| ric RC cars and trucks are generally considered | | | | manufacturer’s instructions to make sure |
| best for beginners, since even if you choose to | | | | you’re getting the right battery packs for |
| build your own car, they tend to be simpler and | | | | your car, and that you’re caring for them |
| easier than nitro cars. They’re also a | | | | properly. |
| great deal quieter and run much cleaner, meaning | | | | Easier and cleaner, electric RC cars and trucks |
| you’re less restricted by where you can | | | | offer the genuine racing experience to the |
| run them. In terms of speed and power, they do | | | | beginner on an easy learning curve. Proper |
| have a great deal of pickup, though not as much | | | | conditioning and maintenance of the car and its |
| as the nitro cars. | | | | battery packs are still easier than the many parts |
| Electric RC cars use rechargeable battery packs | | | | and problems often associated with nitro |
| to power their motor and steering, which are | | | | RC’s. If you’re a beginner, or if |
| usually recharged from a 12-volt car battery or | | | | you just want to get to the races, an electric RC |
| wall socket. Batteries run for about 5-10 minutes, | | | | can offer you the speed and fun you’re |
| depending on the type of engine your car has, | | | | after for less work. |
| and charging the battery usually takes 15-30 | | | | Also keep in mind that if you think you’d |
| minutes. Because of this, it is strongly | | | | prefer an electric RC, but still want the experience |
| recommended you have at least two battery | | | | of building your own car, that you can also |
| packs, to allow for quick replacement of the | | | | purchase electric kits. These include complete |
| battery. This means your car can keep running | | | | instructions to build your own car from scratch, |
| while the other battery is recharging, giving the | | | | and because their systems are less complex than |
| car more overall running time. | | | | the nitro cars, they are a little easier to build |
| At first glance, getting started with an electric RC | | | | yourself. |
| car can be much less expensive than a nitro | | | | Electric RC Car Motors |
| vehicle. But there are other costs to consider as | | | | In order to prevent unnecessary wear and tear |
| well, such as additional battery packs, a battery | | | | on your electric motor, it is important to always |
| charger and other accessories that will add to the | | | | break in your motor, before you drive it for the |
| cost, making it closer to the price of a nitro car in | | | | first time, and every time after you change its |
| the long run. Of course, this cost also depends on | | | | brushes. One easy method is to run the vehicle |
| what kind of car you end up purchasing and what | | | | with the wheels off of the ground at about 1/4 |
| kind of battery pack it requires, as well as how | | | | power for about 5 minutes. This will slowly get |
| often you run the car and the quality of the | | | | the brushes fully seated to the commutator |
| batteries you get. Though the initial outlay of cash | | | | without causing wear and tear on the engine, and |
| can be steep, but you’ll want to get | | | | will allow your motor to run at its full potential. |
| quality battery packs and a good charger to save | | | | Your electric car will come with instructions on |
| replacing cheaper batteries. | | | | how to change the brushes on the motor, as well |
| The main reason electric RC’s are said to | | | | guidelines for how often. Remember, if you |
| be easier than nitro is in the amount of | | | | change the brushes on your motor, be sure to |
| maintenance and tuning their engines require. | | | | break it in again. How often you replace the |
| Though the care, maintenance and cost of | | | | brushes—and the motor, for that |
| battery packs is steep, it is still less trouble for | | | | matter—depends on where and how much |
| the new driver than the air filters, tuning, fueling | | | | you’re running or racing your car. |
| and various other engine parts that require | | | | Generally, a motor should be replaced after it has |
| attention on a nitro car. Instead, careful | | | | gone through five or more pairs of brushes, but it |
| conditioning and proper storage of your battery | | | | will always depend on the individual car, its motor |
| packs will keep your electric RC running smoothly | | | | and how well they’re running. |
| for years. Always consult your | | | | |