How to Drive a Remote Controlled Car

Driving a radio controlled car is the kind of thing that takes a moment to learn and a lifetime to master. Just like racing itself, this is an activity that rewards repeated practice and plenty of contact with the pros. The good news is that as you get to know your remote controlled car better, you will inevitably pick up a "feel" for its strengths and weaknesses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Remote controlled car
• Responsive transmitter
• Track to drive on

Understand the Controls

1. Develop an intuitive feel for your servo controller. Often a few fingers are all that's necessary for solid and speedy controlling, and some professionals even add indentations to ensure a steady fit.
2. Practice switching direction with your car no matter which way it's oriented. Many first-time drivers struggle with "control reversal," where the car appears to turn in the opposite direction when it is coming toward you.
3. Jump your car to see where its center of gravity lies. Cars that tend to "nose up" in the air need less speed when they land, while cars that "nose down" generally require extra throttle to ensure they don't flip on impact.

Race Your Car

4. Head to the race track and practice maintaining a nice tight line all the way around. There is less distance in the center of the track, of course, but the ground is also frequently grooved here from heavy use. Take advantage of this extra traction.
5. Avoid collisions at all costs. Experienced drivers know they need to slow down when their paths are obstructed. Patience finds its own rewards, even in high-speed remote controlled drag racing.
6. Minimize air time unless you are on a straightaway. Often you can get far better acceleration by keeping "four on the floor" and controlling with fine corrections.
7. Make your move when the time is right. Often, by slowing down, you can cut inside faster cars that may be drifting to the outside of the track. If you have plenty of battery life left, you will almost certainly get an opening.
8. Clean your wheels after the race. The stickier they are, the better they will perform the next time you have to drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the track as often as you can to see what kind of lines the pros drive.
• Overzealous driving and "revenge" passing can only lead to crashes. There is truth to the adage, "Slow and steady wins the race."