the battery.
Is there any damage on the tires or on the structure of the car? Are all the screws tightened? These are just the basics, but you'll be surprised how much grief they spare you.
All the wires should be connected, especially where they meet the batteries, and if you have adjustable shocks, make sure that they are set for the kind of terrain you want to run.
Unless you have decided that you want some interesting weight distribution, make sure that the weight is evenly distributed, and get the right tires for your car.
Remember that pavement or off-road racing needs heavier tires and if the tires get loose, take some time to make sure that they have been reglued well.
Check to make sure that the motor and the slipper gear are properly aligned, because if they are not, more wear will occur.
Even before you take your RC car out for its first spin, make sure that you check the alignment and that the mesh is properly fitted.
The gap between them should be about that of the width of a piece of paper, though the paper should never be in there when you put the car back together.
If the motor and the slipper gear are getting lose, consider using some LocTite on them and retighten them as you need.
This is something you should check regularly.
Always make sure that you know what your car's strengths are.
A car that is meant to go off road won't perform as well an on it and a carpet car won't give you great jumps.
If you crash your car too much, expect to see lots of damage and wear.
Remember to take your jumps straight on and at a steady speed; doing otherwise is inviting disaster.
Never let your electrical components overheat.
If you can smell burning electronics, this means that there is too much stress on the motor and that there is too much damage being done.
Do not allow your RC car to get wet.
Moisture will invite corrosion and damage the electrical parts.
Before you recharge your batteries, make sure that they are completely discharged unless you have instructions otherwise.
If your vehicle has a gas engine, follow the manufacturer?s recommendations for maintenance and storage.
Usually, you'll at least need to drain the fuel and clean and oil the filter before storage.
After you have run your car and before you put it away, use a damp cloth to remove and debris or dirt.
Make sure that the batteries are taken out of the car and the controller.
Make a note of any broken parts that you need to replace before you can use your car again, and make sure that you get the replacement parts that you are after, as using bad replacements can cause even more damage.
Cars do have an end to their use life, but if you get a good quality product from the beginning, it will cost you less in the long run.
Always use your common sense and make sure that you follow the maintenance on your RC car.
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