How to Increase the Range of a Remote Control Car

Many remote controlled cars can drive up to about 100 feet. After that distance, the receiver, which is located in the radio controlled car, starts to lose the signal from the transmitter, which is the hand controller. There are aftermarket transmitters and receivers that help extend the distance of the radio controlled vehicle. Other options include working with the antenna on the vehicle. If the antenna is not high enough on the car, the distance will be dramatically shorter.

Remove the stock receiver from the radio controlled car. Unplug the wires connecting the receiver to the power source and motor. Remove the screws holding the receiver in place using a Phillips screwdriver.

Place an aftermarket receiver in the radio controlled car. This higher-powered receiver will allow the car to travel farther. Screw the receiver in place. If the aftermarket receiver cannot be screwed into the pre-drilled holes in the car's chassis, tape the receiver in place with double-sided foam tape. Connect the power and motor wires to the receiver.

Purchase an aftermarket hand-held transmitter that has equal power to the receiver. The frequency crystals must match for the transmitter and receiver to communicate with one another. The transmitter and crystals can be purchased in any hobby retail store or from online hobby specialists.

Inspect the antenna on the radio controlled car. Run the antenna through the antenna tube. Secure the tube in the pre-drilled hole in the car's chassis, which holds the tube vertically on the car. More distance can be gained from the car due to the higher antenna.

Replace the stock antenna on the transmitter with a longer aftermarket antenna. Aftermarket antennas can be purchased at any hobby retailer. Twist the stock antenna counterclockwise until it is fully unscrewed from the transmitter. Insert the aftermarket antenna in place of the stock antenna. Twist the new antenna clockwise until it is snug in place. Turn on the transmitter first, and then the car. Drive the vehicle to make sure all the components work properly.