How to Store RC Car to Avoid Battery Damage

If you're passionate about your remote-controlled car, you must take careful care of the battery, which powers the vehicle. Poor storage can cause performance issues or, worse, irreversible harm that will force you to start over from scratch.

In this article, we'll walk you through the fundamentals of RC vehicle battery storage. With our straightforward, useful advice, you can stay up to date on anything from the many kinds of batteries to how to keep your charge levels steady when you're not using them. You can keep your small engine operating smoothly for many laps by reading more and learning how to store your RC car to prevent battery damage.

How to Store NiMH and LiPo Batteries

Batteries made of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) are long-lasting and less susceptible to storage conditions. To avoid the "memory effect" that can lower their capacity, it is recommended to keep them partially charged at about 80%. Dry, cool conditions aid in preserving this equilibrium.

While they are more powerful, lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries require careful handling. Keep these at 50% charge, or between 3.7 and 3.85 volts per cell, to avoid any dangerous swelling or degradation. For increased protection, use a specialized LiPo-safe bag or container.

Extreme temperatures are disliked by both battery types. The optimal temperature range is between 50°F and 77°F (10°C and 25°C). After being stored for months, self-discharge is unavoidable. Every three to four months, check and adjust their charge to maintain them operating at optimal efficiency.

1. Prepping Your RC Car and Batteries

Clean Sweep for Your RC Car

Make sure your remote-control car is as clean as it was when it was new before putting it away. Use an air blower or a soft brush to remove any dust and dirt. To stop corrosion, wash the body with a light detergent and make sure every portion is completely dry.

Battery Removal & Care

Carefully disconnect the battery to prevent any harm. Discharge NiMH batteries to around half of their capacity. LiPo batteries need to be charged to their storage voltage, which is usually half of their full capacity. A dependable battery charger with a storage setting can be used to check and modify this voltage.

Charged Up for Rest

After cleaning, use a voltmeter or a specialized RC charger to check the battery's current charge level. Adjust accordingly to reach the safe storage charge. Once set, place your batteries in a cool, dry space away from metal objects and combustible materials.

2. Setting the Stage for Safe RC Storage

Climate Control

An location with climate control and steady temperatures—ideally between 50°F and 77°F (10°C and 25°C)—and low humidity is the optimum place for your remote-control automobile to hibernate. By doing this, rust, material degradation, and battery leakage are avoided.

Location Matters

Select a spot that is shielded from heat sources like radiators, direct sunshine, and potentially damp regions like flood-prone basements. If the storage place is clean and free of fumes or corrosive chemicals, a shelf in an insulated garage or inside closet might be the perfect location.

Specialized Storage Solutions

Invest in strong cases made especially for storing batteries or fire-resistant LiPo-safe bags to give batteries an added layer of protection. These offer increased safety in the case of a battery malfunction in addition to protecting the batteries from external influences.

3. Maintaining Charge of RC Car

Regular Check-Ups

Make time on your calendar for a regular check-up every three to four months to guarantee the longevity of your RC vehicle batteries. At this point, you should check the voltage and, if needed, add more charge.

Charging Intervals for NiMH & LiPo

LiPo cells should be returned to their storage voltage (3.7–3.85 volts per cell), while NiMH batteries benefit from periodic cycle charging to maintain their "memory." Utilize a charger with a storage feature to streamline this procedure.

Preventing Overcharge

Avoid leaving batteries on the charger once they've reached their optimal storage voltage. Always monitor charging to prevent overcharging, which can lead to reduced battery life or potential hazards.

4. Jumpstarting Your Batteries Post-Hibernation

Your RC car batteries may operate less well after being stored for a while. This may show up as a reduced runtime or an inability to maintain a charge. LiPo batteries may exhibit voltage imbalances between cells, but NiMH batteries may experience an increased "memory effect."

Solutions for NiMH Revival

Run a couple full cycles of drain and recharge for NiMH cells that appear to be losing their life. By doing this, you may be able to partially recover the battery's initial capacity and reset its "memory."

LiPo Cells

LiPo batteries require a more nuanced approach. If they exhibit an imbalance, use a charger with a balancing feature to even out the cell voltages. Should a LiPo battery show signs of swelling, it's crucial to replace it, as this indicates irreversible damage and poses a safety risk.

Boosting Dormant Batteries

If any battery won't accept a charge after storage, gently warm them to room temperature if they're cold. Then, attempt charging again using a slow or trickle charge setting to ease them back into action.

Storing RC Car Batteries the Right Way

You may confidently dive into the fast-paced world of radio-controlled racing, knowing that the powerplant of your car is protected from the damaging effects of improper storage. We'll provide you with all the knowledge you need to maintain optimal battery performance.

Whether using a high-octane LiPo or the robust NiMH, knowing the subtleties of good battery maintenance can make the difference between a disappointingly slow start and a quick start. When it comes time to take your RC car back on track, we will help you with cleaning procedures, determine the best storage settings, and offer astute maintenance plans to make sure it's charged and prepared to win.