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Tips for RC Car Beginners

There are many types of radio control (RC) cars and trucks. They are put into classifications according to the type of fuel the car/truck uses and the type of terrain it will be racing on. The most common fuel types we see are gas and battery. What type of RC car is best for you? Here are some tips to consider before you choose one that is right for you.

Nitro Gas Radio Control Cars

The great popularity of nitro gas RC cars and trucks is due not only to their speed, but also for the high horsepower engines. Most gas powered RC cars use a unique type of fuel called 'nitro' which is a mixture of nitro methane, methanol and oil. Models that run on gasoline are less common, but available. Very often when people say gas RC cars, they are referring to nitro gas RC cars. Because of the work it takes to maintain and the high speed nitro gas RC cars run in, it¡¯s not good idea for children under 15 to operate.  

Most beginners start with scale 1:10 nitro gas radio control cars.  1:10 nitro gas RC cars usually come with .12 size engines. These engines have around 1 horse power. The speed range of these cars is around 30mph to around 55mph. People with experience will find more satisfaction from scale 1:8 nitro gas RC cars. 1:8 scale nitro gas cars usually run with .21 size engines. This engine gives you twice as much horse power as size .12 engines. 1:8 nitro gas cars come with 2 horse powers and with the speed up to 75mph.

Other than the above technical specs of nitro gas radio control cars, you need to also consider the type of vehicles base on the type of terrain you will run it on. There are Nitro Gas RC cars, trucks, buggies, motorcycles, and ATVs are available in the market. Nitro Gas cars and motorcycles are good for regular smooth roads. However, if you are planning to run your nitro gas RC vehicle on grass, sand, soil, or any other off-road surfaces, you may want to consider RC buggies or RC trucks with bigger wheels. 

Electric RC Cars  

There are three types of electric radio control cars. Most common electric RC cars are regular rechargeable battery RC cars. Next in line will be electric dynamic speed control RC cars then follow by unrechargeable battery RC cars which don't come with the rechargeable function.

Rechargeable battery radio control cars have been the most widely use RC cars because of its affordable price and performance. Size of these cars is range from 1:4 to 1:50. Rechargeable battery radio control cars are running on electric motors. The speed is range from .5mph to around 20mph depending on the size and the motor it comes with. Because of the limited power these electric motors can provide, these cars are usually made with light weight materials usually plastic. Usually it takes about 6 hours for the batteries to be fully charged on the first time and 2 hours from the second time on. After a full charge of the batteries, it is capable of running for around 15 to 30 minutes before the next charge. Rechargeable battery RC cars best perform on regular smooth roads. Rechargeable RC buggies and trucks with bigger wheels may also have very smooth performance on sandy surface. But because of the power limitation, rechargeable battery RC vehicles do not perform well on sand, soil, and especially grass. Rechargeable battery RC cars will be a great gift idea for children 15 or under. 

Electric dynamic speed control (ESC) RC cars are powered by a modified, high-torque electric motors and high capacity rechargeable batteries. ESC RC cars are also very popular. Its performance is very close to nitro gas cars. The speed range is from 30mph to around 60mph. ESC RC cars are usually less expensive than nitro gas cars.  The RC touring and racing cars are perhaps the most common type of RC. High powered rechargeable batteries, lightweight and fast, these are the ideal racers. RC Racing Cars make use of independent front and rear suspension system and one kind of the cars is RC Formula 1 Racing Car. People call them F1 because of their super-powered speed and they take corners with ease. RC Touring cars are optimized for racing on a fairly clean surface. 

If you want to be able to run your RC just about anywhere, you¡¯ll definitely need the rugged construction of an RC off-road vehicle. These sturdy cars and trucks will handle grass, dirt, rock, mud, bumps, dips, jumps, hills or whatever. Trucks and buggies are the choice if off-road action is what you want. Off-Road RC Trucks are often a little more sturdy and have a narrower wheelbase as compared to buggies, and Off-Road RC Buggies resemble the real-life dune buggies. They are often a little more nimble, with a wider stance. 

Hobbymega.com will post more articles to share our knowledge with our visitors on nitro gas and ESC radio control cars including tips on how to modify your RC car and tricks on how to optimize your fun with it. No matter whichever you choose, Hobbymega.com will have a great selection available for you, and you are sure will have fun!

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