After every session
Disconnect the battery, remove loose debris with a soft brush and check for hair around axles. Look for loose screws, cracked body mounts, damaged wires and uneven tyre wear. Keep cleaners away from electronics and follow the manufacturer’s lubricant guidance. Do not saturate the car with oil.
Know your differential
A gear differential allows the driven wheels to rotate at different speeds through gears. A ball differential uses balls and friction surfaces with adjustable preload. Too much preload can add drag; too little can allow slip. Rebuild and adjust according to the exact unit’s instructions rather than tightening it until the car feels locked.
Keep a small, useful spares box
Carry the fasteners, front-end pieces and body mounts your car actually uses. Store tyres labelled by compound and use. Record what changed after a repair so the next test remains meaningful. Inspect battery condition before storage and follow chemistry-specific storage instructions. Good maintenance is a way to buy more track time with fewer parts.
Finish each session by preparing for the next one.