How to Replace the Tyres on Your L.O.T RC Drift Car: Drift vs Grip

Quick Answer

To replace the tyres on your L.O.T RC drift car, first remove the old tyres from the wheels, then mount the new set—whether drift or grip—ensuring they're seated evenly and secured with the included screws. Choose drift tyres for controlled slides on flat surfaces, or grip tyres for more traction and speed on demanding terrain.

Your L.O.T RC drift car's tyres are the only part that touches the ground, so they directly affect how it slides, grips, and accelerates. Over time, tyres wear down and lose their performance, but replacing them is a simple job you can do at home with basic tools.

The key is knowing which tyre to use. Drift tyres have smooth surfaces designed for controlled sliding and high-speed cornering on flat areas, while grip tyres use high-traction rubber for better control and stability on rough or slick surfaces. This guide walks you through the replacement process and helps you choose the right set for your driving style.

Drift vs Grip: Which Tyre Do You Need?

Drift tyres are the go-to choice when you want to master slides on smooth, flat surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Their smooth surface reduces friction, letting the car break traction easily and hold a drift through corners. If you're practicing drift techniques or setting up a home drift course, these are the tyres to use.

Grip tyres, on the other hand, are built for traction. The high-traction rubber provides superior control and stability, allowing higher speeds on demanding surfaces. If you're transitioning from drifting to more aggressive driving, or if you're running on rough or slick surfaces, grip tyres will minimize slippage and maximize acceleration.

• Check the surface you drive on most: flat and smooth for drift, rough or slick for grip.
• If you're a beginner, start with grip tyres to learn control before switching to drift.

Tools and Parts You'll Need

Before you start, gather the replacement tyres and any necessary screws. The L.O.T Spare Parts - Set of 4 Drift/Grip Tyres for L.O.T Cars Ghost RC Drift Car includes versatile options to match your driving style, while the L.O.T Spare Parts - Set of 4 Tyres for Knox Off Road RC Car and the Bumble Off Road version come with four rubber grip tyres with screws included.

You'll also need a small screwdriver or hex wrench to remove the wheels from the car, depending on your model. Some cars have a single central nut, while others use multiple screws. Check your car's manual to confirm the wheel attachment method before you begin.

• Keep a clean workspace to avoid losing small screws.
• Have a spare set of screws on hand in case any are stripped.

Removing the Old Tyres

Start by placing your RC car on a flat surface with the power off. Remove the wheels one at a time to keep track of the screws and avoid mixing up parts. Use the appropriate screwdriver or wrench to loosen the wheel nut or screws, then carefully pull the wheel straight off the axle.

Once the wheel is off, you'll need to separate the old tyre from the rim. Depending on the construction, you may be able to peel it off by hand, or you might need to use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry it loose. Be careful not to damage the rim, as you'll reuse it with the new tyre.

• Work on one wheel at a time to avoid mixing up left and right wheels.
• If the tyre is stubborn, use a little soapy water to help it slide off.

Mounting the New Tyres

Take your new tyre and align it with the rim. For drift tyres, ensure the smooth surface is facing outward. For grip tyres, the tread pattern should be oriented correctly for the direction of travel. Press the tyre onto the rim evenly, working your way around to ensure it seats properly.

Once the tyre is seated, reattach the wheel to the car. Tighten the nut or screws securely, but avoid over-tightening, which can strip the threads. Repeat the process for all four wheels, then give the car a quick spin test to make sure everything is aligned and secure.

• Check that the tyre is fully seated on the rim before tightening.
• Spin each wheel by hand to confirm it rotates freely without wobbling.

Step-by-Step Tyre Replacement Checklist

1. Prepare your workspace and tools: Lay out your new tyres, screws, and the correct screwdriver or wrench. Make sure the RC car is powered off and on a stable surface. Checkpoint: Have all parts within reach before you start to avoid interruptions.
2. Remove the wheels: Loosen the wheel nut or screws and pull each wheel straight off the axle. Work on one wheel at a time to keep parts organized. Checkpoint: Don't force the wheel off—if it's stuck, check for a hidden screw.
3. Separate the old tyre from the rim: Peel or pry the old tyre off the rim carefully. Use a flat-head screwdriver if needed, but avoid damaging the rim. Checkpoint: Inspect the rim for cracks or damage before mounting a new tyre.
4. Mount the new tyre: Align the new tyre with the rim and press it on evenly. Ensure the correct side faces outward and the tyre is fully seated. Checkpoint: Run a finger around the rim to confirm the tyre is seated uniformly.
5. Reattach the wheels and test: Tighten the nut or screws securely, then spin each wheel by hand to check for wobble or binding. Checkpoint: Do a quick test drive on a safe surface to confirm the tyres perform as expected.

Genuine L.O.T Spare Parts Tyres

• L.O.T Spare Parts - Set of 4 Drift/Grip Tyres for L.O.T Cars Ghost RC Drift Car: L.O.T Cars offer versatile tyre options to match your driving style: drift tyres with smooth surfaces for controlled sliding and high-speed cornering on flat areas, and grip tyres featuring high-traction rubber for superior control, stability, and faster speeds on demanding surfaces. This set gives you both options in one purchase, so you can switch between drift and grip without buying separate sets.
• L.O.T Spare Parts - Set of 4 Tyres for Knox Off Road RC Car: High-traction rubber tyres that provide enhanced grip and speed for superior stability on rough or slick surfaces. These durable replacements excel in off-road conditions, sharp turns, and high-velocity runs, minimizing slippage while maximizing control and acceleration. If you're upgrading from a drift setup to a more aggressive grip setup, these tyres are built to handle rough terrain and sharp turns.
• L.O.T Spare Parts - Set of 4 Tyres for L.O.T Cars Bumble Off Road RC Car: High-traction rubber tyres that provide enhanced grip and speed for superior stability on rough or slick surfaces. These durable replacements excel in off-road conditions, sharp turns, and high-velocity runs, minimising slippage while maximising control and acceleration. This set is ideal for Bumble owners who want to replace worn tyres with a durable grip option for off-road driving.

Replacing the tyres on your L.O.T RC drift car is a straightforward task that can dramatically change how your car handles. Whether you stick with drift tyres for smooth slides or switch to grip tyres for more traction and speed, using genuine L.O.T spare parts ensures a proper fit and reliable performance. Take your time with the installation, and you'll be back on the track in no time.