You might already have a ride-on toy at home or be planning on buying one, but you want to ensure that you care for it to extend its life as long as possible. A ride-on car is a big purchase, but if maintained properly, it’ll have years of fun and could be passed on to siblings or friends.
Pre-Christmas Storage Tips
First of all, if this is a Christmas or birthday gift, we know many organised people out there will order the ride-on car months before the big day. There are a couple of things you’ll want to do to prepare for the big day:
Check the Packaging on Arrival—Sometimes, there may be damage during delivery, and you must let the shop know as soon as possible to give them time to fix it. If your electric kids' buggy comes fully assembled, check that there are no loose parts or noticeable scratches caused in transit.
Store in a dry, cool place—After ensuring nothing is missing, put it back in the original packaging and store it in a climate-controlled area where moisture, heat, or cold will not damage it.
Hold off on the Full Charge—If you buy the gift months in advance, you might be able to check that it's working properly with the partial charge it’ll arrive with. Then, wait until just before the big gift-giving day to give it a full charge.
Make sure it’s hidden! Find a secure place where it won’t attract curious eyes. This will avoid accidental discovery and possible damages!
Preparing For Christmas Morning
We recommend that you do a few things before wrapping up this perfect Christmas gift for children.
Fully Charge the Battery—As mentioned, give the battery a full charge. Trust us, you don’t want your child to open this amazing gift only to be told they will have to wait 8-12 hours (the typical charge time for kids' ride-on cars) before they can actually use it!
Assemble Early—Give yourself plenty of time for this point! Although they are relatively straightforward to assemble, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of time and won't be rumbled and the surprise ruined! Follow the instructions carefully (some cars have videos showing the assembly) and test all the functions.
Perform a safety check – Make sure that all the screws, bolts and connections are secure and test the parent remote control if you’re planning on using it.
General Maintenance Tips
If you look after your child’s electric car properly, there will be many hours of fun to be had:
Battery Care
- Charge after every use: Draining the battery ultimately will shorten its life.
- Avoid Overcharging: When the car has fully charged, unplug the charger to avoid any damages.
- Store batteries Properly: If the ride-on toy won’t be used for a more extended period, like through the winter months, give the battery a 50% charge and then store it in a cool, dry place.
Cleaning and Protection
- Clean Regularly: After use, use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe down the ride-on buggy or car, especially after off-road adventures. Using materials that are too harsh may damage the paint or plastic.
- Protect from the weather: Use a cover such as Titan Toys Waterproof Ride-on Car Protection Cover, or store the car indoors to protect it from rain, sun or snow, which could cause rusting and fading.
Mechanical Maintenance
- Check for loose parts: Ensure that the wheels are tightened and there are no visible cables from the dashboard.
- Inspect tyres: Check the tyres in case of any damage, especially if the 4x4 buggy is going off-road often or the Drift-Kart gets used frequently.
Storage Tips
- Off-Season Storage: Clean the toy thoroughly and store it in a dry, temperature-controlled space. Disconnect the battery if the toy won’t be used for an extended period.
- Use a Protective Cover: Covers help shield the toy from dust and accidental scratches. Titan Toys Car cover comes in 3 different sizes and is waterproof.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Is the car not turning on? Check that the battery is connected properly when charging and that the charger is fully unplugged when you start the car.
- Reduced Speed or Range—Make sure that the battery is fully charged. Don’t leave a battery unused for too long, as it will charge out.
- Making weird noises? Look for loose parts or debris stuck in the wheels or underneath.
If you follow these steps, you’ll ensure that the electric kids' car is the highlight of your child’s Christmas morning and a long-lasting source of adventure for your child!
