Last updated on April 13th, 2026 at 08:56 am
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The fastest way to get water out of RC car tires is to drill a small vent hole in each tire and spin the tires until the water throws out. That simple fix works well for most RC cars, especially when the water is trapped inside the foam insert.
If your car went through puddles or got caught in the rain, the water will not always dry out on its own. A wet tire can turn soggy, smell bad, and cause the foam inside to break down over time. If the car got soaked harder than just the tires, it is worth checking the rest of the vehicle too.
For a better grip on the parts involved, RC tire basics can help you understand how the tire, wheel, and insert fit together before you start.
What you need before you start
You do not need any special gear. A regular drill and a small bit are enough for the job.
- A drill with a small bit
- A safe place to spin the tires
- A towel or rag
- A charged battery if you plan to run the car
- A block, stand, or your hand to keep the wheels off the ground
Use a skinny drill bit. A hole around 1/16 to 1/8 inch is enough. Bigger holes are not needed, and they make it easier to damage the tire or the foam inside.
Step-by-step process
- Drill two small holes in each tire. Put the holes in the middle of the tire and make them opposite each other. Keep the bit shallow so you do not punch into the foam insert and tear it up.
- Set the car so the tires can spin freely. You can flip the car onto its back, lift it on a block, or hold it securely in your hand. The goal is to let the tires spin without scraping the ground.
- Run the tires until the water comes out. On a 4WD car, this is usually easy because all four tires can help throw the water out. On a 2WD car, you may need to run the car on a dry, flat paved area or let the non-drive wheels spin fast enough to clear the water.
- Check the tires again after the first run. If they still feel heavy or water is still dripping, run them a little longer.
- Wipe everything down. Dry the outside of the tires and look over the wheels, bearings, and axles if the car got splashed hard.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Drilling too deep. The foam insert is easy to damage if the bit goes in too far.
- Using holes that are too large. Small vent holes work fine. Bigger holes are not better.
- Trying to bake or melt the water out. Do not put RC tires in an oven, clothes dryer, or microwave.
- Using high heat for too long. A hair dryer is not a great fix and can still warp or weaken the tire if you overdo it.
- Leaving wet dirt or salt on the car. If the tires got wet from dirty water, clean the rest of the vehicle too with the right cleaning steps.
Troubleshooting if the water will not come out
If the tires still feel heavy after spinning them, the problem is usually one of three things: the holes are too small, the tires are not spinning fast enough, or the foam insert is holding onto moisture.
Try a longer spin on a dry paved area if your car can safely do that. A 4WD car usually clears water faster than a 2WD car. If the car was driven through deeper water, check nearby parts like bearings and axles for rust or corrosion.
If your vehicle took on more water than expected, this waterproofing guide explains what RC cars can and cannot handle when they get wet.
If the tire foam has been wet for a long time and starts smelling musty, the tire may need more attention than just a quick dry-out. Mold and soggy foam can shorten tire life.
Why this matters for foam inserts
Most RC car tires use foam inside. Once foam gets wet, it can stay soggy for a while and stop the tire from behaving the way it should. A soaked insert can also collect mold if it is left wet long enough.
That is why a simple vent hole and a quick spin-out are better than trying to trap the moisture inside the tire and hope it disappears later.
FAQ
Do I need to remove the tires from the wheels?
Usually, no. Drilling small vent holes and spinning the tires is the easier fix. Removing the tire only makes sense if the foam insert is badly damaged or you are already doing other repairs.
Can I use heat or chemicals to dry the tires?
No. Skip the oven, microwave, clothes dryer, and high heat. Do not pour solvents or cleaners into the tire either. Foam and tire rubber can be damaged by heat and harsh chemicals.
Will drilling holes hurt the tires?
Small holes in the middle of the tire are a normal way to vent water. Keep the holes small and shallow, and do not drill into the foam insert.
What if my RC car is only 2WD?
You can still dry the tires. It may just take more spinning, more speed, or a larger dry area to throw the water out.
What should I do after running in rain or puddles?
Dry the tires, wipe the car down, and check the bearings, axles, and other exposed parts for moisture. Wet tires are only part of the cleanup after a soaked run.
Final thoughts
Getting water out of RC car tires is simple once you know the right approach. Drill two small holes in each tire, spin the tires, and let centrifugal force do the work. Avoid household appliances and high heat, keep the holes small, and check the rest of the car if the water was deeper than a quick splash.
If you take care of it right away, the tires should dry out without much trouble and your RC car can get back to normal use faster.