Choosing the Right Servo The servo is an essential part of your RC car, controlling the steering, and in the case of gas-powered cars, also the throttle and brake functions.
Servo Sizes The "standard" servo size is about 40x39x20mm and fits most 1/10 and 1/8 cars, as well as the gas/brake functions in larger gas cars. "Low-profile servos" are smaller and typically have less pulling force; they are suitable for 1/10 on-road cars that don't require much force. "Mini/micro servos" are even smaller and often used in Crawlers for gear shifting and differential locking, also used in some 1/16 and 1/18 cars for steering. "Large-scale servos" are strong, heavy-duty servos for large gas cars; they can pull many kilograms but are also large, fitting only in 1/5 and 1/6 cars.
Servo Pulling Force Most 1/10 RTR cars, such as Monster Trucks, need a strong 20 kg servo. For 1/10 Onroad cars, you'd typically need a servo with around 12 kg of force. For 1/8 Buggies or Monster Trucks, choose one with at least 20 kg, but preferably 25-30 kg. For Crawlers, many prefer a steering servo with at least 20 kg, but preferably 30-35 kg, ensuring the servo can pull the vehicle out of tricky spots. For gas/brake functions in large gas cars, a force of 20-25 kg is recommended for reliable braking.
Servo Speed For casual driving or bashing in open spaces, you probably don't need a super-fast steering servo. But if you're racing and want quick turns and chicanes, opt for a faster servo with speeds of 0.12 sec or faster.
Servo Voltage When selecting a servo, it's crucial to know the "BEC" voltage on your car/speed controller. Many RTR cars run with a 6V BEC receiver, but some run on 7.4V or 8.4V. Make sure your servo can handle the voltage; otherwise, it will burn out. Servos that can handle higher than 6V become faster and stronger with higher voltage.
Choosing Gear Material for your Servo Most servos come with metal gears, which are robust. However, some come with plastic gears, which are less durable in case of a collision. We always recommend going for a servo with metal gears.
Servo Housing Material You can find servos with plastic or aluminum housings, or a combination of both. Aluminum provides better cooling and is more resistant to twisting under heavy loads.
Servo Motor Types DC, coreless, and brushless are the available options. DC is the older, cheaper type. Coreless is stronger, more accurate, and faster to change direction. Brushless is even stronger, faster, more accurate, and durable.
Is the Servo Waterproof? Most servos are well-protected against water, but fully waterproof servos are available. This can be advantageous if you have a Crawler you want to drive in water or a basher car for rainy weather use.
Servo Horn Tooth Count Servos come with a varying number of teeth for the servo horn, typically 23, 24, and 25. Make sure to match this with what your car is originally equipped with; otherwise, you risk damaging the gears and servo horn.
SRT Servos SRT produces high-quality servos for RC cars, suitable for most models. They are made with ball bearings and metal gears, ensuring better steering control.
Traxxas Servos If you own a Traxxas RC car and need a replacement servo, we have a wide range of original Traxxas servos to get you back on the road quickly!
Spektrum Servos We offer original Spektrum servos, compatible with Arrma and Losi cars.
WL Toys Servos If you own a 1/12 or 1/18 RC car from WL Toys, you can find suitable servos here.