Beginner's Guide to RC Cars

It’s not easy to get into the professional RC car arena, and that’s why we made this RC car beginner guide to get you up to speed. Literally.

Remote control cars represent far more than just toys. They serve as gateways to an exciting hobby that combines technical skill-building, outdoor recreation, and competitive excitement for enthusiasts of all ages.

However, these are the same things that cause newcomers to abandon the hobby prematurely.

It’s because they get confused with all the different types of RC cars and parts to choose from, causing them to buy the wrong vehicle for their needs or set unrealistic expectations from the start.

Thankfully, this guide is here to help you temper expectations by slowly easing you into this very rewarding hobby.

We’ll help you understand the basics and ultimately choose the right RC car that suits your needs and goals. 

Cool? Cool. Let’s get to the heart of the matter.

RC Cars in a Nutshell

Here’s an overall look at RC (or radio control) cars: 

What They Are

Remote-controlled vehicles powered by either electric motors or nitro engines come in various scales ranging from tiny 1/16 to massive 1/5 proportions, with designs spanning from realistic street cars to monster trucks and everything in between.

Each scale corresponds to the size ratio compared to full-sized vehicles, so a 1/10 scale car is approximately one-tenth the size of its real-world counterpart. Each also offers distinct advantages depending on your available space, budget, and intended use.

Electric vs. Nitro

RC cars come in various types. Electric models dominate the market for beginners with their brushed or brushless motors, simpler maintenance requirements, and instant torque delivery.

Modern LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery technology has dramatically improved run times and performance compared to older NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) systems.

Nitro-powered alternatives use small internal combustion engines running on specialized fuel mixtures to offer authentic engine sounds and extended run times that some enthusiasts crave.

However, they demand more regular maintenance, tuning knowledge, and proper break-in procedures that can overwhelm newcomers.

Here is our detailed guide on Nitro vs Electric RC Cars.

RTR vs. Kits

Ready to Run (RTR) packages arrive pre-assembled with transmitters, receivers, and servos included, allowing you to hit the ground running immediately after unboxing.

For those seeking deeper mechanical understanding, building kits require assembly from individual components (you build an RC car yourself) but reward builders with intimate knowledge of their vehicle's drivetrain, suspension geometry, and electronics systems.

This knowledge provides greater customization potential and troubleshooting ability from the start.

Choosing Your First RC Car

Before getting into the technicalities of your first RC car, you need to consider three things:

Consider Your Environment

The driving surface you will use most frequently directly determines which type of RC car offers the best experience.

On-road RC cars excel on smooth pavement and concrete with their lower ground clearance and specialized tires that maximize grip for higher speeds and precise cornering.

Off-road RC vehicles feature raised suspension systems, aggressive tire treads, and reinforced components designed to handle jumps, dirt, and uneven terrain.

For beginners facing varied environments, all-terrain RC models like buggies provide versatile performance across multiple surfaces, making them easier to handle while you discover your preferences.

Many beginners find that an off-road buggy or monster truck design offers more forgiving performance and durability for their first RC car purchase.

Budget Reality

Quality RC cars occupy distinct price tiers that directly reflect their capability and durability. 

Entry-level RTR models start around €100-200, offering good performance for beginners without overwhelming features.

Mid-range options between €200-300 typically include better motors, stronger chassis materials, and improved electronic components.

Higher-performance models reaching €300-500 provide features that enthusiasts appreciate, but beginners rarely need initially.

Remember to factor in essential accessories beyond the base kit price: extra battery packs (€30-80 each), a quality charger (€40-100), and a small inventory of common replacement parts.

Spending slightly more upfront on a reputable brand often reduces long-term costs through greater durability and parts availability.

Support System

The RC hobby relies heavily on troubleshooting and maintenance, making your support network a must for long-term enjoyment.

Choose RC car brands with documented good customer service, comprehensive online manuals, and tutorial videos.

Parts availability represents another critical factor for beginners, as even durable RC vehicles eventually need replacement components after aggressive driving sessions. Research models that maintain strong aftermarket support and readily available parts from multiple retailers.

Active online communities through forums, Facebook groups, and YouTube channels provide invaluable resources when you encounter problems with your specific model.

Brands like Tamiya, Traxxas, and ARRMA maintain particularly strong support systems that help beginners overcome the initial learning curve and technical challenges in the world of RC cars.

Not sure whether to go with Traxxas or Arrma? Here is our detailed guide on Traxxas vs. Arrma RC Cars.

Key Features to Look For in Your Next RC Car

If you're brand new to RC, it's easy to get overwhelmed by specs, brands, and jargon. But don’t worry; choosing your first RC car doesn’t need to be complicated.

What matters most is finding something durable, easy to maintain, and fun to drive on the surfaces you’ll actually use. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the features that you future RC car should possess:

Feature	Why It Matters	What to Look For
Durability	Prevents frustration from frequent breakdowns	Strong chassis materials, protected electronics, metal gears
Parts Availability	Makes repairs quick and affordable	Popular brands with good distribution networks
Upgradability	Allows your car to grow with your skills	Modular design, aftermarket support
Battery System	Determines run time and performance	LiPo compatibility, removable battery, efficient motor
Control System	Affects handling and responsiveness	2.4GHz radio, proportional steering/throttle

Let’s discuss each of the features below.

Durability: Look for a Car That Can Take a Beating

When you're learning, crashes happen. A lot. 

So your first RC car should be built to survive rollovers, curb hits, and flips without constantly needing repairs. Prioritize models with tough bumpers, enclosed gearboxes, and solid plastic or composite chassis.

What to look for

Words like “impact-resistant,” “reinforced chassis,” or “splash-proof electronics” are good signs. 

For example, the BlackZon Slyder and Traxxas Slash 2WD are both well-known for shrugging off beginner abuse.

Pro tip: Avoid cars with exposed gears or paper-thin bodies, even if they look cool. They’re often cheaper upfront, but repairs will quickly cost more than buying a stronger model in the first place.

Parts Availability: Repairs Shouldn’t Be a Scavenger Hunt

Even the most durable RC car will need replacement parts eventually, usually sooner rather than later if you're driving off-road or learning tricks. 

Stick with brands that have solid parts support so you don’t get stuck waiting weeks or searching obscure forums.

What to look for

Not only do popular brands like Tamiya, ARRMA, and Traxxas have excellent customer support, but they also have huge parts networks. 

You’ll find everything from new tires to replacement motors right on EuroRC, and often get full breakdowns in the manual.

Pro tip: Before you buy, check that your chosen model is listed in our RC Spare Parts section or ask us if we stock common replacements. If it’s hard to find spares now, it won’t get easier later.

Upgradability: Make Sure Your Car Can Grow With You

A lot of beginners outgrow their first car in a matter of months. That’s why it’s smart to start with a platform that lets you upgrade components later instead of replacing the whole car.

What to look for

Models like the Tamiya Neo Scorcher (TT-02B) are built with future upgrades in mind. You can swap motors, change shocks, or add better gearing once you get the hang of things.

Pro tip: Avoid “sealed” toy-grade cars. If the motor or battery can’t be replaced, you’re stuck with whatever performance it offers, and often, that’s not much.

Battery System: Don’t Let Short Run Times Kill the Fun

Nothing’s more frustrating than a battery that dies after 5 minutes. Most beginner-friendly RC cars come with basic NiMH batteries, which are safe and easy to charge. 

But if you want more punch and longer runs, look for LiPo-ready models.

What to look for

Try to find a car with a removable battery, LiPo compatibility, and a decent charger. 

The Traxxas Slash 2WD USB-C even includes a ready-to-use charging system for beginners who want to keep things simple.

Pro tip: Budget for an extra battery pack and a good-quality charger right away. A €30–80 second pack can double your runtime and prevent the “charge and wait” frustration that burns out many newcomers.

Control System: Good Handling Makes Learning Way Easier

You want a radio system that gives you smooth, predictable control, not one that feels jerky or over-sensitive. 

Most decent hobby-grade RC cars now come with reliable 2.4GHz radios, which reduce interference and give you better range.

What to look for

Look for words like “proportional control,” “dual rate adjustment,” or “digital 2.4GHz transmitter.” 

Even budget-friendly cars like the FTX Bugsta come with proper radios that feel intuitive from your very first drive.

Pro tip: If possible, choose a model that lets you limit throttle (sometimes called a “training mode”) so you can ease into faster speeds as your confidence grows.

Essential Accessories for Beginners

Purchasing your first RC car represents just the beginning of your journey. 

The following essential accessories dramatically improve your experience, extend run times, and reduce frustration from unexpected downtime or maintenance issues.

Power System

The factory battery included with most RTR models typically delivers limited run time, making additional power sources your most important initial accessory investment. 

Start with at least one extra battery pack that matches your vehicle's specifications. NiMH batteries offer beginners a safer entry point with simpler charging requirements and more forgiving discharge characteristics, though they provide less power density than advanced options.

As your skills develop, consider LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries, which deliver substantially higher performance and longer run times but require strict charging protocols and storage practices.

Here are some of the best LiPo batteries for RC cars that we recommend.

Equally important is a quality charger with built-in safety features like temperature monitoring, automatic shutdown, and balance charging capabilities.

This combination extends your driving sessions while protecting your investment from the damage that improper charging can cause to both batteries and RC vehicles.

Tool Kit

RC cars require regular adjustments and maintenance that standard household tools cannot properly address.

This means you need a dedicated RC tool kit to prolong your RC car’s life and keep it running at optimum levels.

Some of these tool kits may include the following:

• Properly sized hex drivers (typically 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm) with quality hardened tips that won't strip screw heads during frequent use.
• Needle-nose pliers for manipulating small parts and reaching components in tight chassis spaces.
• Thread locking compound to prevent critical screws from vibrating loose during operation, particularly in high-vibration areas like motor mounts and suspension components.
• Silicone oils of varying weights allow you to tune shock absorbers for different driving conditions, dramatically improving handling characteristics.

Spare Parts Kit

Even the most durable RC cars eventually experience component failures, particularly during the learning period when driving errors occur more frequently.

Keep commonly damaged items or those recommended in your vehicle's manual readily available to minimize frustration and downtime after inevitable crashes. 

Examples include wheels and tires, which wear naturally through normal use and often sustain the first damage during collisions.

Suspension arms absorb impact forces by design and may sacrifice themselves to protect more expensive chassis components. 

Other drive components like dogbones, axles, and pinion gears transmit power while enduring significant mechanical stress.

Having these replacement parts on hand transforms a hobby-ending breakdown into a simple 15-minute repair session.

Taking Care of Your RC Car

After Each Run

Establishing a proper five-minute post-run routine significantly extends your RC car's operational life while preventing costly repairs.

First, remove all debris, including dirt, grass, and small rocks from chassis crevices. Pay particular attention to the motor cooling vents and suspension components where material accumulates rapidly.

Next, check for loose parts by gently wiggling key components, including wheels, suspension arms, and body mounts, addressing minor issues before they develop into significant problems.

Finally, consider disconnecting the battery pack completely rather than relying on the power switch, preventing the slow drain that damages cells and eliminating the fire risk from damaged wiring or components.

Regular Maintenance

Beyond basic cleaning, scheduled maintenance prevents the progressive performance degradation that discourages many beginners.

Using proper RC bearing oil from your tool kit, clean and relubricate bearings periodically. Inspect the gear mesh between the motor pinion and spur gears every few runs, adjusting the spacing to provide smooth operation without excessive noise or premature wear.

Also, apply thread locking compound to screws in high-vibration areas, particularly checking motor mount and suspension mounting points that work loose during normal operation.

Just as important as the rest, verify the proper functioning of the servo mechanisms. Ensuring the linkages move freely without binding while maintaining secure connections.

Storage Practices

Last but not least, you can’t really take good care of your RC car if you don’t know how to store it properly.

For instance, you can’t just leave it anywhere in your home, especially under direct sunlight, as it can deteriorate plastic components and fade body shells.

Solution? Keep your RC vehicle in a cool, dry environment. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

As for batteries, especially LiPo ones, you must place them at proper storage voltage (approximately 3.8V per cell) rather than fully charged or discharged. This achieves two things: significantly extends their useful lifespan and reduces fire risk.

Pro tip for beginners: Use dedicated LiPo-safe containers or fireproof bags that contain potential thermal events if battery damage occurs.

For long-term storage, remove batteries completely from both the vehicle and transmitter, preventing corrosion damage from potential leakage. 

These storage practices preserve both the appearance and functionality of your RC car between usage sessions.

RC Cars Beginners Guide FAQs

Are Electric RC Cars Really Better for Beginners Than Nitro Models?

Yes, electric RC cars offer easier operation, minimal maintenance, and instant power delivery. You'll spend more time driving and less time troubleshooting complex engine issues that discourage many beginners.

How Long Can I Expect My First RC Car to Last Before Needing Significant Repairs?

With proper maintenance and reasonable driving habits, quality beginner RC cars typically last 3-6 months before requiring significant component replacements, depending on your driving style and terrain.

Do I Really Need to Build a Kit Car, or Are Rtr Models Just as Educational?

RTR models provide immediate enjoyment while still teaching through maintenance. Kits offer deeper technical knowledge but require patience. Many enthusiasts start with RTR and progress to kits later.

Start Your Engines: Join the RC Community Today

EuroRC proudly offers everything you need to launch your RC adventure with confidence. Our curated selection of beginner-friendly vehicles, essential accessories, and expert advice ensures you'll experience the thrill of RC without the common pitfalls.

Visit our online catalog or YouTube Channel, where years of RC passion translate into proper guidance for your first purchase. Your RC journey starts here!