Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0, Owner'S Manual

TRAXXAS • 21

RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS

Your new Traxxas model is designed with water-resistant features 
to protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos, electronic 
speed control). This gives you the freedom to have fun driving 
your model through puddles, wet grass, snow, and through 
other wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model 
should not be treated as though it is submersible or totally, 100% 
waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed electronic 
components. Running in wet conditions requires additional care 
and maintenance for the mechanical and electrical components 
to prevent corrosion of metal parts and maintain their proper 
function.

Precautions
•  Without proper care, some parts of your model can be seriously 

damaged due to contact with water. Know that additional 
maintenance procedures will be required after running in wet 
conditions in order to maintain the performance of your model. 
Do not run your model in wet conditions if you are not willing to 
accept the additional care and maintenance responsibilities.

•  Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your 

battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in wet 
conditions. 

•  The Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz transmitter is not water resistant. Do not 

subject it to wet conditions such as rain.

•  Do not operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement 

weather where lightning may be present.

•  Do NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt water 

(ocean water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean 
water), or other contaminated water. Salt water is highly 
conductive and highly corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run 
your model on or near a beach.

•  Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your motor. 

Special care must be taken to modify your gearing and/or your 
driving style in wet conditions to extend the life of the motor 
(details follow). 

Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions

1.  Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet 

Conditions” before proceeding.  Make sure you understand the 
additional maintenance required with wet running.

2.  The wheels have small holes molded in to allow air to enter and 

exit the tire during normal running. Water will enter these holes 
and get trapped inside the tires if holes are not cut in the tires. 
Cut two small holes (3mm or 1/8” diameter) in each tire.  Each 
hole should be near the tire centerline, 180 degrees apart. 

3.  Confirm that the receiver box O-ring and cover are installed 

correctly and secure. Make sure the screws are tight and the blue 
O-ring is not visible protruding from the edge of the cover.

4.  Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
5.  Use lower gearing (smaller pinion gears, as low as 19T, with 

the stock 70-T spur gear) when running in mud, deep puddles, 
snow, or other similar situations that will restrict the tires and 
put much higher loads on the motor. 

Motor Precautions

• Titan motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water. If the 

motor gets excessively wet or submerged, use very light throttle 
(run the motor slowly) until the excess water can run out. Applying 
full throttle to a motor full of water can cause rapid motor failure. 
Your driving habits will determine motor life with a wet motor. Do 
not submerge the motor under water.

• Do not gear the motor by temperature when running in wet 

conditions. The motor will be cooled by water contact and will not 
give an accurate indication of appropriate gearing.

After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions

1.  Drain the tires by spinning the tires at high speed to “sling” the 

water out. One way to do this is to make several high-speed 
passes on a flat, dry surface, if possible.

2.  Remove the batteries.
3.  Rinse excess dirt and mud off the car with low-pressure water, 

such as from a garden hose.  Do NOT use pressure washer 
or other high-pressure water. Avoid directing water into the 
bearings, transmission, etc.

4.  Blow off the car with compressed air (optional, but 

recommended). Wear safety glasses when using compressed air. 

5.  Remove the wheels from the car.
6.  Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40

®

 or 

similar water displacing light oil.

DRIVING YOUR MODEL