If you haven't cleaned your rails in a while, speed may be left unfulfilled.The rails transfer electricity to the cars and hold them in place, so the cleaner they are, the quicker and smoother your cars will be.A simple wipe down is usually more than enough to keep your tracks clean, but if the cars keep stalling or sliding off the track, the rails may be corroded.You can get rid of it too.
Step 1: Warm water and a clean cloth can be used to clean.
Water works well for everyday cleaning.If you want to get it damp, grab a clean bar rag or microfiber cloth.You don't need a lot of water for this.If you keep your tracks set up, you can wipe down the rails once a week.You should clean the tracks whenever you take them out of the box.
Step 2: For the smoothest ride, use braid conditioner.
If you want to improve your speed, invest in a special conditioner.The metal thread that sticks out of the slot car is called the braids.The electrical current from the rail makes the car move when you turn it on.You can buy braid conditioner online or at hobby shops.If you are interested in competitive racing, you should use the braid conditioner.The advantage over water will be worth it.
Step 3: Run the cloth over the track with a smooth motion.
Hold the damp portion of the cloth downward and drag it across the track in the direction that the cars travel.If you want to get rid of the dirt and dust on your rails, you have to work your way all the way around the track.You can start anywhere on the track.It doesn't matter where you start as long as you cover the entire course because each track length is the same.Clean each track length individually if your track is disassembled.
Step 4: Put the cloth back on and wipe the tracks down a few more times.
After giving the tracks a nice surface wipe, reload your cloth with more water or braid conditioner.If you want to get everything off the rails, you need to give the tracks an additional few wipe-down.You don't have to push down hard.A wipe will do the trick.
Step 5: Use a microfiber cloth to dry the track.
A fresh microfiber cloth can be folded up a few times.You wiped it down and drag it around the track.Work the cloth around the track to absorb the water.Hit the rails with some canned air to speed up the drying process.
Step 6: You can drive a slot car around the track and clean the rails.
You can't get inside the rails, but you know what you can do.Your slot cars!Put the push pin under the slot car to get it into the rail.You can clean the interior gap between the rails by driving it around the track.Take the slot car off the track and wipe the push pin off to get rid of any gunk it picked up.If your cars were stalling before and then stalling again after you wipe down the tracks, your rails are likely to be damaged.If your cars are stalling or sliding, it is definitely there since the rails are so small.
Step 7: You need a fine sponge to restore your rails.
Pick up a sponge at the construction supply store.Anything 120-grit or higher will work.The healthy parts of the rails are not damaged by the sponge.A rubber eraser will work if you can't buy a drywall sponge.Do not use steel wool for this.They are too hard and can get stuck in the tracks.
Step 8: The sponge should be rubbed back and forth on the rail.
Put the sponge flat on the track and apply a light amount of pressure as you drag it back and forth over the same area.Go to the next section of the track and do the same thing.Work your way around the track to remove the rust.The flat portions of your track are not in danger of being damaged.They are designed to handle a bit of damage.
Step 9: Use compressed air between the rails to get rid of it.
The compressed air should be inserted into the nozzle.The nozzle should be held over the rails at a 45 degree angle.To blow out the corrosive junk, drag the can all the way around the track.There were corrosive particles that fell in between the rails.
Step 10: If the slot car is smooth, drive it around the track 5 times.
Put the slot car in the track.It's a good idea to drive it around the track a few times.If it stalls or catches on a portion of the railing, push it forward and see if the problem repeats itself.The pin on your car pushed the obstruction out.If the car stalls at the same spot every time, it's a sign that you still have problems in that area.Blow the sponge out and try again.When you're done removing debris from the track, wipe the car's push pin off.
Step 11: Pick up any remaining dust by wiping the track down.
Once the track is running smoothly, run a dry cloth around it.The cars travel in the same direction that you wipe in.The flatter portion of the track has corrosive junk on it.The microfiber cloth will absorb the small particles on the tiny rails.If you want to do a final wipe down with a damp rag soaked in mineral spirits, this is controversial in the slot car community.Dust can be attracted to the spirits and build up on the tracks, so some slot car racers think it isn't worth it.