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How To Make An RC Car Waterproof

It’s always handy to waterproof your RC car and have it racing in the snow, mud or rain. Of course You will know that electronics and water don’t mix well, so as you use your RC car in wet terrain you will want to have it waterproofed so you don’t have to worry about it.

Waterproofing your RC vehicle also allows you to use it year round, even when the ground is wet or covered in snow and ice. Normally when water is present it will mean the RC electric circuitry faces the risk of coming in contact with water and getting damaged or destroyed entirely but if you waterproof your RC car then this is no longer a concern no matter if your Rc car gets water splashed on it or it gets submerged entirely.

In this article, you’ll find out some of the best ways to take care of your RC car by making it waterproof however none of these processes protect your vehicle from saltwater, so even if your RC car is waterproof you should still avoid that. 

There are many different ways to waterproof your RC car but it is important to remember that just because some parts of the RC car are waterproof that doesn’t mean you can submerge the entire thing. Your RC car will need to be completely waterproof before you ever consider submerging it and that complete waterproofing is something that you have to do yourself. 

Why waterproof an RC car? 

The need to waterproof your RC car is quite simply to make sure that it can get wet and still function properly. How you go through the waterproofing process is vitally important as sometimes people think they have waterproofed their RC car only to discover that it actually isn’t when they submerge it in water! That is obviously not what you want to happen to you so following a process will work best. 

Also, just because an RC car says that it has some waterproof parts doesn’t mean that it actually should be used around water! Oftentimes you will see RC cars that have a waterproof ESC but that can easily change if the waterproof box gets jostled while you are using the RC car and the seal breaks loose! 

Then you would think that it is waterproof when it actually isn’t! 

Even when an RC car is waterproof it still is best not to take it and drive it into the lake as some of the waterproofing might not be perfect so completely submerging the vehicle could damage it. 

How to waterproof your RC car

An RC car with a waterproof stamp or sticker isn’t a declaration that the device can be submerged in water; the truth is you will have to stomach quite a few limitations and the car is actually quite a long way from being waterproof. Waterproof or not driving your RC car into the water will lead to damage if you don’t fully waterproof the entire car yourself. 

However, the waterproof stamp or sticker does mean that certain parts of the car are designed to keep the water out so driving that RC car through wet conditions shouldn’t damage it. 

The waterproof that manufacturers provide really just means you can use your RC car on more surfaces where you can drive the car, as you quickly move over puddles and off-ramps when snowing. Preventing sand and grit from getting into essential components is an added advantage that boosts the durability of the car as well. 

If you are looking to completely waterproof your RC car then you can achieve this by using a particular body kit or wrap that fully protects your piece. 

Some of the best ways to achieve this include:

• Wrap delicate parts to protect them from damage using electrical tape or balloons. 

• Apply silicone adhesive to the various parts of the Rc car that have holes or cracks to minimize or eliminate water from getting in.

• Protect the engine from water exposure using plasti dip. 

• Clean the car’s parts after every use and allow 24 hours of drying time before the next use. This will help your RC car last much longer. 

Sounds simple right? 

Here are some additional details about plasti dipping. 

Plasti dipping

The method is straightforward and it’s actually pretty common to see synthetic dip style material used. Start by finding out if the plasti dip will work properly with the items you are planning on dipping. 

You can also use a spray solution instead of a dip if that will work better for a specific part. 

Open the can of the plasti dip and dunk your part in it, wait for 30 to 60 minutes for the plasti dip to dry and then dunk it again to achieve a complete coating process. After completion you will need to cut the plasti dip around the main gear to allow proper pivoting. You can protect the area using green slime around the inside of the hold by opening the case and applying it directly.

In most cases the main gear is waterproof.

Use silicone

Another great way to waterproof your RC car is by using a silicone adhesive. This method is secure and allows you to waterproof a lot of pieces that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. 

To achieve this, you will need to unscrew the retaining screws of the RC casing, remove the top part of the case and hold it in your hand.

Apply the silicone adhesive and green slime to a piece of disposable plastic and remove the excess using a toothpick. A thin layer of silicone works best towpply to the top case of the servo and all around. On the inside of the bearing, for the hole you should apply some green slime.

Use lubricants 

Find the best electronic oils or corrosion remover/stopper spray. Get a specific product that is designed for automatic and water corrosion prevention and removal. The grease can be applied after cleaning, leaving an oily film on the part.

They do work quite well in many cases and can often fix an RC car with water damage that isn’t burned or sticky.

Water damage might not be terminal, but it does create small shorts that degrade the whole system leading to a breakdown. Covering the sensitive parts such as the gears and shields to stop the mud and water from getting to the electronic components is always good. 

You will need to make sure that the RC car has enough airflow by leaving the vents open to avoid overheating.

Use tape and balloons

These two methods go hand in hand to protect the delicate internal parts. Wrap up all exposed wires and connections using the tape and use a balloon to protect the receiver pack and interior components from dirt and moisture.

Aftercare for your waterproof RC car or truck

No matter what weather or how well you’re waterproofed your RC vehicle, you will always need to do proper after-run maintenance when you’re done using your RC car. 

You should clean it using freshwater, a soft brush and light air blasts to get the big chunk of the debris  out. Oil the bearing and allow 24 hours of dry time.

Take precautions before you run your RC in water

Removing the electronics before you clean isn’t a bad idea. However, do this with as much care as possible to avoid damage. As you clean you can also do essential inspections, and also spend more time on your motor, bearings and other delicate parts. Proper cleaning can lengthen the lifespan of the vehicle entirely. 

Wrap up

If you find your RC car in the water and you didn’t plan for it to be there, the first thing you should do is unplug the power supply. Then shake the car several times to remove the water. “Hard shakes” will get the water out of it the best.  Dry the body off by giving it a few hours in the direct sunlight. 

This is a simple process that can save your RC if it happens to get wet before you waterproof it.