Electric RC cars and trucks deliver endless fun — fast speeds, precise control, and durable designs that can take a beating. But like any performance machine, they need regular maintenance to stay at their best. Whether you’re racing, bashing, or crawling, a little routine care can make a huge difference in performance, reliability, and battery life.

At Hot Laps Hobby Shop, we help RC enthusiasts keep their vehicles in top shape. Here’s a simple guide to basic electric RC car maintenance you can do at home!

1. Clean After Every Run

Brush off dirt and debris. A soft brush, compressed air, or a small detailing vacuum works great.
Wipe down electronics and chassis. Use a dry or slightly damp cloth (avoid soaking any electronics).
Inspect moving parts. Check axles, suspension arms, and driveshafts for dirt buildup or wear.

Pro Tip: For heavy off-road running, remove the body shell and rinse the tires under lukewarm water — just dry them thoroughly before storing.

2. Take Care of Your Battery

Always charge LiPos with a balance charger. Never use a non-LiPo charger or charge unattended.
Store at storage voltage (3.7–3.85V per cell). Overcharging or undercharging shortens lifespan.
Inspect regularly. Swollen or damaged batteries should be replaced immediately.

For safer charging and storage, try the Bat-Safe Mini LiPo Charging & Storage Safe Box — available now at Hot Laps Hobby Shop.

3. Check and Lubricate Moving Parts

Bearings & joints: A small drop of bearing oil or dry lube prevents rust and keeps things smooth.
Drivetrain: Look for binding or excessive play in driveshafts and gears.
Suspension: Make sure shocks move freely and are filled with proper shock oil (check for leaks).

4. Motor and Electronics Care

Clean the motor. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris.
Check for overheating. If the motor or ESC gets too hot, consider adjusting gearing or checking for drag.
Inspect wiring. Look for frayed wires, loose connectors, or corrosion at plugs.

5. Tighten and Align

Check screws and nuts. Vibrations from rough terrain can loosen hardware — tighten regularly.
Inspect steering linkages. Make sure your vehicle tracks straight and turns evenly both directions.
Adjust ride height and camber. Keeping suspension geometry correct improves handling and reduces wear.

6. Maintain Your Tires and Wheels

Clean and inspect tires. Look for tears or loose glue.
Re-glue if necessary. Tire glue is cheap insurance against blowouts at high speeds.
Rotate or replace worn tires. Proper traction = better control and less stress on drivetrain parts.

7. Store Your RC Properly

Keep it cool and dry. Avoid storing your RC in direct sunlight or humid spaces.
Disconnect the battery. Never leave a LiPo connected when not in use.
Use a car stand. Keeps pressure off suspension and tires during storage.

Keep Your RC in Top Form with Hot Laps Hobby Shop

Regular maintenance not only protects your investment but also keeps your RC performing like new. Whether you need cleaning supplies, replacement parts, or expert help, Hot Laps Hobby Shop has everything you need to stay on track and in control.

Stop by today — we’ll help you keep your RC running strong!

Hot Laps Hobby Shop
6282 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, TX
(409) 225-5103
HotLapsHobbyShop.com

Hot Laps Hobby Shop – Where Performance Meets Passion!

#RC Car Maintenance