I got into RC cars the same way I got into most things: one thing led to another. This page is where I keep the calculators I actually use at the bench, plus a short list of guides I've found genuinely useful on batteries, motors, tyres and choosing a first car.
The gearing calculator gives you a rough top speed and warns you if your pinion and spur combination is likely to cook the motor. The battery calculator checks that your pack can supply the current your setup draws, and roughly how long a charge will last. The fault-finder walks you through the usual ESC and motor problems one question at a time. They're estimates, so treat them as a starting point and check motor temperature with a thermometer after a run.
Calculators & Tools
🔧 Gear Ratio & Top Speed Calculator
Estimate top speed from your motor, gearing and tyre size — and get a heads-up if the gearing looks too aggressive for the motor's Kv.
🔋 Battery Runtime & C-Rating Calculator
Check your pack can safely deliver the current your setup draws, and roughly how long a charge will last.
🩺 ESC / Motor Fault-Finder
Answer a few questions to narrow down what's likely wrong.
Guides & Resources
Getting Started
Beginner's Guide to RC Cars
What to look for when buying your first RC car — types, scales, power systems and budget tips
www.radiocontrolinfo.com
Modelsport UK
UK's largest RC model shop — cars, trucks, parts, batteries and accessories
www.modelsport.co.uk
Batteries & Charging
LiPo Battery Guide for Beginners
Understanding LiPo cells, C-ratings, capacity, connectors and safe charging practices
www.radiocontrolinfo.com
Oscar Liang — LiPo Battery Guide
Comprehensive LiPo battery guide covering storage, safety, balancing and disposal
www.oscarliang.com
Motors & ESC
Brushed vs Brushless Motors
Comparison of brushed and brushless motor types for RC cars — torque, speed, efficiency and maintenance
www.radiocontrolinfo.com
Tools & Maintenance
RC Groups — Cars & Trucks Forum
Active community forum for RC car and truck enthusiasts — build threads, troubleshooting and modifications
www.rcgroups.com
Tyres & Traction
RC Tyre Compounds — Grip, Speed & Control
How tyre compound hardness affects grip and wear, and why softest is not always fastest — matching compound to track/surface temperature
www.hearnshobbies.com
Choosing RC Crawler Tyres
Compound and tread guide specifically for rock crawlers — grip on rock vs durability on trail/dirt
www.fmshobby.com
Waterproofing
How to Waterproof RC Cars — 5 Methods
Sealing ESCs, receivers and servos against rain and puddles, plus body-seam sealing — what "waterproof" actually means (splashproof, not submersible)
www.eurorc.com
Scale & Class Guide
RC Car Scales Explained — 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, 1/5
What the scale fraction means for size, power and use case, and how to pick the right one
chinahobbyline.com
RC Car Body Size & Compatibility Chart
Wheelbase and width reference for matching bodies to chassis, including buggy vs truggy sizing
www.eurorc.com
RTR vs Kit — Buying Advice
RC Vehicle Build Types — Kit vs RTR vs ARTR
The real differences in cost, assembly time and learning curve between ready-to-run, kit and almost-ready-to-run cars
www.competitionx.com
RTR vs Kit — Complete Comparison Guide
Side-by-side comparison to help decide which to buy first as a beginner or when moving up from an RTR
www.eurorc.com