A children's electric car gives little ones hours of fun and parents a few minutes of peace. To keep it from breaking down mid-season, it needs simple but regular care: inspection, cleaning, protection from moisture and proper battery handling.
Playgrounds and parks mean sand, puddles and mud, and storing the car on a balcony or in a shed adds condensation. Here is how to keep it in good shape for years.
What you will need
Important: Before any maintenance, switch the car off and disconnect the battery. Never hose the car down: water in the battery compartment or on the control board can cause a short circuit.
Step 1
Inspect it every two weeks
Check the wheels, axle fixings, battery, wiring, charging socket and the charger itself. Pay particular attention to the seat belt and seat fixings: they must be securely fastened.
If you notice anything unusual, such as a cracked body, an exposed wire or a burning smell, do not let your child ride until the problem is fixed.
Step 2
Protect the metal from rust
After heavy use, especially through puddles and wet grass, apply WD-40 Multi-Use to the metal parts: axles, screws, brackets and pedal. It displaces moisture and protects against rust and corrosion.
If the axles start to squeak, lubricate them with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease: this thick grease lasts a long time and is not washed off by water.
Step 3
Clean without too much water
Wipe the plastic body with a cloth dampened in soapy water and dry it straight away. Brush sand off the wheels and wheel arches.
Greasy marks and dried mud on metal parts come off easily with WD-40 Multi-Use applied to a cloth. Wipe away any excess afterwards so your child does not touch residue.
Step 4
Look after the contacts
With the battery disconnected, inspect the terminals and connectors. Remove deposits or moisture with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner: it dries quickly without residue and restores contact.
If the car starts to judder or cut out, a corroded connector between the battery and motor is often the cause.
Step 5
Charge correctly and store dry
After each ride, charge the battery with the original charger and never leave it fully flat. Before storage it should be at least 50% charged.
Avoid riding in extreme heat or high humidity. For winter, bring the car indoors somewhere dry and top up the battery once a month.
Tip: Before winter storage, treat all metal parts with
WD-40 Multi-Use and cover the car with a cloth: in spring you will not have to fight rust and seized screws.
What next
A check twice a month, protecting the metal after wet weather and correct charging are the whole secret to a long-lasting ride-on car. Before the first ride in spring, check the contacts with Contact Cleaner and grease the axles with White Lithium Grease.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
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