If you’re a hobbyist RC car driver, then you know that keeping your battery in good condition is essential to having a good driving experience. Batteries die quickly, and it’s always frustrating when you’re in the middle of a race and your car suddenly slows down or stops working altogether. In this blog post, we will discuss some reasons why your RC car battery might be dying so fast, and how you can extend its life span. We’ll also answer some common questions about RC batteries, like how long they last and whether or not they can be overcharged.
Why Does My RC Car Battery Die So Fast?
There could be a few reasons why your RC car battery is dying so fast.
Frequent Use
One reason could be that you’re using it too much. If you’re constantly racing your RC car or driving it for long periods of time, then the battery is going to die quicker than if it was only used occasionally.
Each battery will last for a specific number of charge cycles before it needs to be replaced, and if you’re using your RC car battery multiple times per week, then it’s going to reach its end of life much sooner than if it was only used once in awhile.
Overcharging
Another reason why your RC car battery might be dying prematurely is because you’re overcharging it. When you charge a battery, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully so that you don’t damage the battery.
Some batteries can be charged to 100%, while others should only be charged to 80%. Overcharging a battery can shorten its lifespan and make it more likely to fail.
Temperature extremes
Another factor that can affect your RC car battery is temperature. If it gets too hot or too cold, it can damage the battery and cause it to die prematurely.
Hot weather can cause the battery to overheat, while cold weather can make it harder for the battery to hold a charge. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, then you might need to get a special battery that is designed to withstand those conditions.
Storage
Batteries need to be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. If they’re left out in the open or in a hot environment, they will degrade faster. A storage back like the one shown below is a safe case to store and transport your LiPo and NiMH batteries.
Rough handling
Another possibility is that you’re not treating your RC car battery with care. Batteries are delicate and can be easily damaged if they’re dropped or knocked around.
If you’re constantly banging up your RC car, then that could be causing the battery to fail prematurely. Try to handle your RC car and its battery with care to avoid any damage.
Usage in extreme conditions
One last thing to consider is how you’re using your RC car. If you’re driving it in extremely muddy or wet conditions, then that could be taking a toll on the battery.
Mud and water can get into the battery compartment and cause corrosion, which can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. If you’re using your RC car in extreme conditions, then you might need to get a waterproof or dustproof battery cover to protect the battery from the elements.
How Long Should a RC Car Battery Last?
RC Car batteries are of three types, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
The three types of batteries are: LiPo, NiMH, and NiCd.
A typical RC battery is usually 7.2 – 14.8V and has a capacity of approximately 5000mAH. Such a battery will last you around 15 – 30 minutes on a single charge, depending on how you use your RC car. Most batteries will last for around 150 charge cycles.
LiPo batteries are the lightest and most powerful type of battery, but they are also the most expensive.
NiMH batteries are popular in RC cars, but they are not as powerful as LiPo batteries. NiMH batteries are also cheaper than LiPo batteries.
NiCd batteries are the heaviest and least powerful type of battery, but they are the cheapest. They are also touted as being the least environmentally friendly.
Typically, most beginner RC cars come with NiMH batteries. However, using a LiPo battery will give you the best performance.
How long does a 5000mAH RC car battery last?
The capacity of a 5000mAh RC car battery is enough to run the average RC car for about 50 minutes.
When it comes to choosing the right battery for your needs, it is important to consider both the capacity and voltage of the battery. The voltage of a battery determines how much power it can deliver, and the capacity determines how long it will last.
When choosing a battery for your RC car, it is important to consider both the capacity and voltage of the battery. The voltage of a battery determines how much power it can deliver, while the capacity determines how long it will last. For most RC cars, a battery with a voltage of 11.V and 5000mAh should be plenty of power.
How Can You Tell if an RC Battery Is Bad?
There are a few signs that can indicate that an RC battery is bad and needs to be replaced.
One of the most common signs is that the battery doesn’t hold a charge as well as it used to. If you notice that your RC vehicle isn’t running as long on a full charge as it used to, it’s probably time for a new battery.
Another sign that an RC battery is bad is if it starts to swell up or balloon. This usually happens when the battery has been overcharged or otherwise damaged and can be a safety hazard. If you see this happening, stop using the battery immediately and replace it.
You can also use a LiPo battery checker like T Energy 5-in-1 Cell Meter to check if you battery is holding a charge.
If your RC car is taking longer to charge than usual, or if the battery is not holding a charge as long as it used to, then those could be signs that the battery is going bad.
Another sign of a bad RC battery is if the car starts to run slower than usual, or if it doesn’t have as much power as it used to.
If you notice any of these signs, then it’s probably time to replace the battery.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the life of your RC car battery depends on a few factors. If you take care of it and don’t overuse it, you can expect it to last a long time. However, if you’re constantly running it at full speed and never giving it a break, the battery will die much faster. Be mindful of how you use your RC car and try to give the battery a rest every once in a while, and it should last for a long time.
There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your RC car batteries and controller batteries. First, make sure to clean the battery terminals regularly. Second, avoid using your RC car in extreme temperatures – both hot and cold weather can shorten battery life. Finally, if you’re not using your RC car for a long period of time, store the batteries in a cool, dry place. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy longer-lasting RC car fun!
