Types of Maintenance

Understanding different maintenance approaches for optimal RC performance

Comprehensive Maintenance Strategy

Effective RC maintenance isn't just about fixing things when they break. RCManager recognizes different types of maintenance, each serving a specific purpose in keeping your vehicles running at peak performance. Understanding these categories helps you build a comprehensive maintenance strategy that prevents problems, extends vehicle life, and maximizes your enjoyment on the track.

Preventive

Stop problems before they start

Scheduled

Regular service intervals

Corrective

Fix issues as they arise

Preventive Maintenance

Proactive Care

Preventive maintenance involves regular inspections and care designed to prevent failures before they occur.

Common Preventive Tasks:

Before Each Run
  • • Visual inspection for damage
  • • Check for loose screws
  • • Verify electronics connections
  • • Test steering and throttle response
After Each Session
  • • Clean dirt and debris
  • • Check for new damage
  • • Inspect tire wear
  • • Monitor motor/ESC temperatures

Benefits of Preventive Maintenance:

  • • Reduces unexpected breakdowns during runs
  • • Extends overall vehicle lifespan
  • • Maintains optimal performance levels
  • • Saves money on major repairs

Scheduled Maintenance

Time-Based Maintenance

Maintenance performed at regular time intervals, regardless of usage.

Monthly

  • • Battery health check
  • • Servo center verification
  • • General inspection
  • • Lubrication review

Quarterly

  • • Shock rebuilds
  • • Differential service
  • • Deep cleaning
  • • Gear mesh check

Annually

  • • Complete teardown
  • • All bearing replacement
  • • Electronics overhaul
  • • Performance baseline

Usage-Based Maintenance

Maintenance triggered by actual usage metrics like number of runs, hours of operation, or distance traveled.

Every 10 Runs

  • • Clean and oil bearings
  • • Check gear wear
  • • Inspect suspension arms
  • • Verify electronics mounting

Every 25 Runs

  • • Motor cleaning and inspection
  • • Differential oil change
  • • Shock oil refresh
  • • Drive belt/chain inspection

Corrective Maintenance

Reactive Repairs

Maintenance performed to fix problems that have already occurred or been identified.

Categories of Corrective Maintenance:

Emergency Repairs

Immediate fixes needed to continue running

  • • Broken suspension arms
  • • Stripped gear teeth
  • • Loose wheel nuts
  • • Electronic failures
Planned Repairs

Non-urgent fixes that can be scheduled

  • • Worn tire replacement
  • • Scratched body repair
  • • Servo gear wear
  • • Minor oil leaks

System-Specific Maintenance

Drivetrain Maintenance

Keep power delivery systems running smoothly

Gear meshDiff serviceCV jointsBelt tension

Suspension Maintenance

Maintain handling and ride quality

Shock rebuildsA-arm inspectionSpring ratesTurnbuckles

Electronics Maintenance

Keep electrical systems reliable

Motor cleaningServo centeringWire inspectionESC calibration

Power System Maintenance

Ensure consistent power delivery

Battery careConnector cleaningVoltage checkingCharging system

Maintenance Complexity Levels

RCManager categorizes maintenance tasks by complexity to help you plan and prioritize:

1

Basic (5-15 minutes)

Simple tasks anyone can do with basic tools

CleaningVisual inspectionBattery check
2

Intermediate (15-45 minutes)

Requires some experience and specialized tools

Gear meshShock oil changeServo installation
3

Advanced (45+ minutes)

Complex procedures requiring expertise

Differential rebuildMotor timingSuspension geometry

Building Your Maintenance Plan

Balanced Approach

80% Preventive: Focus on preventing problems before they occur
15% Scheduled: Regular service intervals based on time or usage
5% Corrective: Emergency repairs and unexpected issues

Start Your Maintenance Journey

Ready to implement a comprehensive maintenance strategy? Here's what to do next: