Top RC Car Questions for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

RC stands for radio controlled. To start with RC cars, buy a hobby-grade, electric, ready-to-run car, charge it fully, and drive it at half throttle until you stop hitting things. The rest of this page answers the questions beginners ask us most, in the order they usually come up.

What does "RC" stand for?

Radio controlled. People also say remote control, and they mean the same thing. The remote in your hand (the transmitter) sends a radio signal to a receiver in the car. The receiver tells the speed controller how much power to give the motor, and tells a small motor called a servo which way to steer. Those five words cover most of what you'll read on a product page. Our RC glossary has the rest.

How do I start with RC cars?

1. Choose electric and ready-to-run (RTR). RTR means the car is built and the radio is fitted. Nitro and petrol engines need tuning and fuel; leave them for later. (Electric vs nitro vs petrol has the detail.)

2. Read "what's included" and "what's required" on the product page. Some cars come with a battery and charger. Many don't.

3. Charge the battery fully before the first run. Charge lithium (LiPo) batteries where you can see them, in a LiPo bag.

4. Start slow. If the remote has a half-throttle switch, use it for the first few batteries.

5. Find somewhere open. More on that below.

What's the difference between toy-grade and hobby-grade?

A toy-grade car comes from a toy or department store, and it's usually thrown out when it breaks. A hobby-grade car is built to be repaired. Every part can be bought separately, the controls are proportional (a little trigger gives a little speed), and you can upgrade it as you improve. It costs more on day one, and a break is a repair instead of a replacement. There's a side benefit too: you or your kids get to learn how to fix things.

What's the best RC car for beginners?

For most people, the Atrek Peak: a 1/10 scale 4WD electric monster truck that comes with its battery, a USB charger and the AAs for the remote, and has a half-speed switch. Atrek is our own brand, so weigh that how you like. For other brands, smaller yards and indoors, our guide to the best RC car to start with has five more picks.

Is 4WD or 2WD better for a first RC car?

4WD is easier. All four wheels drive, so the car grips better on grass and loose dirt and is simpler to keep straight. 2WD is usually cheaper and has fewer moving parts, and it takes more practice.

How long does an RC car battery last?

It depends on the size of the battery and how hard you drive. As a guide, our answers to customers on product pages put a small truck with a 1600mAh battery at around 10 to 15 minutes a charge. Bigger batteries run longer, and a slow crawler runs longer than a fast truck on the same pack. Most people end up buying a second battery.

How long does charging take?

Divide the battery's capacity by the charger's output. A 1600mAh battery on a 1-amp USB charger takes a bit under two hours. A 5000mAh battery on a 5-amp charger takes about an hour. That's why a faster charger is one of the first things people add. If a product page doesn't say, ask on the page and we'll answer there.

Are RC cars waterproof?

Mostly they're splash-proof, not waterproof. When a listing says "waterproof electronics", it means the speed controller, receiver and steering servo are sealed against rain, wet grass and puddles. It doesn't mean the whole car. Bearings, driveshafts and gears are still bare metal and will rust. One of our answers to a customer puts it well: the car "would put up with small amounts of water such as puddles but would not survive full submersion".

• Never drive in salt water or near the surf.

• After a wet run, take the body off and let the car dry somewhere warm.

• Dry the battery plugs before you connect or charge anything.

Our guide to cleaning an RC car covers the rest.

Do I need spare parts?

Well, it doesn't hurt to have some. Sooner or later you'll hit a gutter or a tree at full speed and something will break. That's normal, and on a hobby-grade car it's a repair, not the end. Suspension arms, tyres and a spare battery are the usual things to keep on hand. Put your model into the Part Finder and it lists the parts that fit.

Can kids use RC cars?

Yes, with an adult there to begin with. The age on the box is conservative and it isn't a rule. What matters is speed. Many cars have a way to cap it: the Atrek Peak has a half-speed switch, and the ARRMA Gorgon Grom's remote can be set to 50, 75 or 100%. The real hazard is a fast car meeting ankles, pets or the road, so start slow and in an open space. Our kids' guide sorts cars by age.

Where can I drive my RC car?

• Backyards and driveways.

• Local parks and ovals, away from other people.

• BMX tracks and skate parks when they're quiet. Give way to riders and skaters.

• A dedicated RC track, if there's one near you.

Make sure it's safe, allowed, and respectful of everyone else using the space.

Next: RC car scales explained if you're not sure what 1/10 means, or browse all beginner RC cars.