Why and when should I clean my RC car?
There are many benefits to keeping your RC car clean . Not only will it look good, but it will also last longer. Cleaning is also an opportunity to inspect your vehicle from all angles for loose or missing screws, cracks in parts and to check the wiring.
To keep your car in good condition, it is therefore important to clean it after each race . When riding in difficult conditions (mud, snow or dirt), we recommend cleaning it thoroughly. This article covers both basic cleaning and deep cleaning.
What equipment do you need?
Deep cleaning of the vehicle sometimes requires the dismantling of certain parts. It is therefore necessary to have the model maker's toolbox with you: Allen keys, screwdrivers, wheel wrenches, etc. Added to this are all the specialized tools and products needed to clean the car :
- A portable air compressor (optional)
- A wide brush and a fine brush
- Cleaning brushes
- A microfiber cloth
- A clean cloth
- Specialized products
Tutorial for light cleaning of the car (after each race)
After each race, dust and dirt can adhere to the bodywork and seep underneath. If you don't remove it, it may build up and negatively impact the performance of your RC car . If you have driven on grass, dry earth or concrete then a quick blow from the air compressor to dust the exterior of the vehicle is enough. If you don't have this tool, use bristle brushes and brush gently.
If your car gets wet, dab it with a towel and let it dry. Do not use water or cleaning products that could damage electronic components. We will return in the next chapter to the deep cleaning of your RC car to do from time to time or after a serious off-road race.
Tutorial for deep car cleaning
1st step: Cleaning the tires
Excess mud on the wheels and tires can cause them to become unbalanced and vibrate. You must therefore remove the four wheels, apply a cleaning product , leave to act for a minute then carefully brush the tires to clean them properly.
2nd step: Cleaning the chassis
Chassis cleaning always begins without removing the batteries. For greater convenience and even more meticulous cleaning, certain parts can be dismantled, such as the engine for example. The dirt must then be removed using an air compressor, a microfiber cloth and a brush. In case of stubborn marks, you can apply a cleaning product but be careful to avoid electronic components. Finally, you can grease the metal parts using a lubricant. Cleaning with water is only possible when the electronic components are waterproof. So make sure to dry the car well to avoid rust.
3rd step: Cleaning and polishing the bodywork
The bodywork is the protective envelope of your RC cars. It is she who takes the hardest blows and can quickly become damaged. You can rinse it in cold water then clean it in hot water with a cleaning product . Rinse and let the bodywork dry. For a brighter appearance and enhanced protection, we recommend applying a polish to the bodywork.
4th step: Reassembling the car
All the parts have been cleaned and are dry, it is time to reassemble them on the chassis. Your car is now ready for new adventures.