how to soften rc tires

How to Soften RC Tires: 3 Efficient Methods!

Soft RC tires help you to maneuver through terrains easily. However, the frustrating matter is when RC tires become hard and lose their grip. 

But, you can soften your RC tires very easily for optimal performance.

So, the question is how to soften RC tires?

You can soften RC tires using different softener chemicals. You need to rub those chemical compound and leave it for an hour. By repeating the process, you can soften the tires as you please. However, by massaging you can soften the RC tires. But this process takes more than an hour for each tire.

You may think this is all you need to know. But, this is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more you need to dive deep into this article.

So, let’s get started.

Why Do You Need to Soften RC Tires?

Before jumping onto the methods, there’s a burning question to address. So, why softening RC tires are necessary?

Softening RC tires are necessary for the grips. It allows you to have proper control over your RC car. Nevertheless, off-roading with soft tires is much simpler than with hard tires. You also gain a competitive advantage while racing too. The RC tires won’t slip on wet roads.

Here’s someone with a set of soft RC tires for better grip.

So, softening your tires is very necessary. You should do it 3 weeks apart. However, for the best performance, you may apply chemicals that can soften the tires before driving.

Also, you should know everything about RC tire foam. This is necessary to properly insert and create a perfect foam.

Nevertheless, in the next segment, I will talk about the different methods to soften RC tires.

So, let’s move on!

Why Do You Need to Soften RC Tires
Source: goodiesrc.com

3 Efficient Methods to Soften RC Tires!

You might be wondering if it’s difficult to soften old RC tires. Well, it’s absolutely not! You can easily use your preferred method after going through everything.

So, let’s jump right into the methods.

Method 1 of 3: Using Rubber Softener Chemicals

You may have heard WD40 on RC tires is a useful chemical to soften RC tires. Indeed it is a useful chemical compound. However, if it’s not available, you can use other compounds too.

But what chemical will soften the RC tires? Let’s see some of the best chemical products that can soften RC tires.

My favorite to soften Traxxas Rustler XL 5 RC tires is WD40. It will prevent mud and water to stick to the tire. It also ensures softness to the RC tire which increases the grip.

You can also use CRC silicone lubricant that contains plasticizers. It helps to restore softness back to rubber RC tires.

If you don’t want to use silicone lubricant MG rubber renue is for you. This can also restore the softness of rubber RC tires.

You can choose any of the 3 chemical compounds. Albeit, the application process of the chemical compounds is the same.

  • Firstly, remove the tires from the RC. 
  • Secondly, you need to clean the RC tire with water. Make sure to remove any dirt from the tires.
  • Now, apply the chemical compound all over the tires. Leave it for an hour or more. Using plastic bags to cover the tires can be very helpful.
  • Lastly, take out the RC tires and wipe the chemical compound. If it softened the RC tires, then attach it back. However, you can repeat the process again for making the tires softer.
what chemical will soften the RC tires
Source: gotosellers.com

You need to clean the RC car if the chemical falls on the RC car. Otherwise, it can damage the RC car.

Method 2 of 3: Applying PB Penetrating Lubricant

PB lubricants reach into hard surfaces and break free the tension. It also works great with the rubber tires of RC. If you are wondering how to soften tires for racing PB penetrating lubricant is the answer.

Some of the best PB penetrating lubricants are given below.

  • For precision to reach every surface Gasoila is my first choice. It also removes grease from the tires to prevent mud.
  • The faster and deeper PB lubricant is KROIL Original. It works like a charm to soften the RC tires.
  • As a liquid lubricant, Blaster 16-PB Penetrating Catalyst is the best. You can apply the liquid directly to the tire.

To apply the PB penetrating lubricant, firstly remove the tires from RC. Afterward, clean the RC tire thoroughly.

Then, use a toothbrush to apply the PB lubricant thoroughly.

Lastly, leave it for 30 minutes before attaching back to the RC car.

Applying PB Penetrating Lubricant
Source: traxxas.com

Method 3 of 3: By Massaging the Tires

If you don’t want to use any chemical products, then there’s an alternative. By massaging the tires you can release the tension from the RC tires.

It can help to soften the RC tires. However, it can be hectic work. You need to spend 2 hours per tire every once two weeks.

That’s about everything to soften the RC car. You should properly clean off-road tires as they attract mud often.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Bigger Tires on RC Car Increase the Speed?

Yes, bigger tires can increase the speed. However, the acceleration decreases a lot. As a result, gaining the top speed takes much more time. However, by applying different softener chemicals you can increase the acceleration drastically.

Do RC Tires Need to Be Glued?

Yes, RC tires do need to be glued. You can buy spare tires only that can be glued to the rim. However, some tires come with their own rims. But you can change the tires by using glue. Also, you can fix cracks, inner tube punctures, and holes with glue too. So, gluing RC tires is necessary.

Is Foam Necessary to Insert Inside the Tire?

Yes, you need to insert foam inside the tire to run an RC car. It helps to keep the RC tires to be in shape. So, on the off-road, the RC car tire won’t be deformed. Nevertheless, foams decrease the chance of air entering the RC tire while driving. That way you gain great control over your RC tire.

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