Buying and Maintaining your RC Car

Buying and using a remote control car is an exciting and active hobby, however it is important to remember that the car has many mechanical parts and there are potential problems if the car is not used, set up or run in correctly. When purchasing your remote control car, always buy from a reputable retailer such as a model shop. Discuss your ideas or needs with the retailer, ask questions about the particular car you would like to buy, remember they are expensive items and the wrong choice of car or a too high spec car may prove to be an expensive mistake. To ensure the car you have purchased is everything you wish it to be, the following advice may help both the novice and the enthusiast get the most out of their new car.

BUYING A NEW RC CAR

Ensure you buy from a reputable retailer or model shop.
Ensure the car you buy is within your capabilities, a too high spec. car could result in injury to yourself or another individual.
Speak to the retailer about the costs of buying and running the car, for example, some cars need radio systems, glow starters and plugs, fuel, some require engines if they do not come already in the kit, so it is important that you find what's involved.
What do you want out of the car, is it something your friends have, do you want to go bashing (going over jumps), on road, off road, hobby use or Sunday morning play with the kids.
What are you using the car for - just for pleasure, or would you like to develop your skills further and race at organised events.
What type of car do you require, i.e truggy, buggy, nitro, electric, the list can be endless. Have a picture in mind, read the magazines, if you are unsure, speak to your retailer, they will be more than happy to talk to you, they would rather you buy something you want and need, rather than you come back a few weeks later with a car you do not want.

ONCE YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR, ENSURE YOU SIT DOWN AND READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR, FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR THE INDIVIDUAL.

RUNNING IN THE CAR

Before attempting to start the car, ensure all the batteries are the correct size and are fully charged in accordance to the manufacturers instructions.
It is strongly recommended that a fail safe is fitted to your car to prevent the driver loosing control of the car if radio signal is lost, thus reducing risk of injury to your self or another party (If not fitted the car will go onto full throttle and become out of control if radio signal is lost due to signal failure or batteries running out).
Ensure glow-starter is fully charged and appropriate glow plug is fitted, if you are unsure, speak to your retailer.
Ensure type of fuel used, 16% for up to .18 engine and 25% for.21 and above. It is recommended that four tanks of fuel are run through on idle, placing the car on blocks or appropriate stand ensuring the wheels are off the ground, then a further two tanks at half throttle, then gradually increase the throttle as the engine becomes suitably run-in.
Start off slowly, never run the car at full throttle to begin with, not until the car has been run-in correctly and you are aware of your limitations and ability to control the car.

IF THE ABOVE RUNNING IN PROCEEDURE IS NOT FOLLOWED, THIS COULD RESULT IN SHORTER RUNNING LIFE OF THE ENGINE OR POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR.

STORAGE

Always empty the tank of fuel when you have finished using the car, failure to do this could result in the car not starting, fuel will have a tendency to solidify over time and block the fuel lines.
It is recommended that 'after run oil' is used if the car is to be stored for any length of time, as nitro fuel creates moisture, thus corroding the mechanics of the car.
Always clean the car after use, removing any mud, grease and water.
Never use a hose or a pressure washer on your car unless the electrical or radio systems have been removed first,
If the car has been used on a sandy surface, please note that the fine particles get into the bearings and the fine mechanics of the engine. The car will require stripping down and using a soft brush remove the sand from the hub and bearings, failure to do this could result in new parts been required. If you are unsure about this, speak to your retailer, as many offer a repair or running in service and will do this for you.

Please note: the above information is based on our experience of using and racing cars at national level. Always refer to the manufacturers instructions or manual for individual maintenance and running-in of your car.

USING YOUR CAR

Once the car has been run in effectively, now the fun starts.
There are many places to run your car, most start in a car park or open area, however if you wish to progress further there are race tracks around which have meetings and clubs which enable you to progress up to national level. For further advice on line forums are always useful to discuss ideas or events with fellow enthusiasts, also reading appropriate magazines such as Race Car, will give you up to date advice or new products and local events.
It is recommended that you obtain insurance for your car, especially if you decide to race at track events, this will cover you for accidental damage to your car, property and other people. This can be obtained from your local club or on line at www.brca.org this web site also offers names and numbers of local tracks and clubs in your area.

Useful Contacts

www.cotswoldmodelcarclub,co.uk

www.rcracer.com

www.brca.org

www.msuk-forum.co.uk

www.ukcroforum.co.uk>

www.bnrc.co.uk