| Radio controlled cars, or R/C cars, are a model car | | | | Nitro-powered offers several speeds: maximum |
| powered through a radio control system or remote | | | | power, medium and a slightly slower speed. A |
| control. A transmitter, with either a joystick or a wheel | | | | nitro-powered engine is powered by fuel and may be |
| with a trigger, sends inputs to the vehicle's internal | | | | refueled and back to action in a matter of seconds. |
| receiver. The receiver transmits the signals or | | | | These cars are air cooled and you do not have to |
| instructions to the electronic speed controller, causing | | | | worry about having to take a break for the car to cool |
| the wheels to move or turn. There are simple ones | | | | down. Nitro-powered operates similar to a full-sized |
| available that just stop and go. And there are | | | | fuel vehicle and in turn, with the exhaust containing |
| advanced models that are specifically built for | | | | more unburned oil, coats the chassis, which will need |
| competitive racing. | | | | lots of cleaning. |
| There are usually two categories of radio controlled | | | | Cleaning is relatively easy, with just an air blower and |
| cars: toy cars or hobby cars. | | | | some alcohol. But to be able to maximize the potential |
| Toy vehicles | | | | of the hobby radio controlled car, proper maintenance |
| Toy models are the pre-assembled vehicles found in | | | | is needed. Mechanical wear is also more likely with |
| the most common discount store or retail store. These | | | | nitro-power because it can be driven for a longer |
| are usually the ones referred to as merely a kid's play | | | | period of time. Higher speed collisions are also more |
| thing. This is the cheaper type, about $50-$100 | | | | likely because of the ability to maximize the vehicle's |
| cheaper than the hobby models. They're easy to | | | | speeds. But always remember, because of its strong |
| operate and relatively safe. They usually resemble real | | | | design and components, nitro-powered models are |
| autos and have specific features that most hobby | | | | more durable than its electric counterparts. |
| models don't have, including working lights, sounds, | | | | Gas-powered automobiles run using pre-mixed |
| windows, doors and hoods that open and interiors that | | | | gasoline and oil. They're more expensive than |
| look like the real thing. Some even have radios and | | | | nitro-powered and electric automobiles, with a retail |
| MP3 players included in the coupe. | | | | price ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. They're bigger and |
| They do, however, suffer from poor design, | | | | needs more space to operate freely. They don't have |
| construction and performance. Once broken, the spare | | | | very fast speeds but they do have high power and |
| parts needed are not available to fix it. Motors are | | | | uses less fuel to run. The also require less tuning and |
| usually weak, since it's powered by cheap alkaline or | | | | last longer than the nitro-powered radio controlled |
| Ni-Cad batteries. This usually gives them a maximum | | | | automobiles and electric vehicles. While both great |
| speed of about 10 to 15 mph. Steering only follows | | | | buys, beware: you must operate with caution. Always |
| three directions, straight, full left and full right, and two | | | | read the manuals provided and supervise children |
| speeds, fully stopped and full power. These | | | | playing with such devices. |
| automobiles are limited to on road use only. There are | | | | Who knew buying a radio-controlled automobile can be |
| ones that are being advertised for use off road but | | | | so complicated? As with everything you want to buy, |
| usually deliver a minimal performance. The industry is | | | | you have to know what factors you want to prioritize |
| constantly coming out with new types, but honestly for | | | | when choosing what item to buy. Is it durability? Easy |
| a child this car is the best buy for your money. | | | | maintenance? Price? Design? All these factors have |
| Hobby Cars | | | | to be considered carefully before you can decide |
| There are two kinds of hobby automobiles: | | | | what kind of radio controlled cars you should buy. |
| nitro-powered models and gas-powered. | | | | |