Are RC Cars Waterproof?

Are RC Cars Waterproof?

While most people tend to think that an RC with a waterproof stamp is a declaration that the machine can be submerged in water, the truth is that it has limitations. Driving the car into the water in entirety will lead to damage. Waterproof, therefore, is how the RC gets wet and what happens thereafter.

Waterproof generally provides more surfaces where you can drive the car, as you can easily move over puddles and off-ramps when snowing. It also comes in handy in preventing sand and grit from getting into essential components to ensure the durability of the car.

This article will help you determine if your RC car is waterproof, how to waterproof and ultimately how to protect the waterproof.

Factors that Determine Waterproof RC Car

  • Industrial ratings 

Different RC cars come with industry ratings that determine the degree and water levels the car can withstand. The ratings are indicated using an IPX. The X indicates solid particle protection while IP is a two-digit score that indicates protection.

The lowest industrial is the IPX-0 that comes with no protection while the highest is IPX-8 which comes with protection against continual water submersion.

  • Hardware

The quality of the hardware used in making the RC car determines how it will corrode when introduced to water. Some materials tend to corrode faster, making the maintenance difficult.

  • Speed control and servos

Speed control and servos operate such that they stop working immediately they get into contact with water. The speed control and servos in waterproof RC cars have their circuit boards sealed using epoxy type material or the cases sealed with gaskets. The only issue that comes with sealed speed control and servos is that they retain heat that can damage electronics.

  • Batteries 

Batteries like LiPo and NiMH, have well-protected cells which can function well even when submerged in water. The only issue that comes with them is that they have exposed tabs that corrode easily.

  • Tires

Most waterproof RC cars come with tires that have foam inserts instead of compressed air. This allows it to bear the weight of the car in any terrain as there is no air escaping. It can also conform to any other object on the runway. The foams are easily changeable when need be.

 

How to Waterproof your RC Car?

Being the RC car enthusiast that you are, you most likely want to drive your car in any terrain, and any environment. You might want to test it in mud, water, snow and even on the sand. You can achieve this by waterproofing your RC car using special body parts that fully protects it.  Some of the best means to improve the waterproof are;

  • Wrap electrical tapes and balloons around the delicate parts to protect from damages.
  • Apply silicone adhesive to the different parts of the bearing holes and servos to reduce the effects of water. 
  • Apply a plastic dip around the engine to protect it from exposure to water.
  • Clean the car parts after use for general maintenance.

How to Protect Waterproof RC Car?

After establishing that the level of waterproof in an RC car depends on the drive terrain and the bearings, we need to know factors on how to ensure it will last and to reduce the risk of damage in wet conditions.

  1. Test materials for compatibility

The different materials used for waterproofing react differently with the electronics in the car. Make sure you test them all to ensure compatibility for ease of use and reduce electrocution.

  1. Be cautious before running the machine in water

RC cars are made of electronics that most probably will react or stop functioning in water. You must, therefore, check to ensure that all the crucial parts are covered and do not allow in the dust.

  1. Clean after use

Take your time to clean the RC car used in wet conditions. This helps in removing moistures or dust trapped in different parts. Removing the dirt reduces the risk of corrosion. Give extra attention to the protective parts of the RC that take time to dry up.

 

In Conclusion…

RC cars waterproof is relative. While waterproof RC car is a new phenomenon that is fast catching up in the toy motoring world, it has its limitations. Its effectiveness depends on the model and make of the car itself. Besides, there are a host of other improvements you can introduce to ensure your RC car is not damaged when submerged in water. If you wish to learn more here's a guide on how RC cars work?