Warranty for RC-products

Warranty for RC Products

The warranty for RC products differs from the standard warranty for consumer goods. Warranty matters differ because RC products are sometimes subjected to extremely harsh conditions. While most products are designed to withstand considerable handling, drawing a clear line can be challenging. It's often difficult to determine whether a product malfunction is due to a manufacturer's defect, consumer misuse, or, for example, a collision. RC products also require continuous maintenance and monitoring of their condition. For instance, bearings can rust quickly if the product is left damp on a shelf. In the warranty for RC products, the business provides a new part to replace the broken one. Therefore, the business does not cover the costs incurred from labor. Note! Never attempt to repair a faulty component without consulting Hobbylinna. In these cases, the manufacturer's warranty usually becomes void. Also, do not change, for example, the connector of the speed controller in your car without asking. It is always the customer's responsibility to monitor the product's performance, and usage must be stopped immediately if you suspect that the device is not functioning normally.

The most common and challenging warranty issues involve LiPo batteries, motors, and speed controllers.

LiPo Batteries

Almost without exception, LiPo battery swelling is due to the battery being overloaded in relation to its current capacity, being stored too full, or the voltage of the battery being discharged too low (<3V per cell). It is extremely important to store the battery at the correct voltage. The voltage of one cell should be maintained at 3.6V-3.9V (2S=7.4-7.8V) during storage, and if necessary, perform a maintenance charge once a month. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that the battery's C-rating is sufficient for the motor and that charging and storage are done properly. Do not charge batteries when warm; let the battery cool down after driving/flying. If there is a manufacturing defect in the battery, it usually manifests itself early in use. So if you notice problems early in use, contact us immediately – this way, you have a chance to have the product covered by warranty.

NiMh Battery

A NiMh battery can also be damaged if it is left empty during storage. Always remember to charge it to at least halfway after driving (charging time, for example, half of the time it would take to fill the battery). If the battery works initially, it can be said that if used correctly, it will work for many future charges.

Note! Only operational warranty is granted for batteries.

So, the battery must work when the package is just received.

Electric Motor and Speed Controller

A vigilant customer monitors the temperature of the motor and speed controller, at least when a newly charged battery is replaced with an empty one. If you notice that the controller or motor is so warm that it is not comfortable to touch, they are probably running too hot. Usually, problems arise from overheating, so monitoring is important. If they run hot, it is advisable to take about a 20-minute break before the next drive. You can also reduce the strain by shortening the gear ratio or improving air circulation. Brushed motors come with an operational warranty, but not a longer warranty. Usually, in brushed motors, the carbon brushes wear out if, for example, small stones get inside through the ventilation openings.

Moisture also causes problems in RC cars. Even though products are advertised as splash-proof, it does not mean that the car can be driven into deep puddles. If you accidentally drive the car wet, stop driving, immediately disconnect the battery from the controller, wipe the car dry, and let it dry overnight. Most likely, the car will work normally the next day. If you continue driving without caring about the moisture, there is a risk that the controller will short-circuit, and the risk of fire is imminent.

Note! For the speed controller to be covered by warranty, it must be in good external condition. Some manufacturers also require that no changes be made to the controller. Changes include, for example, changing the power connector. Also, do not open the speed controller, receiver, or transmitter yourself.

Seizure of Combustion Engine

Combustion engines are structurally simple. The most common reason for the engine to seize is that the mixture screws are tightened too much (high and low needles). This means that the engine takes in too much air relative to lubrication. This, in turn, means that the engine overheats and, in the worst case, seizes. The engine can also seize due to heat, causing it to shut down suddenly. In both cases, at least the cylinder liner and piston must be replaced. You can avoid seizing by ensuring that the engine runs rich enough. Visible exhaust gas should come from the exhaust during acceleration. Also, make sure you use high-quality and well-known fuel.

Power Transmission Parts

Power transmission parts and wear parts are not covered by warranties for RC products. The product must work when new, but once it has been put into use, the warranty is no longer valid. For example, many RC cars have a lot of power, and with your own driving, you can break the gears in a few minutes. If there is a slippery surface first, and then the tires suddenly gain traction, it often means that the gears can break at a high rotation speed. Many cars have a slipper clutch whose purpose is to protect the powertrain; it is important that the hobbyist adjusts it to the right tension.

Servos

Usually, low-budget RC cars come with plastic gear servos as standard (under €300 RC cars). They are made to withstand normal use, but under heavier use, the gears may give way. Servo plastic gears are equated with powertrain parts and do not come with a warranty. You can always ask for a good deal on a metal gear servo if the servo gears have worn out too quickly. Also, remember to adjust the servo's range of motion so that the end stops do not catch during rotation.

Product Modifications

Any kind of product modifications and alterations to devices or their spare parts may affect warranty coverage.

Handling Warranty Matters

Do not send the entire RC car, plane, or helicopter back without a request for return. The warranty covers the faulty component, which will be replaced with a new one. The labor cost is not covered by the warranty. According to the instructions, the customer can send the faulty component back to us as a customer return for examination. If a fault is found, and it has not been misused, it will be replaced with a new or equivalent warranty-repaired one. If you return the entire car, plane, or helicopter to us for examination/repair, we usually have to charge for the labor costs and partly for the shipping costs.

User Manuals

Read the user manual carefully before using the product. Unfortunately, due to the small sales volumes of hobby products, not all products come with Finnish instructions. If you have difficulty translating the text, always ask us. We are happy to help you.

If you have followed these instructions, read the product's user manual carefully – and still, for example, the electric motor/controller or combustion engine has malfunctioned within 30 days of purchase, contact us.