How to Choose RC Car Tires

The tires on an RC car are often the first thing a person chooses to change when customizing a car. Most kit cars come with tires that are already glued onto wheels. Once you have decided to choose new wheels, you'll find that you can buy a variety of wheels for different situations. Choosing RC car tires is as easy as researching and shopping around.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Think about where you plan on running your RC car and what kind of terrain the tires will be on. Different tires are made for different terrains, such as bowtie tires for racing on tracks and ribbed tires for exploring rougher terrain.

2. Choose between a ready-to-run (RTR) tire or a specialized set of tires. The RTR tires are good for everyday use, but if you plan on racing you may need something different. (Drift tires are a good choice here.)

3. Pick a new tire from the six main types on the market: American Rubber, Japanese F, Japanese C, Japanese R, European, or Combination. Each one works well on a different type of track.

4. Try out a variety of tires before choosing the ones that you'll run permanently. Tires for RC cars are fairly inexpensive, meaning you can try a few different options before making your final choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit online stores like RC Hobbies Online to see the variety of tires available.
• Realize that changing your tires can seriously impact the handling of your RC car.
• Use a chrome rim or a colored rim along with your new tires as a less expensive way to customize your RC car.
• Ask other drivers what type of tire they prefer, especially those who drive the same style car. You can gain a lot of insight by talking with other drivers and shop owners.
• If you plan on racing your RC car, make sure you choose tires that fit the requirements for your class. Using the wrong tires can be an immediate disqualification.

Resources

• Shop RC Hobbies Online