Congratulations on your newest decision to get yourself an RC car! They say RCs or radio-controlled cars bring out the kid in anybody. For most adults, being a kid again can be a lot of fun. They’re small car or truck models that are remotely controlled through a special transmitter.

Although RC driving may appear like child’s play, it’s, in fact, a nice hobby for grown-ups. You might even eventually fall in love with it to the point that you’ll slowly build up your collection.

However, controlling and maintaining an RC car isn’t as easy as it may seem. A lot could go wrong if you don’t do your homework before buying your first-ever RC car. For your benefit, here are some common brouhahas many first-time RC car owners are said to commit and should be avoided vehemently to prevent things from tanking south:

1. Not Knowing What You Want

There’re many different RC vehicle models out there depending on the make, model, and how they’d fit your personality and needs. They can be on-road or off-road, or they could be powered by nitromethane or electricity. There are many questions that you’d have to know the answers to before you make your first-ever purchase.

If you blindly enter the world of RC cars, you may end up with a vehicle you don’t need. Chances are you might end up with a sleek-looking RC car that won’t move in your dirt road. Also, you probably won’t have much fun with a monster RC car that doesn’t have much room to maneuver in your miniature backyard track, either. Thus, you have to be set on what type of RC vehicle you want.

Also of importance is your RC’s power output. You have to know the speed and power may you need with the space you intend to use for your new hobby. Avoid making the mistake of getting the wrong vehicle by doing as much research as possible. Befriending the staff in the hobby shop near me can be a crucial step in obtaining helpful information.

2. Ignoring The Owner’s Manual

The operator’s manual is included with your purchase for a reason. Doing a quick rundown on the owner’s instructions packet may save you from a lot of headaches moving forward. Chances are they may contain some specific instructions on how to properly use the particular model you’ve just bought.

A thorough understanding of the owner’s manual could also shed light on how to maintain your new RC. Besides usually indicating the manufacturer’s name and the vehicle’s make and specifications, the printed manual may also have key instructions on how to charge the batteries, the proper handling of different components of the car for a smooth run, and the like.

Never make the mistake of tossing your instruction and operator’s manuals away. There’ll come a time when you may need to refer to them for reference.

3. Not Charging Your RC

In the excitement of getting your first RC car, you may forget to charge it to its full running capacity before using it for the first time. If that’s the case, it may lead to a reduced runtime or the total length of time your RC can run until its juices run out. A reduced runtime could be frustrating, especially if you’re just getting to love the hobby.

On the other, though a nitro-charged RC may not require any charging at all for they run on liquid fuel, you’ll still need to charge its other components such as the remote control, receiver packs, and glow igniter batteries. Failure to charge these pieces of equipment may also reduce your runtime.

Additionally, remember to use the correct charging equipment for your RC car. There are various types of universal chargers available. However, if you’re not careful, you could end up using an unapproved charger that could compromise the strength of your battery; worse destroy your battery and other RC car internals.

4. Failing To Secure Your Tires

Some RC cars are said to be able of reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Given such high speeds, you’ll almost always have to ensure your tires are safely secured on the rims. A loosely connected tire may fly off on its rims; creating a spectacle at the basher field or track for everybody to see.

The best way to secure the tires to the rims is by using a quality adhesive specifically designed for RC car tires. It’s believed that it can keep the tire and the rim tightly bound together. Remember to allow the glue to dry up and adhere the tire to the rim before heading for the track. Using poor-quality glue or not waiting for it to dry up properly can result in undesirable outcomes.

5. Over-oiling

RC cars have many bearings and small components that may need occasional oiling to get them moving smoothly. Be that as it is may, never be tempted to put too much oil on these parts.

Excess amounts of oil can end up causing more harm than good. Over-oiled areas are said to attract dust and debris which can be difficult to clean up. Too much dust is believed to increase the wear and tear of bearings and other moving parts, hence leading to their reduced performance and shortened lifespan.

6. Not Practicing RC Etiquette

Knowing the dos and don’ts of RC track operations is important as you further indulge and explore different aspects of your newfound hobby. Some oblivious newbie RC owners may find themselves in sticky situations. Leaving one’s RC on the straightway is a classic example. You should never leave your RC on the straightway because it could obstruct traffic and another RC car could ram into it.

Observing how other experienced RC enthusiasts do their thing and picking up some of their ways can be a great start. You may also seek the direct guidance of a seasoned mentor that knows the intricacies of the craft to help you navigate the waters.

Take-aways

Being a beginner in the world of RCs can be a bumpy experience if you’re not careful about avoiding some commonly committed faux pas. You have to take time to understand different underlying nuances before you take a deep dive into your new pastime. Avoiding the mistakes discussed in this article is a way to make your hobby fulfilling and enjoyable.