Whether it’s snow, wet lawn, or slippery pavement, your child’s Power Wheels car will benefit from better traction.
Since most Power Wheels vehicles have plastic wheels, the tires can lose traction faster, especially if it’s frequently used.
One way to get better traction for Power Wheels is by adding rubber on the surface of wheels. Likewise, you can also replace the plastic tires entirely with rubber ones. Although this option can be costly, it can last longer and ensure improved grip on any surface.
Read on and find out more about getting better traction on power wheels in simple ways.
Why Is Traction Important on Power Wheels?
Traction is essential on Power Wheels to ensure better grip on the tracks. It also warrants that the ride-on car doesn’t get stuck in terrains with wet or loose surfaces.
Generally, it follows the same principles as that of an actual car. The more traction, the better the contact of the vehicle on the ground.
Not only does it assure a smooth drive, but it also guarantees protection for your child. Without good traction, accidents such as slipping on the road can occur.
Power Wheels tend to lose traction as the tires wear out over time. This has a lot to do with the materials used for the wheels.
Plastic Wheels vs. Rubber Wheels
While you’ll never find plastic wheels on actual cars, they are pretty standard among ride-on vehicles.
Real-world cars use rubber tires. So, you might be wondering why they aren’t that common with Power Wheels and alternative products.
Plastic wheels on amazon tend to be cheaper and lightweight, making it child-friendly in a way. They are also simpler to take off and replace. However, as you may already be thinking right now, plastic wheels have several disadvantages.
1. Plastic wheels are not durable.
It seems so apparent that plastic tires don’t last long. The materials are breakable, especially with prolonged use, sunlight exposure, and off-road drives. They can also easily sustain damage from objects they bump.
2. They have less traction.
Plastic wheels tend to be more slippery than rubber ones. They also lack the necessary grip for the child to move the vehicle backward or forward quickly.
As a result, it would be even more challenging to ride Power Wheels on grass or other terrains. Also, there is a high chance that your kid won’t be able to drive the vehicle on snowy or wet pavement.
3. They tend to have poor performance.
A lot of what’s happening in the Power Wheels car rides on the tires. With plastic wheels, your child may not get their desired speed.
4. They produce noise.
When plastic wheels touch the ground, especially concrete pathways, it can be noisy. It may seem like a minor inconvenience, but some children can be sensitive to this sound.
On the other hand, rubber wheels may cost more, but they have some advantages.
5. Rubber tires increase traction.
One of the main benefits of rubber tires or even just rubberized wheels is better traction on Power Wheels.
With an improved grip on the surface, you can ensure that the car can be ridden on snow, wet grass, and other terrains. In addition, rubber tires can be wider and have deeper treads.
6. They are more aesthetically appealing.
If you want to improve the aesthetics of the Power Wheels, go for rubber tires. They will make any ride-on car look more like a real-life vehicle.
7. They improve speed and performance.
Using rubber tires for Power Wheels can enhance the speed and power of the car. And as traction is improved, so is its performance. Moreover, power use is also maximized for driving.
How to Get Better Traction on Power Wheels?
So, between plastic wheels and rubber wheels, the better option is the latter.
But since not all Power Wheels models are equipped with rubber wheels, the plastic ones can still improve traction by adding rubber on the surface. It’s only a matter of how.
There are several ways to increase the traction of Power Wheels
1. Fitting traction bands
Traction bands are often fitted on the tires. That way, you don’t have to replace the plastic wheels with rubber ones.
Power Wheels models often have specific traction bands you can buy. Although it will not completely rubberize the tires, they are generally easier to install without issues.
2. Use a seal spray or liquid rubber coating
Another alternative to increasing the traction of Power Wheels is spraying or applying liquid rubber on the coat of the tires.
The process may require a drying period of about 8 hours, but the coating will be enough to protect the car from slipping or getting stuck on the ground.
3. Cover the tires with duct tape
Duct tapes may seem shiny and smooth, but putting some strips on the Power Wheels’ tires can add traction.
However, adding duct tapes is not a permanent solution. At best, it’s placed during brief conditions where traction is needed.
4. Adding rubber strips
Another hack for increasing traction that lets you save money is attaching rubber strips on the surface of the tires. These rubber strips act like elevated treads, which improve grip on the surface.
But much like the duct tape, rubber strips are not as sustainable as your other options.
By far, the most reliable means of increasing traction of Power Wheels is through fitting traction bands.
However, you can also consider more budget-friendly options, especially if the need for traction is conditional.
Putting Rubber Tires on a Power Wheels Car
When traction can’t be improved by a patch, or the methods mentioned earlier, perhaps it’s time to consider replacing the plastic tires with rubber.
To do so, you’ll have to take care of buying rubber tires that match the Power Wheels model and secure the necessary tools if you’re making the upgrade as your personal DIY project.
Check out the following steps to correctly put rubber tires on a Power Wheels Car.
- Find rubber tires that are compatible with the Power Wheels model.
- Prepare the tools you’ll need, like a hammer and flat face screwdriver.
- Look for a flat, solid area where you can easily do the work. If you have a table in your garage or any elevated surface, that would be helpful.
- Place the Power Wheels in an upright position to give you better access to the tires. You can also elevate the car using a mini-jack.
- Once the Power Wheels is in position, start loosening and removing the retainer caps, retainers, hubcaps, and finally, the tire. Use a screwdriver in the process.
- Grab the rubber tire and attach it to the wheel space. Next, install the hubcap, retainer, and retainer cap. Apply some force to push parts in, but use minimal power not to break fragile parts.
- Test the new rubber tires by asking your kid to take them to a short spin.
Final Thoughts
When a Power Wheels car has better traction, you can rest assured that your child is safe and having fun.
Issues like slipping or getting stuck in dirt can be avoided. However, getting sufficient traction, especially for plastic tires, depends on factors such as your budget and the degree to which the tires are worn out.
Nevertheless, it’s always better to go after long-term solutions than temporary ones.