Radio control cars are the ultimate way to unwind or blow off some steam after a difficult day. But how do you choose an electric remote control car? Below we’ll point out some of the most significant aspects of all things related to a fuel-driven or electric RC car.

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Different types of RC cars in the UK

When you’re looking for an RC car in the UK, there are many different types and models to choose from. And since AT Models has most kinds of electric RC cars, we have a lot of that variety.

Many types of model RC cars are available from AT Models, each showing unique characteristics and features. Let’s start by looking at the most popular RC cars and the fuel that makes them move.

Main variants and RC car fuel.

1. On-Road Electric RC Cars: Designed for surfaces like tarmac, on-road RC cars are focused on speed and precision. Their low profile and streamlined bodies make them ideal for racing. An on-road electric RC car will use either LIPO (Lithium Poly) or NiMH (nickel metal hydrate) batteries.
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3. Off-Road Electric RC Cars: Created for rough terrain, off-road RC cars can handle dirt, sand, and uneven surfaces with ease. They’re fitted with large tyres and have a greater ground clearance than the on-road variants, though they also use LIPO or NiMH batteries.
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5. On-Road Nitro RC Cars: Nitro RC cars are powered by nitro engines rather than electric motors. This aspect gives nitro cars a significant advantage on these cars, enjoying superior speed and acceleration thanks to their fuel source. As long as the vehicle is fueled, you can enjoy the use of the RC car.
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7. RC Nitro Off-Road Car: Nitro off-road cars are a type of RC car designed for off-road driving, tackling surfaces such as dirt, gravel and rocky terrain. They are powered by a nitro-fueled engine, which provides high speed, acceleration and the ability to climb steep inclines.
8. Petrol RC Cars: This variant of RC cars is commonly found in larger vehicle models, thanks to the fuel’s superior running power. Much like nitro models, a petrol RC car will run all day as long as fuel is available.

RC Cars: Electric vs. Petrol and Nitro

When you’re looking for a remote control car in the UK, it helps to understand the benefits of the different fuel types.

RC Car: Electric

An RC electric car is typically the first introduction people have to cars with an RC. There are several reasons why they remain popular, including the following:

• RC electric cars are easier to use than petrol or nitro cars.
• They require less maintenance than their counterparts.
• They generally produce less noise than any other type of RC control car.
• They provide consistent acceleration and, in higher-end models, can reach impressive speeds.
• They’re generally more affordable than their fuel-driven counterparts.

RC Car: Petrol

Petrol-driven RC model car options are great if you’re looking for a powerful model. Some of their advantages include the following:

• They’re reasonably affordable compared to nitro-powered models.
• They’re often faster than electric models due to the increased torque produced by the petrol-powered motor.
• They offer relatively good runtime for the amount of power produced.

As you might expect from a fuel-driven engine, there are some downsides associated with the higher torque and greater power possessed by this type of RC model car. These include the following:

• Fuel emissions of a type and quantity similar to that of full-sized petrol cars.
• Much higher noise emissions, making them unsuitable for indoor and residential areas.
• They have considerably higher maintenance needs than electric cars due to the required maintenance on fuel lines, air filters, and other parts.
• They’re more difficult to use than electric RC cars but easier to use than Nitro-fueled models.

RC Car: Nitro

If you’re looking for a model car with a remote control, nitro may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it has some advantages. Namely, they generally have:

• Higher power
• Faster acceleration
• More realistic engine sounds

However, they also have disadvantages, such as the following:

• The loud noise and high emissions make them unsuitable for residential areas.
• They require more technical expertise to drive than either petrol or electric RC cars.
• They require more regular maintenance and tuning than their counterparts.