How to Store RC car long term? Whether you’re putting your RC car away for winter, or simply taking a break from the hobby, proper storage is essential. Poor storage can ruin your LiPo batteries, corrode your electronics, dry out your shocks, and leave you with a car that barely works when you return to it. Here’s how to do it right.
Why Proper Storage Matters
An RC car that sits stored improperly can suffer:
- A swollen or dead LiPo battery (the most expensive and dangerous problem)
- Corroded connectors and bearings
- Dried-out shock seals that leak when you run again
- Seized or stiff steering from dry servo gears
- A body shell that fades, cracks, or warps from UV or temperature extremes
Most of these problems are completely preventable with 30 minutes of prep before storage.
How to Store RC car long term
Step 1: Clean the Car Thoroughly
Before anything else, clean the car completely. Storing a dirty RC car lets mud, grit, and moisture continue to degrade bearings and moving parts while it sits.
How to clean:
- Use compressed air to blow out all dirt from the motor, ESC, gearbox, and chassis
- Wipe the chassis with a damp cloth
- Rinse mud from the tires and body (gently avoid getting water in electronics)
- Let everything dry completely before moving on
Step 2: Store the LiPo Battery at Storage Voltage
This is the most important step. LiPo batteries must be stored at “storage voltage” 3.8V per cell.
- A fully charged LiPo (4.2V per cell) that sits for months will slowly self-discharge to an unsafe level and puff
- A dead LiPo (below 3.0V per cell) that sits will over-discharge further and be permanently damaged
Most modern chargers have a “Storage” mode that automatically charges or discharges the battery to 3.8V per cell. Use it.
After setting storage voltage, store the battery in a fireproof LiPo bag in a cool, dry location. Ideal temperature: 15–25°C (60–75°F). Never store in a hot garage, attic, or car.
Step 3: Disconnect All Batteries
Remove the battery from the car. Remove batteries from the transmitter. Leaving batteries connected allows slow discharge, potential shorts, and battery degradation.
Step 4: Apply Lubrication to Key Areas
Before storage:
- Put a drop of oil on each bearing (light machine oil or RC bearing oil)
- Apply a thin coat of silicone spray to the shock shafts this prevents the seals from drying and cracking
- Apply a thin layer of white lithium grease to the spur gear
Step 5: Remove the Body Shell and Store It Separately
Body shells can warp or discolor if left under compression or in direct sunlight. Remove the pins, fold or store the body flat, and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Step 6: Loosen the Slipper Clutch (If Your Car Has One)
If your car has a slipper clutch, back off the clutch nut slightly during storage. This relieves spring pressure and extends the life of the clutch pads.
Step 7: Store in a Dry, Moderate Temperature Location
The worst places to store an RC car:
- In a hot garage (summer temperatures destroy LiPo cells)
- In a cold basement (below 0°C freezes and damages LiPo cells and seals)
- In direct sunlight (UV damages body shells and rubber parts)
- In a damp area (promotes rust and corrosion)
The best places:
- A climate-controlled room in your home
- An insulated storage cabinet in the garage (not against an exterior wall)
- A dedicated hobby storage box with a lid to keep out dust
Step 8: Perform a Monthly Check During Long Storage
If storing for more than two months:
- Check the battery voltage once a month. If it’s dropped significantly below 3.8V per cell, put it back on the charger to top up to storage voltage
- Rotate the wheels and move the steering from lock to lock to keep moving parts from stiffening
Getting the Car Ready Again After Storage
When you’re ready to run again:
- Inspect the car for any damage or corrosion
- Charge the LiPo battery fully (check it for swelling first if it’s puffed, don’t use it)
- Check all screws they may have vibrated loose over time
- Inspect shock seals for leaks
- Do a quick run on low throttle for the first minute to warm everything up
Final Thoughts
Proper RC car storage is a 30-minute task that saves you from a $50–$100 battery replacement and hours of troubleshooting when you return to the hobby. Store your batteries at storage voltage, lubricate moving parts, and find a cool, dry place. When you come back to the hobby after a break, you’ll have a car that’s ready to run not one that needs a repair session before the first lap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can a LiPo battery sit at storage voltage?
At proper storage voltage (3.8V/cell) in cool, dry conditions, a LiPo battery is stable for 6–12 months. Check it monthly for longer storage.
Can I store my RC car outside in a shed?
A dry, insulated shed is acceptable if temperatures don’t exceed 30°C in summer or drop below 5°C in winter. Avoid damp or uninsulated sheds.
What happens if I store a fully charged LiPo?
It will self-discharge over months to a dangerously low voltage, likely puffing and becoming permanently unusable.
How do I store my nitro RC car long term?
Drain all fuel before storage (run the engine until it dies). Remove the glow plug and put a drop of after-run oil in the combustion chamber. Store in a dry location.
How do I know if my batteries survived storage?
Before charging, visually inspect for swelling. Then charge a healthy battery charges fully without getting warm. A battery that swells or gets warm during charging is compromised.
Should I take the wheels off for storage?
Not necessary, but useful for space-saving. If leaving wheels on, store off a surface that might trap moisture.
Can I store my RC car in its original box?
Yes the original box is often the best storage solution. It protects the car from dust and keeps all parts together.