Batteries are a crucial component of remote control vehicles. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to power our RC cars, boats, and planes! So it’s important to know how to tell when your RC battery is bad. In this blog post, we will discuss the main indicators that your battery needs to be replaced.
The following are major indications that your RC battery is bad and needs to be replaced:
- Shorter run times
- The battery won’t fully charge anymore
- There is swelling or deformation in the battery
- The battery is leaking fluid
- The battery is emitting strange smells or sounds
If you notice any of these indicators, it’s time to replace your battery. Let’s consider each one in more detail.
Shorter Run times With Your RC Vehicle
Shorter run times are probably the most common indicator that your battery is bad. If you notice that your RC car, boat, or plane isn’t running as long as it used to, it’s time to get a new battery. The battery may not be holding a charge as well as it used to, or it may not be delivering as much power as it used to. Either way, shorter run times are a definite sign that your battery needs to be replaced.
Typically, once an lipo battery has worn out, there isn’t much you can do to bring it back to life. That’s why it’s important to know the signs that your battery is bad so you can replace it before it causes any damage to your RC vehicle. The lifespan of a lipo battery is typically between 300 and 500 cycles. So if you’re using your RC vehicle regularly, it’s important to check the condition of your battery often and be prepared to replace it when necessary.
The battery isn’t fully charging anymore
Another common indicator that your battery is bad is if it isn’t charging fully anymore. If you notice that your battery takes longer to charge than it used to, or it doesn’t seem to hold a charge as well as it used to, it’s time to replace it. This is usually due to the fact that the battery cells have become damaged and can no longer hold a charge as well as they used to.
To test this, you can charge your battery fully and then let it sit for a few hours. After a few hours have passed, check the voltage of the battery with a voltmeter. If the voltage is lower than it was when you first charged the battery, then it’s time to replace it.
You can get a simple voltmeter on Amazon for less than $20.
There is swelling or deformation in the battery pack
If the battery pack is significantly larger than when it was new, or if there are any deformities in the shape of the pack, then this is a sign that your RC battery is bad and needs to be replaced. The cells inside the battery pack may be expanding due to heat damage, which can cause all sorts of issues.
There are a few reasons why this might happen, but the most likely cause is simply that the battery has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Swelling can also be caused by overcharging, so if you’ve been charging your batteries more frequently than usual, this could be the culprit.
There is no way of repairing a swollen battery pack, so if you see this happening, it’s time to start shopping for a new one.
Overusing a swollen pack can cause it to catch fire, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
The battery is leaking fluid
If your battery is leaking any sort of fluid, this is a clear indicator that it is bad and needs to be replaced. The most common type of battery acid is sulfuric acid, which can cause skin irritation and burns. If you come into contact with battery acid, it’s important to flush the area with water immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
Another indicator that your battery is bad is if it’s swollen or bloated. This can be caused by a number of things, including overcharging, heat damage, or simply age. A swollen battery will usually have a shortened lifespan and may even burst, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
If your battery is showing any of these signs, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, you may be able to get by with a simple replacement or you may need a full battery pack. Either way, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your RC battery.
The battery is emitting strange smells or sounds
It might seem like an obvious indicator, but if your RC battery is emitting strange smells or sounds, it’s definitely time for a replacement. This is usually a sign that the battery is overworked and about to fail. If you notice any unusual smells or sounds coming from your battery, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.
The sounds could be anything from a faint hissing to a loud popping noise, and the smells could be anything from a burning plastic smell to an acrid chemical odor. Do not plug in such a battery and if possible, take it outside to avoid damaging anything else in your home.
Final Thoughts on If Your RC Battery Is Bad
On an average, an RC battery will last around 300 to 500 charge cycles before it needs to be replaced. However, this number can vary depending on the type of battery, how often you use it, and how well you take care of it. Bad batteries are frustrating, but they’re also a reality of RC life. By being aware of the signs of a bad battery, you can replace it before it causes any damage to your equipment.
