Five Ways to Make Your RC Battery Last Longer 

RC batteries can deplete quickly, which can sometimes be frustrating. While this is a huge drawback, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have poor-quality RC batteries. Understand that powering the motor, especially at high speed, is no easy task. Fortunately, I come bearing good news: there is a way to make that RC battery last longer. Well, it is not just one way; I have listed five ways you can make your RC battery last longer. Here they are:

To fix this issue, some drivers wait for the motor to idle before utilizing the remote control. This might be helpful for some, but not all. There are many recommendations, some helpful, others weird and not so useful.

Fortunately, I come bearing good news: there is a way to make that RC battery last longer. Well, it is not just one way; I have listed five ways you can make your RC battery last longer. Here they are:

Select the Right Battery 

I think this is the most obvious advice in this article. Having the right battery is important in optimizing runtime & performance and guaranteeing safety. As an RC car driver, it’s imperative that you be keen on factors like battery technology, voltage range, and capacity rating when selecting the most suitable battery for your RC car. 

In the RC car scene, there are two main battery types: Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Polymer (LiPo). LiPo batteries usually deliver more energy density and better performance than their counterparts. Unfortunately, they need special maintenance. 

It’s necessary to confirm that your choice, whether NiMH or LiPo, has the correct voltage for efficient working. So, check the voltage before purchasing, especially if the RC batteries haven’t been used for over six months. 

Use the Correct Charger 

Something else that most drivers overlook is the charger. You need to use a suitable charger for your battery. Utilizing the wrong one can result in undercharging or overcharging. This leads to a short runtime, poor performance, and eventually ruining the battery. 

While it might sound like an exaggeration, the wrong charger will reduce your battery’s lifespan. 

Choosing the correct charger guarantees your RC battery is adequately charged, extends the runtime, improves performance, and prolongs its lifespan. A reliable charging system should also give accurate control over the charging pace, normally 1C. 

Nevertheless, some batteries feature an optimal charge pace of 2C, thus offering unique performance and impressive longevity without giving up safety. 

All the same, to boost your RC driving experience while remaining safe, it is recommended you charge your LiPo batteries at a 1C rate. 

Store the Battery Properly 

Storing your battery properly is vital in guaranteeing excellent performance and longevity. One vital aspect of storage comprises balancing the battery cells twice a year. This helps uphold a constant voltage level throughout every cell and hinders capacity compromise or performance deterioration. 

Let’s get into the specifics: pick a cool, dry spot under room temperature to store your LiPo battery. High temperatures can harm this battery and even shorten its lifespan. This is also the case when you store them in place with cold temperatures. 

What’s more, avoid storing fully charged batteries for over ten days. This might make them less efficient over time. 

You can store LiPo batteries at 50% charge when you’re not using them for long-term power. Plus, it is vital to be careful about short-circuits. Do not store your batteries in the car or let the terminals link directly with metallic objects since this could damage them or cause serious accidents at worst. 

Reduce Your RC Car’s Weight 

Decreasing your RC car weight can do a lot of good for your battery’s runtime. The less weight it hauls, the less energy the battery needs to carry the weight. So, the moment you reduce weight, you will get additional runtime and eventually save since you do not have to charge them as frequently. 

There are a few ways you can reduce your car’s weight, including removing parts that aren’t needed. Besides, you can also replace some weighty parts with lightweight ones for this purpose. 

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t give up performance when reducing weight. Do your due diligence if you need more clarification about the changes you need to make. 

Do Not Over-Discharge 

This simply means you should not use your battery until it is depleted. This is a common mistake among many drivers, and it usually ruins your LiPo battery over time. 

It’s essential to check your battery usage keenly and avoid discharging it to less than 3.0V per cell. This is because it might cause some serious damage. 

So, how do you avoid this? First, buy a compatible, high-quality charger with balance and voltage authentication features. This combination will guarantee you do not damage the cells when using or charging the battery. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Your RC Battery

Your RC car may have come with its battery, meaning the manufacturer chose this battery after weighing in the weight and performance of the car. Nonetheless, after driving your RC car for some time, you may opt to upgrade to a higher-performance RC battery. 

Choosing one that’s most suitable for your car calls for considerations, including the battery’s specs, cost, and compatibility. 

You can go for small-capacity RC batteries, which are more affordable but, fortunately, provide a similar runtime to their larger counterparts. This way, you don’t have to break the bank or haul and tolerate the extra weight of a larger battery. 

The lightweight characteristic is perfect if your priorities are speed and improved handling while driving your RC car. 

Something else to consider is the type of connector your car requires. Investing in a battery compatible with your car’s parts is wise. 

Moreover, check whether the ESC is compatible with the new RC battery. Knowing these specifications aids you in choosing the most suitable battery for your RC car and the number of cells.  

Finally, read through the user manual for your car to ensure that the battery you choose is right for your car’s specific features. 

In Conclusion 

RC cars are both suitable for kids and adults, and they are also safe and plenty of fun! But you should pay attention to the technical aspects as you have fun. Tips like the ones I’ve listed here will help your RC battery run for a longer period. This also means fun times for you as a driver. 

However, if you intend to upgrade your battery, make sure you choose one that’s right for your RC car.