RC (Radio Control) cars are popular among hobbyists and enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you enjoy racing on dirt tracks, off-road adventures, or splashing through puddles, your RC car can face various challenges in different environments.
Waterproofing your RC car is essential to protect its delicate electronic components from water damage and ensure its optimal performance and longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to waterproof RC cars, enabling you to enjoy your hobby with peace of mind for much longer.
Importance of Waterproofing
Before we delve into the waterproofing process, it’s crucial to grasp why it’s so essential for RC cars. The majority of RC cars feature electronic components, such as motors, ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers), servos, and receivers, which are vulnerable to water damage.
When water enters these components, it can cause short circuits, corrosion, and irreversible damage, rendering your RC car inoperable, hence knowing how to waterproof RC cars is essential if you want to have have your RC fun anywhere close to the water.
This applies, of course, more to outdoor racing and bashing and much less to indoor racing or indoor RC drift cars.
How To Waterproof RC Car
Below is the series of 10 steps that will help you make good RC car waterproofing decisions to increase the longevity of your nitro or electrical RC cars.
Selecting a Waterproof RC Car
If you haven’t purchased an RC car yet, consider opting for a model that is already waterproofed or has water-resistant features.
Manufacturers often label these cars as “Waterproof” or “Water-Resistant” in their product descriptions. Investing in a pre-waterproofed model will save you time and effort, and you can still apply additional waterproofing for added protection.
Step 1: Disassemble the RC Car
For existing RC cars that are not waterproofed or partially waterproofed, the first step is to disassemble the vehicle. Carefully remove the body shell, wheels, tires, and all electronic components from the chassis.
Make sure you have RC tool set to make your life easier taking things apart and putting them back together. Take pictures or make notes during the process to help you reassemble the car correctly.
Step 2: Seal the Receiver and Servo
The receiver and servo are among the most critical electronic components in an RC car.
These are often susceptible to water damage, particularly in off-road conditions. To waterproof the receiver and servo, follow these steps:
- Remove the receiver and servo from the chassis.
- Wrap each component with several layers of silicone tape, making sure to cover all openings and ports.
- Alternatively, use a waterproof receiver box or a sealed waterproof servo.
Step 3: Waterproof the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
The ESC is responsible for controlling the motor’s speed and direction. Waterproofing the ESC is crucial to prevent water from seeping into its delicate circuitry. Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully remove the ESC from the chassis.
- Apply a layer of conformal coating to the ESC’s circuit board. Conformal coating is a thin, protective polymer layer that shields the electronics from moisture. It is available in spray or brush-on form.
- Ensure all connectors, switches, and ports are adequately coated with the conformal coating.
- Allow the conformal coating to dry thoroughly before reassembling the ESC.
Step 4: Waterproof the Motor
The motor is one of the most vulnerable components to water damage due to its exposure at the bottom of the chassis. Waterproofing the motor is essential to prevent rust and damage. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the motor from the RC car.
- Apply a layer of waterproof grease or silicone grease around the motor’s openings and connections.
- Place the motor inside a waterproof motor cover or use a sealed motor designed for wet conditions.
- Reinstall the motor back into the chassis once it’s waterproofed.
Step 5: Waterproof the Battery Compartment
The battery compartment is another entry point for water. To protect your battery and its connectors, follow these steps:
- Remove the battery compartment cover from the chassis.
- Apply silicone sealant or silicone tape around the edges of the battery compartment cover.
- Ensure that the sealant provides a complete, watertight barrier.
- Let the sealant dry completely before reinstalling the battery compartment cover.
Step 6: Waterproofing the Chassis and Electronics
- Apply a layer of waterproof or water-resistant spray to the entire chassis, including the underside. This spray helps repel water and prevents moisture from seeping into the chassis.
- Use waterproof tape or sealant to cover any exposed wires or connections, ensuring all points of entry are protected.
- Consider using waterproof cable sleeves or wraps to protect wire bundles and connections further.
Step 7: Waterproof the Receiver Box (if applicable)
If your RC car has a separate receiver box, follow these steps to waterproof it:
- Disassemble the receiver box.
- Apply silicone sealant or waterproof tape around the edges and openings of the box.
- Reassemble the receiver box and make sure it forms a tight seal.
Step 8: Reassemble the RC Car
Once all the electronic components and chassis are waterproofed, it’s time to reassemble your RC car. Follow the notes or pictures you took during the disassembly process to ensure everything is put back correctly.
Step 9: Test the Waterproofing
Before taking your RC car out for a full run, it’s essential to test the waterproofing thoroughly. Here’s how:
- Place the RC car in a shallow container of water, such as a basin or bucket.
- Turn on the car’s transmitter and receiver, and gently drive the RC car in the water.
- Check for any signs of water intrusion or malfunction. If water gets in, identify the entry point and reapply waterproofing measures.
Step 10: Maintenance and Care
Waterproofing your RC car is not a one-time job. Regular maintenance and care are crucial to ensure long-term protection. Here are some maintenance tips:
- After each run in wet conditions, clean your RC car thoroughly with a soft brush and mild soapy water.
- Inspect the waterproofing barriers, such as silicone seals, conformal coatings, and tapes, regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace or repair any damaged barriers promptly.
- Store your RC car in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Consider using waterproof storage containers or bags to protect your RC car during transportation.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your RC car is a rewarding and essential task that safeguards its electronic components and extends its lifespan.
Following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively waterproof your RC car.
Whether you’re racing on wet tracks, taking on muddy terrains, or splashing through puddles, your waterproofed RC car will be ready for the adventure while providing you with countless hours of enjoyment.
Remember to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the continued effectiveness of your waterproofing measures and lastly learn how to store RC cars to increase their life span. Happy long time driving!
