Upgrades for Remote-Controlled Car: Increasing Power and Customization

What’s the point of having a remote-controlled car if you can’t customize it and exploit everything it has to offer? Most RC car drivers want a fast-moving car, and at times do not have the funds to invest in a new one. Fortunately, there is a way to get your somewhat slow RC car to go fast enough to beat the top-of-the-line RC cars on the race tracks; upgrading certain components.  

There are a myriad of upgrade parts available on the market for those looking to upgrade, or fine-tune their buggies, for faster speeds, and better general performance. 

However, if your priority is power, I have a few upgrade suggestions for you. In addition, I’ve included other customization ideas in case you want to go all the way. 

Here they are:

Upgrading the Motor 

We can all agree that the motor determines how powerful a remote-controlled car can be. Oftentimes, the stock motor that your RC car is equipped with while new might be great at first, but as you improve your skills, you’ll need to change it. 

By investing in a more powerful motor, your RC car can beat limitations it couldn’t before, including reaching higher top speeds and conquering rougher terrain more effortlessly than before. All the same, you need to be cautious as you may require to change other parts if you choose one that’s too powerful. 

Enhancing the Suspension System

This is one of the most overlooked parts, especially when it comes to upgrading your RC car. The suspension directly impacts the way the car handles different terrain and its overall performance. 

For instance, if the suspension is excessively spongy, you will notice a significant loss of power when you start the car, and it can be incredibly difficult to recover this lost power. 

On the other hand, if the suspension’s too rigid, you’ll waste plenty of time on the roof. Overall, upgrading the suspension system will translate to completely modifiable shockers and a significant power boost for your buggy. 

Switching Gears 

For those new to the remote-controlled car scene, it is possible to switch your buggy’s gears for an improved experience. Your RC car uses gears all the time; when accelerating, decelerating, halting, and so on. Oftentimes, shifting gears happens drastically and fast, and the RC car utilizes inertia to attain this. 

Therefore, by upgrading your gears, you can pick the gear trimmings, and at the same time decrease weight which will boost overall performance. 

Wheels & Tires 

Switching to better-quality wheels and tires is yet another upgrade you should consider. While this does not touch on power, you can upgrade these two for speed. Frequently, upgrading the motor and suspension system for power can increase speed and help you drive on rough terrain. For this, you will need new tires with better grip, and more reliable wheels. 

There are numerous tire options in terms of tread patterns, wheel diameter, and rubber compounds. Hence, it is crucial to consider the type of terrain you’ll be driving on, and choose appropriately. 

For instance, if you are an off-roader, you will need to choose larger wheels with rough tires that can maneuver rough terrain. However, if you are looking to drive on smooth terrain, you will only need smaller wheels with smooth racing tires for improved grip and high speeds. 

Moreover, it would be best to consider your wheels and tires’ weight, since this can impact the balance and overall performance of your car. By changing some or all of these parts, you can considerably boost your vehicle’s performance. 

On the other hand, it is vital to do some research and choose upgrade parts that are compatible with your RC car. 

Other Upgrades to Consider 

The upgrades above are directly or indirectly linked to boosting power. The more powerful your RC car, the more obstacles it can conquer, and the higher its top speed. However, if you want to customize your car completely, here are some more upgrade ideas:

Aesthetic Customization

Even though boosting performance is vital, many RC fans love customizing their vehicles, to have a more personal look. Customizing your RC vehicle’s looks is as challenging as it is exciting. It allows you to showcase your creative and imaginative skills. 

You can begin by picking a new chassis for your remote-controlled car, there are a wide range of options available, including scale replicas of real-life cars, and more graphics options. Further, swapping the body gives your RC vehicle a new look and boosts its aerodynamics. 

Alternatively, you can paint it as you like, and add decorations for a more personal appearance. You can also purchase custom stickers and decals, to make your RC car stand out wherever you go! Nonetheless, if you decide to paint it, make sure to use RC-specific adhesives and paints for the most suitable results. 

Tips for Best Upgrade and Customization Results 

While you can spend a lot of time and money buying and installing the upgrade parts, you might not get results as great as you hoped for. For this reason, I have included a few pointers to help you out.  

Suitable Installation Techniques

Once you purchase the upgraded parts, it is crucial to install them the right way, for optimal performance. Ensure you follow the guidelines specified by the manufacturer and be careful not to mess up. Besides, rushing the installation process could lead to incorrect installation, which could at best need adjustments or at worst ruin your RC car. 

One major step for proper installation is ensuring all the necessary parts are tightened properly. Any loose bolts or screws can result in vibrations, which can in the long run cause damage. 

Moreover, focus on wiring, if any, or connectors that may require modification while installing the new parts. Again, double-check all connections before starting your RC car. 

Frequent Upkeep & Maintenance

Frequent maintenance is vital in guaranteeing that your newly upgraded vehicle continues to run and operate optimally. This includes typical things like lubricating the necessary parts, cleaning, and looking for and repairing or replacing worn-out parts. 

It is also critical to check the batteries, and if need be, replace them. After some time, they lose the capacity to hold charge effectually, which can result in sub-par performance from your RC car. 

Also, remember the usual tuning assessments. While you may have installed the upgrade correctly, a motor that’s not tuned often, won’t deliver the desired results. 

Trying Out Different Upgrade Combos 

The moment you have made a few upgrades, feel free to experiment with various upgrade combinations to identify the most suitable setup for your driving requirements and style. Begin by selecting two or more upgrades you suppose will operate effectively together, according to their purpose, like a battery upgrade & motor upgrade. 

Choose a few favorite pairs, and install them, then assess how they work together off-road or on the race track. You can make a few tweaks based on how your RC car performs. 

Conclusion 

Modifying your RC car can be an excellent opportunity to learn more about it, and fun! Also, it allows you to give it a personal touch. However, be careful not to interfere with the internal operations of the car. Therefore, it is important to choose upgrade parts compatible with your RC car.

Have fun upgrading!