If you’ve got a 12V ride-on car that could use a little more speed, you’re in the right place. Whether your kid’s been begging for a faster ride or you just want to upgrade for more fun, boosting the performance of your ride-on car can take it from slow and steady to fast and thrilling. Let’s go over some simple and practical ways to make your ride-on car go faster, without all the fluff or confusing jargon.
Upgrade the Battery – More Power, More Speed!
Let’s start with the most straightforward solution: upgrading the battery. Higher voltage means more power, and more power means more speed.
How to Do It:
- Choose the Right Voltage: If your ride-on car is currently running on a 12V battery, upgrading to an 18V or 24V battery will give you a significant boost in speed.
- Ensure Compatibility: Before you switch the battery, check that your motor and wiring are compatible with the higher voltage. Some older models may not be able to handle the extra power, so always double-check.
- Install the New Battery: Swap out the 12V battery with your new, more powerful one, making sure to correctly connect the positive and negative terminals.
Upgrading the battery is a simple but highly effective way to get your ride-on car speeding up in no time.
Upgrade the Motor – Add Some Muscle!
Batteries give the car more power, but the motor is the muscle that makes it go. If you want your ride-on car to go faster, a motor upgrade is essential.
How to Do It:
- Choose a Higher RPM Motor: The 550 motors that come stock in most ride-on cars are fine for average speeds, but swapping to a 775 motor or one with a higher RPM rating will give you more torque and speed.
- Install the Motor: Once you’ve selected the new motor, carefully remove the old one and replace it with the new one. If needed, adjust the motor mount to fit the new motor.
With a more powerful motor, you’ll feel a noticeable increase in speed and overall performance. Just make sure the motor can handle the higher voltage from your upgraded battery.
Modify the Gearbox – Shift Into High Gear!
Gears might not be as exciting as motors or batteries, but they are crucial when it comes to translating all that power into speed. Changing or upgrading your gearbox can help you make the most of your new motor and battery.
How to Do It:
- Upgrade the Gearbox: If you’ve upgraded your motor, the stock gearbox might not be able to handle the extra power. Look for a high-performance gearbox, like the Phoenix gearbox, which can handle more torque and power.
- Adjust the Gear Ratio: A higher gear ratio means more speed, but it may reduce torque. If you mostly ride on flat surfaces, a higher gear ratio is perfect. If you need more power for hills, opt for a lower gear ratio.
A well-chosen gearbox ensures that your upgraded motor and battery work seamlessly together, delivering maximum speed without overloading the system.
Optimize Traction with Better Tires – Grip the Road!
Tires play a big role in how well your ride-on car performs. Upgrading the tires or adding traction bands can improve the car’s grip and efficiency, which leads to better speed and stability.
How to Do It:
- Swap to Rubber Tires: Rubber tires provide far better traction than the standard plastic tires. With rubber tires, the car will grip the ground better, allowing the power to go into movement instead of slipping.
- Add Traction Bands: If you can’t upgrade the tires just yet, try adding rubber traction bands. These bands can easily be wrapped around the existing tires to increase grip, especially on smooth or slippery surfaces.
Improved traction means the car can reach its top speed more effectively and safely, with less risk of slipping or skidding.
Install a Speed Controller – Take Control of the Thrill!
After all these upgrades, it might be nice to have a little control over how fast the car goes. Installing a speed controller lets you regulate the maximum speed, so you can find the perfect balance between fun and safety.
How to Do It:
- Install the Speed Controller: The speed controller sits between the motor and the battery, regulating the power that goes to the motor. Make sure to install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test and Adjust: After installation, test the car to ensure everything’s working smoothly. With the controller, you’ll be able to fine-tune the speed for different environments, like flat surfaces versus hills.
A speed controller ensures that the car doesn’t just go fast, but that it goes safely and smoothly, giving you peace of mind.
Keep It Lubed – Smooth Operations Lead to Faster Fun!
Proper maintenance is crucial for maintaining speed and performance. Keeping the moving parts well-lubricated reduces friction and helps your ride-on car run more efficiently.
How to Do It:
- Lubricate the Gears and Axles: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the gears, axles, and other moving parts. This reduces friction and helps the motor run more smoothly.
- Avoid Tires: Don’t lubricate the tires, as it will reduce their grip. Stick to the axles and gears.
A little lubrication goes a long way in keeping your ride-on car running at peak performance.
Full Speed Ahead!
Now that your 12V ride-on car is running faster than ever, it’s ready for even more fun and excitement! With these upgrades, you’ll experience a noticeable boost in performance, making your rides smoother and more thrilling. If you’re looking for even more power, you can also upgrade to a 24V ride-on car for an extra speed boost and longer-lasting fun. Enjoy the ride, and let the adventures unfold!
FAQs
If you’ve upgraded your motor, check that it’s compatible with your existing setup. Ensure the motor mount fits the new motor, and adjust the connections accordingly. Not all motors are the same, so proper alignment is essential for smooth operation.
Yes, but balancing speed and battery life is key. Opt for a high-efficiency motor and gearbox to ensure your battery still lasts longer. Upgrading your battery may give you more speed, but choose a compatible motor that doesn’t drain the battery too quickly.
If you’re not ready to replace components, improve traction with better tires or add traction bands. This will optimize grip and efficiency, enhancing speed without any significant changes to the car. The better the grip, the less power is lost to slippage.