If you’re into RC cars, you probably love taking them out for high-speed runs, jumps, and off-road bashing. But what happens when the action is over? How you store your RC car can make a big difference in how well it performs next time you use it.
Whether you’re storing your car after a weekend bash or putting it away for months, this guide will help you take the best care of your vehicle. The steps are simple, effective, and suitable for any skill level. Here’s how to store your RC car.
Let’s get started.
What to Do After Every Run?
Every time you finish driving at the track, park, or just your backyard, you should follow a few steps before putting your RC car away. These small habits will keep your vehicle running longer and performing better.
1. Elevate Your RC Car
Never leave your RC car sitting flat on the ground or workbench for long periods. You want to lift it off the surface.
You can:
- Set the chassis on an old tire.
- Use a stand.
- Build a simple hanging system on your wall using wood and screws.
Why? Keeping the car elevated takes pressure off the suspension. If the suspension stays compressed too long, the springs lose their tension over time. That means when you go out next time, the car may sag or handle poorly.
Also, lifting the car prevents flat spots on the tires. Foam inserts inside tires get squished under the car’s weight and can create flat edges. This leads to shaking and poor grip on the track.
Does lifting the car help? Yes
2. Remove or Store Tires Properly
If you prefer to take the tires off your RC car, don’t leave them rolling around on your workbench.
Store them:
- Flat and stacked on a shelf.
- Away from extreme temperatures.
This prevents the foam inserts inside from getting distorted. If you leave the tires upright for a long time, they can develop permanent flat areas. These flat spots affect your car’s balance and steering.
Can flat spots fix themselves? Sometimes. But it’s better to avoid them.
3. Clean the Vehicle Lightly
Dirt, dust, and grass can damage moving parts if left for too long. After each run, brush off any debris and wipe the car down. Use a light air blower or a soft paintbrush. Avoid spraying water, especially near the electronics.
4. Lubricate Nitro Engines
If you’re running a nitro-powered RC car, use after-run oil or WD-40 in the engine after each session. This keeps the internal parts lubricated and protects them from rust or corrosion during storage.
Spray a small amount into the carburetor and turn the flywheel to distribute the oil. This habit will increase the life of your engine and make starting up next time easier.
Long-Term Storage (Over 6 Months)
If you know you won’t be using your RC car for several months, take a few extra steps to ensure it stays in great condition.
Loosen the Slipper Clutch
Your slipper clutch uses a spring that stays under pressure. If left compressed for too long, the spring weakens. That can affect the way power is transferred to the wheels.
Before long-term storage, loosen the slipper clutch until the spring is relaxed. This will prevent unnecessary wear and save you from having to replace it later.
Remove Preload from Shocks
Suspension springs also weaken if they stay compressed. Turn the preload collars on your shock bodies to reduce tension. This lets the springs return to their resting position.
When you come back to drive again, your suspension will still respond the way it should. If you leave preload on for too long, the car may sit too low or feel soft and unresponsive.
3. Loosen the Servo Saver
Depends on Setup: Yes or No
Some RC cars have adjustable servo savers that use springs. If your car does, loosen it before storage. Like the slipper clutch and shocks, it contains springs that can weaken if left under tension.
Check your manual to see if your model allows adjustment.
4. Loosen the Ball Differential
If Your Car Has a Ball Diff: Yes
Ball diffs have a thrust screw that controls tension. If you’re storing your car for a while, back off the screw to reduce pressure. This will protect the internal springs and balls from premature wear.
Again, not all ARRMA cars use ball diffs, so check your model first.
Battery Care During Storage
Batteries are the most sensitive and potentially dangerous part of your RC setup. Whether it’s LiPo packs or AA batteries in your transmitter, you must take care of them properly.
1. Store LiPo Batteries at Storage Voltage
If you plan to stop using your LiPo battery for more than a few days, discharge it to storage voltage (about 3.7 to 3.8 volts per cell).
Leaving a fully charged or drained LiPo unattended can shorten its lifespan or even make it dangerous to use later.
2. Check Batteries Occasionally
Even if the car is sitting, check the battery every few weeks. Look for:
- Puffing or swelling.
- Loss of voltage.
- Signs of damage.
A puffed battery should never be used again. Dispose of it safely following your local e-waste guidelines.
Do LiPos puff in storage? Yes, if not maintained correctly.
3. Remove All Batteries
Don’t leave batteries in:
- Your RC car.
- Your radio transmitter.
- Your charger.
Remove them and store them in a cool, dry place. This prevents leakage or corrosion inside the electronics.
Getting Ready to Drive Again
When you’re finally ready to drive your RC car again, don’t just plug in a battery and go. A few checks and rebuilds will make sure everything works like new.
Rebuild the Shocks
Shocks contain oil and seals. After sitting for months, seals can dry out and crack. You may notice oil leaks or weak suspension performance.
Take the shocks apart:
- Replace the seals or gaskets.
- Add fresh oil.
- Check for dirt or air bubbles.
This ensures your suspension works properly and won’t leak.
Refresh the Differential
Gear diffs also need a rebuild if they’ve sat idle for months. Fluid inside may have separated or thickened. Open the diff, clean it, and refill with the correct oil. This will restore proper traction and cornering control.
Check All Electronics
Look at the:
- Receiver.
- ESC (electronic speed controller).
- Wiring and connections.
Remove dust, check for rust or damage, and test each component before driving.
Final Checklist for RC Car Storage
| Task | After Every Run | Long-Term Storage |
| Elevate the RC Car | Yes | Yes |
| Remove/Flatten Tires | Yes | Yes |
| Clean Chassis | Yes | Yes |
| Lubricate Nitro Engine | Yes | Yes |
| Loosen Slipper Clutch | No | Yes |
| Remove Shock Preload | No | Yes |
| Loosen Servo Saver | Maybe | Yes |
| Loosen Ball Diff | No | Yes |
| Discharge LiPo to Storage Voltage | No | Yes |
| Remove All Batteries | Maybe | Yes |
| Check Batteries Regularly | Yes | Yes |
| Rebuild Shocks Before Driving | No | Yes |
| Rebuild Diffs Before Driving | No | Yes |
Conclusion
Taking care of your ARRMA RC car doesn’t take much time, but the rewards are huge. Your parts will last longer, your car will drive smoother, and you’ll avoid the frustration of broken components or dead batteries.
Whether you’re storing your car overnight or for an entire season, these storage tips will help you protect your investment and enjoy more time on the track.
