The RC car is a microcosm of actual vehicles. You can control them remotely easily via a specialized transmitter or remote. With that in mind, you might wonder, “Can RC cars get wet?” or “Can it run on water like a real car?”
In this article, we will help you answer that question and provide you with more valuable information. Let’s read to the end of this article to see more!
Can RC Cars Get Wet?
An RC car can get wet, but it must have waterproof electronics. Not all RC vehicles come with waterproof electronics, so ensure your model has it before putting it in wet conditions.
Also, remember that just because your RC car has waterproofed electronic parts does not mean you should submerge it. Submerging an RC vehicle is never good unless you have entirely waterproofed your vehicle.
Before going out with your RC car during any snow/rain or driving it on wet terrains, you must ensure its electric parts are 100% waterproof.
On the other hand, some parts, like rubber tires or plastic frames, do not require waterproofing. In addition, you need to prepare and maintain your RC car thoroughly before and after driving it in wet conditions.
How to Waterproof Your Vehicle’s Electrical Component?
Taping
Many electrical engineers commonly use this method to aid quick insulation.
The simple rectangular parts of the RC car, such as the receiver, could also be waterproofed by using insulation tape to cover it.
For this method, you need to make an effort to cover all electrical components and make sure your car’s cables aren’t left out.
Protecting the Servo From the Splashing
This method can also help you waterproof the RC’s electrical parts. Specifically, you must apply a waterproof vaseline on your car’s respective servo gears.
You must apply it on the gears underneath their top case. If the case has a top-frame bottom, you can improve its waterproofing by opening the entire case.
That way, you can easily access, apply and spread Vaseline. Remember to apply the Vaseline on the rubber seal towards the joint’s junction.
Once you have been done applying Vaseline, you need to tighten it before wiping off any remaining Vaseline from your car’s surface. It is okay to apply greased O-ring on the servo’s axle, which must be done before installing the servo.
Use Rubber Paints
This method is very effective in waterproofing RC cars. Thanks to rubber paints, it is easy to waterproof the ESC, the servo, the receiver, and more.
So if the rubber paint of your RC has become old, it is time to replace it, which would be very easy and quick.
Removing the old paint is easy by peeling it off. After that, you can repaint it with ease. The electrical parts of your cars won’t get any more serious damage.
Use a Balloon
It is one of the traditional methods to protect your car’s ESCs and receivers.
This method refers to putting the objects in a balloon while the cables are at the balloon’s mouth. After that, shut its mouth properly using a zip tie or electrical tape to waterproof these cables.
Preparing and Maintaining Your RC Car
Before you drive your RC car, you must ensure that its bearings are covered by applying bearing oil. Using WD-40 oil for the metal parts is okay.
After each drive, removing all the dust and dirt clinging to your car is necessary.
In addition, after bringing your model inside, ensure that it is dried entirely. You should do it as fast as you can.
You can try a brush and compressed air for drying your RC car. It will help you do two tasks at once: Dry your RC car and remove any type of dust particles that are still present.
After that, place your RC vehicle in a pretty warm place. Once you have been assured that your car is completely dry, it is time to begin oiling its bearings. In addition, apply the WD-40 oil on any of its metal parts.
After that, you can store your RC car safely until you are ready to take it out.
Remember to remove dirt and water from your vehicle after each usage. Otherwise, it will corrode over time, and you will throw it in the trash soon.
Read more: Are Nitro RC Cars Hard to Maintain?
Something Special You Should Keep In Mind
Always remember that driving your RC car in wet conditions can result in severe damage. Its bearings, for example, can wear out and worsen over time, requiring repair or special maintenance.
As a result, even if your RC vehicle can be operated in wet conditions, it is wise to avoid or limit driving it under such conditions.
If you wish to do so, it is essential to prepare and maintain thoroughly before and after each time you drive your vehicle. Also, you need to apply the same to all electrical parts.
The fact is that even if some electrical parts are waterproof, water still leaks and comes into contact with other parts of your RC car.
It may cause an overall short-circuit or heat up your RC car’s ESCs when you drive. Furthermore, condensation in your vehicle can lead to several problems and can worsen the damage to your RC car in most cases.
FAQs
How Fast Do RC Cars Have to Go to Drive on Water Surface?
Increasing speed is necessary if you want to drive your RC car on the water. The recommended speed to drive your RC vehicle across the water is 12.4 mph (or 20 kph).
If your car’s speed is greater than this speed, it could lose control. Meanwhile, it will not skim over the water and sink if slower than the recommended speed.
Can My RC Car Safely Run On Water?
Some RC vehicles are waterproof, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can drive them through bodies of water. Remember that only some parts of the car are designed to be waterproof instead of the entire body.
In most cases, RC cars will safely drive through flooded areas up to their wheels’ center without causing any damage.
Will Rain Damage An RC Car?
Not all modern nitro and electric RC cars have waterproof components. So they can only handle light water exposure, such as going through puddles or exposure to light rain.
Are RC Cars 100% Waterproof?
Most RC vehicles are not 100% waterproof. Modern RC cars come with waterproof electrical parts.
However, it does not mean that they are entirely waterproof. So you can’t submerge your vehicle in a body of water and expect it to be okay.
Read more: How To Clean an RC Car?
Can I Drive My RC Car in The Snow?
The answer is yes, but there are limitations.
Not all RC models are made equal, and if you use one that isn’t meant for these conditions, you will not get as much entertainment out of it and could also cause serious damage to your RC Car.
Can I Drive My RC Car In The Sand?
In most cases, RC vehicles will work fine in the sand, and some work better than others. If you hold a cheap RC model with low ground clearance, it will not handle the sand as well as one with higher clearance and higher power.
Can I Drive My RC Car on a Beach?
You can drive your RC vehicle on a beach, but it isn’t recommended that you drive it on any sand that is wet.
The Bottom Line
Can RC cars get wet? Yes, your RC car can get wet without leading to many problems, provided its exposed electronic parts are waterproof.
But just because some parts of your car are waterproof does not mean you can submerge your RC.
Most of the parts of your RC car are not waterproof, meaning water can get into them. Then, it can end up with permanent damage if it does not receive proper and timely maintenance and care.
If you want to drive your vehicle in snow, wet, or rainy terrain, we recommend cleaning it afterward and correctly drying it to ensure that no moisture remains to cause severe damage.
Thanks for your time!