Expert Guide to FTX RC Cars: Models, Accessories, and Maintenance Tips
FTX RC cars are a popular brand of remote control cars that are adored by both novices and experienced enthusiasts. FTX, founded in the UK in 2010, has grown to become one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-quality and durable RC cars. The brand has a reputation for producing models that cater to a wide range of users, including those who are just starting in the hobby and those who are looking for more advanced features. FTX RC cars are known for their fantastic build quality, impressive speed, and excellent handling characteristics. If you’re interested in purchasing an FTX RC car, there are a variety of options available to you, including electric, nitro, and petrol-powered models. Additionally, FTX RC cars are offered in a range of scales, from small 1/24th scale models to large 1/8th scale models, meaning there is an FTX RC car for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beginner model or an advanced racing car, FTX offers a comprehensive range of models to fit your needs.
Types of FTX RC Cars
FTX RC cars come in a range of types, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the different types of FTX RC cars available include:
- Electric RC Cars: These models are powered by an electric motor and are perfect for beginners who want a quiet and easy-to-operate car. They offer excellent speed and acceleration, and their battery-powered operation means you can use them almost anywhere.
- Nitro RC Cars: Nitro-powered cars provide a higher level of performance and speed, thanks to their powerful engines. They emit a characteristic sound, which many RC enthusiasts love, and offer an exhilarating driving experience.
- Petrol RC Cars: Petrol-powered RC cars use a similar engine construction to petrol cars, meaning they offer incredible speed and performance. These models are generally larger than electric and nitro cars and are ideal for serious enthusiasts who want a car that can compete in races. Additionally, petrol RC cars come in a range of scales, from 1/5th to 1/8th scale, making them unparalleled in size.
Apart from these popular models, FTX offers cars in various scales ranging from 1/10th to 1/24th to meet different needs of enthusiasts. These cars are equipped with a variety of features such as waterproof electronics, LED lights, realistic body designs, long-range radio control, and much more. You can easily purchase FTX RC cars from online hobby shops or on FTX’s website, which offers a wide selection of models and accessories to suit your preferences.
What kind of RC cars are there?
There are different types of RC cars available, each with a specific purpose. Some of these types include RC touring cars, RC buggies, RC crawlers, RC drag cars, and RC truggies. RC touring cars are suitable for on-road use and work well on concrete, asphalt, or carpet. RC buggies are designed to handle rough off-road terrain, while RC crawlers are perfect for tackling steep inclines and rocky surfaces. RC drag cars are built for high-speed racing on flat surfaces, and RC truggies combine the best features of buggies and trucks to handle any type of terrain. To learn more about RC cars and find the right one for you, check out websites like Amazon, HobbyTron, or Horizon Hobby.
Accessories and Upgrades for FTX RC Cars
FTX offers various accessories and upgrades to enhance the performance of your RC car. Some of the popular ones include:
- Shocks: High-quality shocks improve performance and stability over rough terrain. FTX offers a range of shocks that can be customized to suit your driving style.
- Tires: FTX produces a range of tires suitable for different types of terrain, including off-road and on-road. You can choose from a wide variety of patterns and sizes to fit your 1/10th or 1/8th scale RC car.
- Batteries: The performance of an electric RC car is dependent on the battery. FTX offers a range of batteries, including LiPo and NiMH, in various capacities to suit your requirements.
- Controllers: FTX also offers controllers with different features such as multi-model memory, telemetry, programmable settings and more to improve the driving experience.
- Chargers: FTX offers various types of chargers to ensure that your batteries are charged quickly and efficiently. You can choose from USB, AC, and DC chargers depending on your charging needs.
- Tools: FTX offers a range of tools that can be used for maintaining your RC car. These include screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other essential tools you may need for repairs.
Most of the upgrades and accessories are easy to install and fit multiple models from the FTX RC cars range. It is worth investing in high-quality accessories to ensure you get the best performance from your FTX RC car. You can easily find these accessories for sale on FTX’s website or on hobby shops online.
FTX RC Cars Upgrades Table
| Upgrade | Description |
|---|---|
| Shocks | High-quality shocks improve performance and stability over rough terrain. FTX offers a range of shocks that can be customized to suit your driving style. |
| Tires | A range of tires for different types of terrain from off-road to on-road in variety of patterns and sizes. |
| Batteries | Lithium Polymer (LiPo) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries in various capacities suitable for different requirements. |
| Controllers | With different features such as multi-model memory, telemetry, programmable settings and more. |
| Chargers | USB, AC, and DC chargers designed to charge your batteries quickly and efficiently. |
| Tools | Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and other essential tools required for repairing and upgrading the car. |
How can I make my RC car more powerful?
To make your RC car more powerful, consider changing the gear ratios of your pinion or spur gear. A larger pinion gear or smaller spur gear can provide more speed, while a smaller pinion gear or larger spur gear can provide more torque and acceleration, but at the cost of less top speed. Check with your manufacturer’s recommendations before gear changes.
Maintaining and Repairing FTX RC Cars
Proper maintenance can help prolong the life of your FTX RC car. Here are some tips to help you keep your RC car in good condition:
- Regular cleaning: After each use, clean your car to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the body and tires, and use a compressed air canister to remove any debris from the motor and electronics.
- Regular oiling: All moving parts of the car will benefit from regular oiling. Use a silicone-based spray to lubricate the gears, suspension, and any other moving parts.
- Checking for loose screws: Occasionally ensure that all screws holding the car together are tight. If you hear any rattling, it might be due to a loose screw.
- Battery maintenance: Check the batteries for any damages or bulges. Do not overcharge the batteries and always store them in a cool, dry place.
- Replacing worn-out parts: It is important to replace any worn-out components of the RC car promptly. This helps to prevent further damage to other parts.
Sometimes, despite proper maintenance, the RC car may need repairs. Here are some common repairs you may encounter:
- Worn-out motors: If your electric RC car’s motor has started to wear out, it may need to be replaced. Look out for signs of reduced power or any excessive noise from the motor.
- Broken suspension: The suspension on an RC car is subject to a lot of wear and tear. If you notice that your car is not handling well and the suspension feels weak or broken, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Replacement parts: Most RC cars feature replaceable parts that can be easily swapped out. FTX has an extensive range of spare parts that you may need to repair or upgrade your RC car.
If you are not comfortable doing repairs yourself, you can always seek professional help. Many online forums and repair shops offer advice for repairing FTX RC cars. You can purchase replacement parts online or from your local hobby shop that sell FTX RC cars.
Commonly Replaced FTX RC Car Parts Table
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor | An electric motor that may wear-out due to regular use. |
| Suspension | The suspension may break or may get damaged during the run. |
| Tires and Wheels | These components often require replacement due to wear and tear or a change in terrain experienced by the car. |
| Battery | Lithium Polymer cells degrade over time, deteriorate have shorter charging cycles and require replacement. |
| Body | Body shells can break or crack due to high impact collisions, jumps, or other incidents during a run. |
How do you maintain an RC car?
To maintain an RC car, you can start by using basic household cleaners to keep it in top form. Clean the vehicle with an air compressor and brush, then spray it with a general all-purpose cleaner. Scrub the chassis, remove and clean the wheels, and hose off the vehicle. Finally, use the air compressor to blow dry the vehicle. Some websites like RC Car Action and RC Driver offer tips and tutorials on maintaining RC cars, as well as recommended products for cleaning and upkeep.
Benefits of Owning an FTX RC Car
Owning an FTX RC car can offer numerous benefits. Not only can it provide a fun and engaging hobby for people of all ages, but it can also help to develop various skills such as hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and creativity. In addition to being an individual pursuit, owning an FTX RC car can also be a social one. Many clubs and groups exist worldwide, where people who share a passion for RC cars can come together, attend events, and make new friends.
One of the great things about an FTX RC car is the flexibility it offers in terms of its usage. RC cars can be run indoors or outdoors and are not limited by the time of day or weather conditions. As opposed to other RC hobbies like flying or boating, FTX RC cars can be operated throughout the year. Furthermore, as they come in various sizes and are available in different models, FTX RC cars cater to a broad spectrum of enthusiasts, from kids to adults. For example, smaller and inexpensive models are more suitable for beginners and can be used indoors, while larger models are geared towards enthusiasts and experienced drivers who might prefer a realistic off-road driving experience.
In conclusion, owning an FTX RC car is a great way to have fun while fostering creativity and learning new skills. Additionally, RC car enthusiasts have access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share their passion. Hence, if you want to explore new interests, relieve stress or spend time with your family or friends, an FTX RC car can be a perfect fit.
