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