RC cars
How to Start a Nitro RC Car Without a Glow Plug Igniter
Learn how to start a nitro RC car without a glow plug igniter and get back to the thrill of speed without the hassle.
4 min read
Cars · Planes · Boats · Drones · Motorcycles
All of radio control in one place.
Guides for US hobbyists on choosing, building, starting and maintaining your RC car, plane, boat or drone.
- Guides
- 106
- Calculators
- 6
- Disciplines
- 5
- Clear guidesStep-by-step explanations to get into radio control without getting lost.
- Electronics made simpleLiPo batteries, chargers, brushless motors and ESCs.
- MaintenanceStarting, tuning, cleaning and setting up your model.
- Brands and modelsTraxxas, Tamiya, WLtoys, Kyosho and more, explained.
Quick quiz
Which RC car is right for you?
Answer three questions and we will tell you which type of RC car fits how and where you will drive it, with the guides to choose well.
Read the full guideQuestion 1 of 3
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Sections
Pick your kind of radio control
Free calculators
Run the numbers before you drive
- RC Car Speed CalculatorEnter the motor kV, battery cells, pinion, spur gear and tire size to see your RC car's theoretical top speed.
- RC Battery Run Time CalculatorWork out how many minutes your RC model's battery lasts from its capacity in mAh and its average current draw.
- LiPo Charge Time CalculatorHow long your LiPo battery takes to charge, based on its capacity, the charger current and the charge left in it.
- LiPo Voltage Calculator by Cell CountNominal, maximum, storage and minimum voltage of your LiPo by cell count, and what state it's in based on the voltage you measure.
- Gas-Oil Mix Calculator for 2-Stroke RC EnginesHow much 2-stroke oil to add to the gas for your 1/5 scale RC car, based on the ratio your engine calls for.
- RC Scale ConverterConvert real-world sizes to the scale of your RC model (1/5, 1/8, 1/10…) and work out the equivalent real size of a model.
By topic
Guides by topic
- Which RC Car to Buy: A Guide to Choosing Your First RC CarElectric or nitro, buggy, monster truck or crawler, scale, RTR or kit, and budget: the questions to ask yourself before you buy an RC car.
- Guide to RC Car Scales and SizesCheck out our complete guide to RC car scales and sizes. Learn how to choose the perfect model for you and get the most out of your hobby!
- Nitro and Gas RC Cars: How They Work and How to Choose YoursThe difference between nitro and gas, common scales, what you need to start the engine, how to maintain them and what to consider before buying your fuel-powered RC car.
- RC Electronics: Batteries, Chargers, Motors and ESCsLiPo batteries, chargers, brushless motors and ESCs: how they work and how to choose them.
- RC Workshop: Building, Maintenance and PaintingBuild, clean, paint and tune your RC car with the right tools.
- RC Car BrandsTraxxas, Tamiya, WLtoys, Kyosho, HPI and Nikko: what each brand offers and its best-known models.
- RC Cars for KidsRC cars for toddlers, girls and boys, plus character models like Toy Story, PAW Patrol and Mario Kart.
- RC Planes: Types and How to Choose YoursTrainers, electric, gas, jet turbine, gliders and aerobatic planes: every type of RC plane in one place.
- Find Your RC Helicopter: The Ultimate GuideWant to fly high with an RC helicopter? Check out this guide to find yours and get ready for some serious fun in the air!
- RC Motorcycles: Types, How They Work and How to Choose YoursOn-road and motocross RC bikes, electric or gas, for kids and for hobbyists: how they stay balanced, what to check before you buy and how to take care of them.
Most read
Most-read guides
RC cars
How Big Is a 1/8 Scale RC Car?
Find out the real size of 1/8 scale RC cars and be amazed by their incredible detail. Get ready for some big-time fun!
2 min read
RC cars
How Does an RC Glow Plug Igniter Work and What Should You Know?
A glow plug igniter is one of the most important accessories for running nitro RC cars: it's what lets you start the engine.
4 min read
RC aircraft
Find the Best Gas RC Helicopter
Discover the best gas RC helicopters at Elite Radio Control. Fly high and have more fun than ever with these amazing machines!
3 min read
Common questions
Answers to the most common questions
- How Long Does It Take to Charge an RC Car Battery?Find out how long it takes to charge your RC car's battery and get back in action in no time.
- RC Tanks and the Most Realistic ReplicasDiscover the fascinating world of RC tanks. Dive into our guide and find the most realistic replicas, ready to take you back to epic historic battles.
- Discover the Best RC Trucks!Check out some of the most amazing RC trucks in this post. Have more fun than ever with these incredible scale models!
- Kyosho, the King of Japanese RC: Discover Its Amazing World!Explore the world of RC with Kyosho, the Japanese brand whose amazing models will blow you away.
- Find the Best RC Sailboat for Your Adventures on the WaterDiscover the best RC sailboats for exciting adventures on the water. Have fun with the transmitter in your hands!
- What Is a UAV? Definition and TypesA UAV is an unmanned aerial vehicle: an aircraft with no one on board that can be flown remotely or fly autonomously.
- Electric RC Planes: The Most Popular of the FamilyChoosing the right electric RC plane can feel overwhelming, so we put together this guide to make the job easier.
- Why Is the Tamiya TT-02 One of the Most Popular Chassis?With a Tamiya TT-02 chassis you'll get more out of your RC car and see a significant boost in performance.
New to radio control?
Choose your first RC car wisely
Electric or nitro, kit or RTR, 1/10 or 1/8 scale: what to know before you buy.
Which RC car to buy