Is it ok to run electric buggy in the cold weather?

[russellr2k4]

Winter is coming and I’m wondering if it’s ok to run my electric buggy outside in the cold weather? I’m not planning on running in the snow nor rain.

What are the affects of cold weather on the motor? I’ve heard that batteries tend to have less runtime in the cold, but will there be any permanent damage?

Thanks,

[rocknbil]

Just be aware that the plastic becomes more brittle in lower temps.

[GuyIsDamGood]

Hey russellr2k4.

I`ve had that same question and I haven`t really got a good answer.
-I`ve heard the Reciever and/or ESC can freak - out in cold weather.

-I`ve had a cheap Nikko R.C. Car and I ran it in Cold Weather and it was alright.
-I don`t really know about a more expensive R.C. Car.

I`m from New York City and it`s Getting Cold.
I want to test a New Set-Up I have on my Tamiya TT-01.
I`m somewhat worried about running the R.C. Car in cold weather.

Take Care.

[russellr2k4]

I’m also from New York City. The temps are about to drop in the 30-40 degree this week.

I found something on the web about electric motor brushes become more likely to chip or break due to the cold. Funny cause the web site was for Contractors guide to cold weather tool tips (http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=1628&position=0&type=article). Not sure if it applies but seems to make sense. I have not found anything else.

[pinolelst]

I look forward to cooler weather as everything runs cooler and I can run my electric planes and cars longer with less heat worries.Won't hurt a thing IMHO unless you get moisture in the electronics.

And as RocknBill said plastic gets more brittle as it gets colder so that tree stump you bounced off in the summer may break something if you hit it again in the winter

Hope this helps

[emaxxrdr88]

Usually when I run my electrics in cold weather, the motor seems to go mch slower then usualy, batteries don't last as long, and parts become brittle faster.

[gizmoguy303]

Actually cold weather is good in a lot of ways. The cooler your electronics are, the more efficient they run. Cold weather isn't going to hurt anything, except what the great Rocknbil said - plastics will become more brittle in the cold. :cool:

[Prelude14WRX]

Its alright to run your buggy in the cold weather. I run my rc10 buggy in the cold weather down here(20 degrees F :eek: ) Its even more fun when you run in the snow :D

[rocknbil]

-I`ve heard the Reciever and/or ESC can freak - out in cold weather.

I'd like to hear the reasoning behind that one myself, to my knowledge - No. Might play some havok if you're trying th charge batteries in the cold but not very likely it would affect electronics to any degree.

WET is a different story.

[russellr2k4]

Thanks for everyone's response.

[jojowasher]

I agree, it is tons of fun running your car in cold weather, I have done it for years, I even used to have a grasshopper with skis on the front instead of wheels, that was a blast!! just make sure if there is snow to protect your electronics, I use balloons.

Jojo

[gillbot]

I just got done running 2 packs through my Hornet and it was about 20°F outside and had no problems.

[ElectricThunder]

Cold+Electronics= Much better efficiency and everything runs nice and cool, which in turn can give you a lil power oomph. Now definitely be careful of the brittle plastic however. Be sure to waterproof everything as well, just for precaution as snow will melt, DUH!;)

[tec_41]

Another thing to remember, traction becomes much less on pavement. But I don't know how much you will be running your buggy on the road ;)