RC Car Maintenance

A little maintenance can go a long way – and save you some dough! I’ve crafted a quick, practical overview of some things to look for and maintain. 

Deep Cleaning After Every Run

• Mud & Dirt: After running your RC car through muddy or dusty environments, use a soft brush and compressed air to remove dirt. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas like the suspension arms and chassis nooks. For tough grime, lightly dampen a cloth with mild soapy water (avoid electronics) and wipe down the affected areas. Sometimes a spray bottle works well for this. It’s like a mini-pressure washer.

• Electronics: Protect electronic components by using waterproof cases or sprays, especially if you anticipate running in wet conditions. If water does get in, dry thoroughly with compressed air and leave the components to air out before the next use (don’t spray air into cracks of electronics like motors or ESC though 😉)

Precision Lubrication Techniques

• Bearings & Joints: Apply a small amount of RC-specific bearing oil to all bearings. For moving joints and parts, use a dry lubricant (silicone or Teflon-based) to prevent dirt from sticking while ensuring smooth operation.

• Gears: Use grease sparingly on metal gears to minimize wear and prevent overheating. Too much grease can attract dirt, leading to more wear and tear.

Thorough Inspection & Proactive Parts Replacement

• Suspension Checks: After intense sessions, inspect the shocks and springs. Leaky shocks need immediate attention; refill or replace the oil, and check for any bends in the springs that could affect performance.

• Drive System: Check driveshafts and differentials for any signs of damage. Rebuild differentials regularly, using the manufacturer’s recommended oil weight to maintain consistent handling.

• Tire Health: Rotate tires regularly to ensure even wear, especially after aggressive driving. Inspect the foam inserts for degradation and replace them as needed to maintain optimal traction.

Here’s a good kit I found on Amazon: 

Advanced Battery Care

• Balanced Charging: Always use a balance charger for LiPo batteries. Unbalanced cells can cause puffing or even fires. After every 10-15 cycles, perform a balance check to ensure each cell is charging evenly.

• Storage Best Practices: Store batteries at around 3.8V per cell if not used for more than a week. This voltage level prevents degradation. Consider investing in a fireproof LiPo storage bag for added safety.

Electronics Maintenance & Upgrades

• ESC & Motor Cooling: After every race or intense run, check the ESC and motor temperatures. If they’re consistently hot, consider upgrading to a better cooling system or using a fan on the ESC. Clean the motor regularly to prevent dirt buildup, which can cause overheating.

• Receiver & Transmitter Sync: Ensure the receiver antenna is always in good condition—any fraying or breaks can result in signal loss. For the transmitter, keep it stored in a dry, safe place to prevent drops or damage to internal components.

Tightening & Securing Components

• Thread Lock: For metal-on-metal screws, use a medium-strength thread lock to prevent them from loosening due to vibrations. Avoid using thread lock on plastic parts as it can cause cracking.

• Routine Tightening: Check and tighten all screws and bolts before each run, focusing on critical areas like the suspension, motor mount, and steering components.

Maintaining your RC car is more than just routine—it’s about understanding the nuances of your vehicle and anticipating issues before they become problems. 

With these tips, your RC car will perform at its best and stay in peak condition for longer! Enjoy! 🚗💨