A petrol RC car, or an RC car in general, consists of two units – the car itself and the radio or the remote control. The remote control or the radio usually consists of two sets of joysticks. The first joystick is for controlling the backward and forward movement and while the second joystick is for side-to-side movements. Cheaper versions of  radio controllers are powered by a number of rechargeable batteries.

As RC cars become more popular, manufacturers now offer different kinds of models and types to fit with every buyer or user. Some makers offer RC cars for kids in low cost and some were modeled after the real-life counterpart such as Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis.

A buyer can choose from the many available options when choosing an RC car, from its body type, model, style, color or in any size. However, there are some important distinctions you need to consider when buying the right RC car for yourself.

The first decision you have to make is to choose between an electric RC and gas powered cars. Then you’ll choose for road racing or off-road racing models. Also if it is assembled or non-assembled as you purchase it and lastly, if you want to have it a car type or a truck type.

Car racers usually choose the RC cars that run on nitro gasoline or the so-called Petrol RC cars. It is the most popular and the fastest growing piece of the RC cars. Using petrol vehicles, you now can purchase the popular RC trucks that can jump at high speed and go off the road driving. And if speed or velocity is more of your concern, acquire the race cars that are inevitable in prepared tracks or along pavements.

Typically, petrol RC cars operate fast unlike the electric cars. Some of the nitro cars run in 70 to 90 mph. This electric or gas powered RC cars run on a special fuel made just for radio controlled cars.

The most popular sizes of nitro RC cars are 1/8 and 1/10 scale. 1/8th scale is popular for off-road trucks and buggies while the 1/10th scale is the industry standard for on-road racers. The 1/8th scale come with a 2 or 3 speed transmission.

Most of the petrol RC cars or nitro cars have a pull engine that is similar to a lawnmower for easy operation. It is very important to follow instruction in running the nitro vehicles because it is more complicated than electric cars.

Nitro vehicles are available in the 2-stroke motor or the less conventional 4-stroke version. The 2-stroke motor requires a fuel oil mixture and the 4-stroke motor has a reservoir of oil and can run on straight fuel. The 2-stroke is more suitable in racing because it has the advantage of producing the higher rpm or the revs up faster. On the other hand, the 4-stroke engine is much better for off-road use because it has more power and torque.

It is necessary to regularly maintain and check your nitro vehicle for long last usage and also for better performance. Some love on tuning and tweaking their cars. Always check the car parts such as header, pull start cord, differential, air filter and the clutch.