How to Store Nitro RC Cars Properly

Now that the wet season is approaching, or is already here, depending on where you live, it’s a good time to talk about how to store your RC car the right way. As you know, radio control cars do not perform at their highest level when it’s raining, or when it’s recently rained, and can even be ruined in such conditions. So, it’s time to hang ‘em up – metaphorically speaking – for a few months. However, even improper storage can be detrimental to an RC car, with dust, rust, and other tiny culprits that might damage it over time. Read on to find out how to store your RC car safely.

Drain Fuel from Gas Tank

Emptying the gas tank and gas lines of all fuel is perhaps the most important part of preparing an RC vehicle for storage. Use a bulb syringe to extract any leftover drops.

Rest Suspension

Take the tires off. It’s also a good idea to spray some WD40 on them to keep the rubber fresh. Place the RC car on a Styrofoam block in order to take the weight off of its suspension.

Apply After Run Oil

Remove the glow plug after cleaning the surrounding area to make sure dirt doesn’t fall into the engine. Then, pour After Run Oil on top of the piston; move the car around a little bit to get the oil to circulate all around the piston. Also, loosen the fly wheel so that the piston rests at the bottom of the casing.

You can also put some After Run Oil in the carburetor and turn over the motor.

Remove Air Filter

Take it out, clean it, put some air filter oil on it, and let it dry. You can put it back before storing the RC car.

Remove Batteries

Remove batteries from the car as well as the controller to make sure they won’t begin to leak while the car is in storage.

These are some of the most important and basic measures to take before storing an RC car. A good cleaning doesn’t hurt either. One other thing we like to do is use a bit of tissue or cotton to plug the exhaust pipe and keep dust, debris, or moisture from getting into the engine. Depending on how much you’ve used your RC car, an overhaul of the gear box may also be in order before storing it.

Winter can be hard on an RC enthusiast. What do you do to keep yourself busy when you can’t race your radio control car?