Tips on Cleaning the Tracks for Electric Slot Cars
Electric slot cars are miniature, motor-driven cars guided along tracks that provide entertainment for both children and adults. The cars are also used to simulate traffic flow for town planning. For best performance, clean both the vehicles and tracks regularly.
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Plastic Tracks
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Cleaning tracks at regular intervals will ensure that the tracks are in a condition for the cars to perform well. When the car is on the tracks, some of its oil will get on the track. This coats the tracks and makes them a magnet for dust and grime. There are several specialized products for cleaning slot car tracks. For plastic tracks, use a de-greaser on a clean cloth to wipe down the tracks. Make sure the de-greaser is safe for plastic. Use a dry, soft cloth to remove any residue.
Metal Tracks
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With age, oxidation will occur on metal tracks. Give your metal tracks a good rub down with a U.S. nickel. This will bring all the oxidation to the surface of the tracks, making them easier to clean. Slide the coin firmly along each track in the direction the cars race. Do this to each of the lanes. Follow this with a soft, dry cloth. Clean metal tracks with WD-40 or a comparable product. Use Track Zip or a comparable product once a month to slow down the oxidation process.
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Things to Remember
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If you use metal tracks frequently in the summer, keep them in a room with a dehumidifier. Refrain from using any rough cleaning materials such as scour pads to clean the rails. These could cause minute scratches that will affect the performance of your car. Also avoid using rust-free penetrating oil, as this could do a great deal of harm to your tracks.
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