How to Maintain RC Cars
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When you want to make sure that your RC car stays in good shape, and when you want to get the most use out of it, you’ll find that good care can go a long way!
Inspect your R/C car before each use, and also whenever you change out the battery. Look for damage, especially to the tires. Check all screws, making sure they are tight and that none are missing. Make sure all wires are properly connected, especially battery connections. If the shocks are adjustable, make sure they?re adjusted for the type of terrain you?ll be running. Make sure weight is distributed equally front and back, unless you?ve knowledgably considered the pros and cons of moving weight around. Using the right tires is important, and getting professional advice is recommended. A general purpose tire is good for racing surfaces, but you?ll need a heavier duty tire for pavement or off-road. If tires become loose, re-glue them right away.
Are your motor and slipper gear properly aligned? If they are not, this can cause some nasty wear on your RC car. Check the alignment; the mesh should be neither too loose nor too tight. The gap between them can be measured with the width of a piece of paper, but remember to remove the paper before you put it back together. Are the motor and the slipper gear in tight? If not, consider using some LocTite on the screws before you tighten them down again.
Know your vehicle?s strengths and use it wisely. A race car will not work well off-road. A carpet car won?t do jumps very well. Obviously, the more you crash the car, the more wear and tear you will cause. If you jump your vehicle, take jumps straight on, not at an angle; and at a steady speed, not under acceleration.
Give your vehicle frequent breaks to allow electrical components to cool down. If you smell an electrical burning odor, you’re putting too much stress on the motor and causing damage. Also, keep your vehicle as dry as possible. Moisture causes damage and corrosion to electrical parts. Discharge batteries completely before recharging them, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer.
Always make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when you are dealing with maintenance if you have a gas engine in your RC car. This typically means that you need to clean and oil the filter before storage and drain the fuel.
Before putting your car away after use, clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt or debris that can cause wear and damage. Remove the batteries from the vehicle and the controller when you put it away. You might accidentally forget to remove them if you don?t end up using the vehicle for an extended period. Replace broken parts before using the car again, since running with broken parts will cause more serious damage. Use the correct replacement part to avoid causing even more damage.
There will come a time when a car becomes too worn out and needs to be replaced. If you do your research, buy a good quality product, follow these common-sense rules, and maintain your R/C car, your vehicle will most likely last a long, long time.
Paul has authored many articles about rc cars and trucks, including those on nikko rc cars. Visit his site for more topics on the subject.
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