We thought this might help getting around the lingo. Theres a lot of terms out there can really send you into a brick wall. Most people asssume you have any idea what they talking about. Well now you can.
I should have left enough space for the Nitro section, no i didnt forget yous, coming soon…
🧰 General RC Terms
RTR (Ready to Run)
Comes assembled — charge and drive.
Kit
A build-it-yourself RC car.
Scale (1/10, 1/8, etc.)
Size of the RC car compared to a real one.
Bind / Pairing
Connecting the transmitter to the receiver.
📦 Electronics
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
Controls motor speed and manages power from the battery.
Receiver (Rx)
Gets signals from the transmitter and tells the car what to do.
Transmitter (Tx)
The handheld remote you use to drive the car.
Servo
A small motor that turns the wheels (steering).
⚡ Batteries & Power
LiPo (Lithium Polymer)
High power, lightweight battery. Needs careful charging.
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
Beginner-friendly, safer, less powerful than LiPo.
2S / 3S / 4S
Number of LiPo cells (2S = 7.4V, 3S = 11.1V, etc.). More cells = more power.
mAh (Capacity)
Higher mAh = longer run time.
C-Rating
How fast the battery can safely deliver power. Higher = stronger acceleration.
🌀 Motors
Brushed Motor
Simple, cheap, slower — great for beginners.
Brushless Motor
Fast, powerful, efficient — used in hobby-grade RC cars.
KV Rating
How fast a brushless motor spins per volt. Higher KV = more speed.
🛠️ Chassis & Drivetrain
Chassis
The main frame of the RC car.
Differential (Diff)
Lets wheels turn at different speeds for smooth cornering.
Driveshaft
Transfers power from the motor to the wheels.
Dogbone
Transfers power from the motor to the wheels.
CVD
Transfers power from the motor to the wheels.
Suspension / Shocks
Absorb bumps and help keep traction.
A-Arms / Control Arms
Parts that let the wheels move up/down.
Toe / Camber
Wheel alignment settings that affect handling.
🛞 Wheels & Tires
Beadlock Wheels
Bolt together to hold the tire without glue. Popular for crawlers.
Foams / Inserts
Inside the tire to support it and increase grip.
Hex Size (12mm / 17mm)
The wheel mounting size. Must match your car.
