| Electric RC cars and trucks are generally considered | | | | manufacturer's instructions to make sure you're getting |
| best for beginners, since even if you choose to build | | | | the right battery packs for your car, and that you're |
| your own car, they tend to be simpler and easier than | | | | caring for them properly. |
| nitro cars. They're also a great deal quieter and run | | | | Easier and cleaner, electric RC cars and trucks offer |
| much cleaner, meaning you're less restricted by where | | | | the genuine racing experience to the beginner on an |
| you can run them. In terms of speed and power, they | | | | easy learning curve. Proper conditioning and |
| do have a great deal of pickup, though not as much as | | | | maintenance of the car and its battery packs are still |
| the nitro cars. | | | | easier than the many parts and problems often |
| Electric RC cars use rechargeable battery packs to | | | | associated with nitro RC's. If you're a beginner, or if |
| power their motor and steering, which are usually | | | | you just want to get to the races, an electric RC can |
| recharged from a 12-volt car battery or wall socket. | | | | offer you the speed and fun you're after for less |
| Batteries run for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the | | | | work. |
| type of engine your car has, and charging the battery | | | | Also keep in mind that if you think you'd prefer an |
| usually takes 15-30 minutes. Because of this, it is | | | | electric RC, but still want the experience of building |
| strongly recommended you have at least two battery | | | | your own car, that you can also purchase electric kits. |
| packs, to allow for quick replacement of the battery. | | | | These include complete instructions to build your own |
| This means your car can keep running while the other | | | | car from scratch, and because their systems are less |
| battery is recharging, giving the car more overall | | | | complex than the nitro cars, they are a little easier to |
| running time. | | | | build yourself. |
| At first glance, getting started with an electric RC car | | | | Electric RC Car Motors |
| can be much less expensive than a nitro vehicle. But | | | | In order to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on |
| there are other costs to consider as well, such as | | | | your electric motor, it is important to always break in |
| additional battery packs, a battery charger and other | | | | your motor, before you drive it for the first time, and |
| accessories that will add to the cost, making it closer | | | | every time after you change its brushes. One easy |
| to the price of a nitro car in the long run. Of course, this | | | | method is to run the vehicle with the wheels off of the |
| cost also depends on what kind of car you end up | | | | ground at about 1/4 power for about 5 minutes. This |
| purchasing and what kind of battery pack it requires, | | | | will slowly get the brushes fully seated to the |
| as well as how often you run the car and the quality | | | | commutator without causing wear and tear on the |
| of the batteries you get. Though the initial outlay of | | | | engine, and will allow your motor to run at its full |
| cash can be steep, but you'll want to get quality | | | | potential. |
| battery packs and a good charger to save replacing | | | | Your electric car will come with instructions on how to |
| cheaper batteries. | | | | change the brushes on the motor, as well guidelines for |
| The main reason electric RC's are said to be easier | | | | how often. Remember, if you change the brushes on |
| than nitro is in the amount of maintenance and tuning | | | | your motor, be sure to break it in again. How often you |
| their engines require. Though the care, maintenance | | | | replace the brushes-and the motor, for that |
| and cost of battery packs is steep, it is still less trouble | | | | matter-depends on where and how much you're |
| for the new driver than the air filters, tuning, fueling and | | | | running or racing your car. Generally, a motor should be |
| various other engine parts that require attention on a | | | | replaced after it has gone through five or more pairs |
| nitro car. Instead, careful conditioning and proper | | | | of brushes, but it will always depend on the individual |
| storage of your battery packs will keep your electric | | | | car, its motor and how well they're running. |
| RC running smoothly for years. Always consult your | | | | |