Want to give your child’s ride-on car a serious speed boost? It’s easier than you might think to upgrade the power and get them cruising faster. This guide will walk you through how to convert a standard 12v battery in a Power Wheels toy to a more powerful 18v lithium-ion setup. While it sounds technical, with the right tools and a little know-how, you can complete this modification and add around 50% more speed to their battery-powered ride-on.
To get started, you’ll need to gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the job smoother and safer. Here’s a rundown of what you should have on hand:
Essential Tools for Your Childs Car Engine Upgrade
- Soldering Iron: Soldering Iron – For making secure and lasting electrical connections.
- Mini Screwdriver Set: Mini screwdriver set – Essential for working with small screws often found in toy cars.
- Wire Strippers: Wire Strippers – For preparing wires for connection by safely removing insulation.
- Crimpers: Crimpers – To securely attach connectors to wires.
- Mini Pliers: Mini Pliers – Helpful for manipulating small parts in tight spaces.
- Magnetic Parts Dish: magnetic parts dish – Keeps small metal parts organized and prevents loss.
- Multimeter: Multimeter – For testing voltage and ensuring correct electrical flow.
Once you have your tools ready, you’ll need the right components to perform the battery upgrade. Here’s what you should gather for the electrical modification:
Components for Upgrading Your Childs Car Engine
- Fuse Holder: Fuse Holder – Absolutely crucial for safety, it protects against electrical surges.
- 30A ATC Fuses: 30A ATC Fuses – These fuses are designed to work with the fuse holder and provide the necessary protection.
- 10ga Wire: 10ga wire – Heavy-duty wire to handle the increased power.
- Heat Sinks (Optional): Heat Sinks – Help to dissipate heat from the motors, potentially extending their lifespan.
- 18v Batteries: 18v Batteries – The core of the upgrade, providing the extra voltage.
- Battery Socket: Salvage this from a broken power tool or purchase an extra battery charger to connect to the new battery.
Critical Safety Warning: Fuses Are Non-Negotiable
No matter what modifications you undertake on a child’s ride-on toy, an inline fuse is absolutely essential. Do not proceed without installing a fuse. Factory batteries include internal thermal fuses, so when you switch to an aftermarket battery, adding an external fuse holder becomes mandatory. If you are at all uncertain about any aspect of this process, it is crucial to stop and reconsider or seek professional help.
Important Consideration: Overvolting and Component Wear
Be aware that increasing the voltage can put extra strain on the car’s components. Overvolting can lead to accelerated wear on gearboxes and motors. To mitigate this, keep the rider weight as light as possible, avoid sudden changes in direction while the car is moving, and allow for cool-down periods between battery swaps. Taking it easy will help maximize the lifespan of your child’s upgraded ride-on car.
