Want to boost the excitement of your kid’s Power Wheels ride-on toy? Upgrading the battery is a fantastic way to increase its speed and fun factor. While modifications should always be approached with caution, converting from a standard 12v sealed lead acid battery to an 18v lithium-ion battery is a popular and effective upgrade. This modification can deliver approximately 50% more speed to your battery-powered ride-on (BPRO), turning it into a real speed machine for your little one.
To undertake this project, you’ll need a selection of essential Car Wheel Power Tools and components. These tools, commonly found in automotive repair and DIY garages, are crucial for safely and effectively performing the battery upgrade. Having the right tools not only ensures a smoother modification process but also guarantees the safety and longevity of your upgraded toy car. Below is an overview of the tools and components you should gather before starting this exciting project.
Essential Car Wheel Power Tools for the Battery Upgrade
For this Power Wheels battery upgrade, and many other car-related DIY tasks, a set of reliable car wheel power tools is indispensable. While not all listed tools might be used in every single modification, they represent a handy collection for any automotive enthusiast or DIY parent. These tools ensure precision, safety, and a professional finish to your projects.
Tools List:
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Soldering Iron: A Soldering Iron is essential for creating secure and lasting electrical connections. When working with car wheel power tools and electrical components, soldering provides a more reliable connection than simply twisting wires together.
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Mini Screwdriver Set: A Mini screwdriver set is crucial for handling the small screws often found in electronic toys and automotive components. Precision screwdrivers are vital car wheel power tools for delicate tasks.
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Wire Strippers: Wire Strippers are indispensable car wheel power tools for preparing wires for connection. They allow you to remove insulation without damaging the wire itself, ensuring a clean and effective electrical contact.
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Crimpers: Crimpers are another vital car wheel power tool for creating secure electrical connections, especially when using crimp connectors. They provide a mechanical bond that is both strong and electrically sound.
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Mini Pliers: Mini Pliers are versatile car wheel power tools useful for gripping, bending, and manipulating small components in tight spaces. Their precision is beneficial for detailed work on automotive electronics.
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Magnetic Parts Dish: A magnetic parts dish might seem simple, but it’s an incredibly helpful car wheel power tool accessory. It keeps small metal parts like screws and nuts from getting lost, especially when working under the hood or on intricate projects.
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Multimeter: A Multimeter is an essential car wheel power tool for diagnosing electrical issues and ensuring correct voltage and continuity. It’s crucial for verifying your wiring and the safety of your modifications.
Components for the 18v Battery Upgrade
Besides the car wheel power tools, you’ll need specific components to complete the 18v battery upgrade successfully. These components are crucial for safety, performance, and compatibility.
Components List:
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Fuse Holder: A Fuse Holder is absolutely vital for safety. It’s non-negotiable when modifying the battery system of any ride-on toy. Inline fuses are critical car wheel power tool safety accessories in this type of modification.
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30A ATC Fuses: 30A ATC Fuses are designed to work with the fuse holder and protect the electrical system from overloads. Using the correct fuse rating is crucial for preventing damage and ensuring safety when using car wheel power tools to modify electrical systems.
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10ga Wire: 10ga wire is recommended for handling the higher current from the upgraded battery. Using appropriate gauge wire is a fundamental aspect of safe car wheel power tool electrical work.
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Heat Sinks (Optional): Heat Sinks are optional but highly recommended to prolong the life of the motors by dissipating heat. Considering thermal management is a mark of expertise when using car wheel power tools for performance enhancements.
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18v Batteries: 18v Batteries are the core of this upgrade. Ideally, you might already have some if you use cordless car wheel power tools that utilize this battery voltage. Having extras ensures continuous fun. You’ll also need to salvage a battery socket from a broken tool or extra charger to connect these batteries to the Power Wheels.
Safety First: The Absolute Necessity of a Fuse
SUPER IMPORTANT: Regardless of the battery modifications you undertake on a kids ride-on, incorporating an inline fuse is absolutely non-negotiable. DO NOT SKIP THE FUSE. Whenever you introduce an aftermarket battery to a BPRO, a fuse becomes a critical safety component. Stock batteries typically include internal thermal fuses, but changing to a different battery system necessitates adding an external inline fuse holder. This is paramount for preventing electrical fires and protecting the toy’s electrical system. If you are at all uncertain about any aspect of this process, DO NOT ATTEMPT IT. Safety should always be your top priority when working with car wheel power tools and electrical modifications.
A Word of Caution: Overvolting and Component Wear
Secondary Warning: Be aware that overvolting puts increased stress on the stock drivetrain components. When you apply extra voltage, expect gearboxes and motors to wear out more rapidly. You can mitigate this wear by:
- Keeping the total rider weight as low as possible (avoid overloading the ride-on with multiple children).
- Avoiding rapid directional shifts while the vehicle is in motion.
- Allowing cooling periods between battery changes to prevent overheating.
By taking it easy and driving responsibly, you can prolong the lifespan of your modified ride-on toy, even with the increased power from the battery upgrade. Remember, while car wheel power tools enable exciting modifications, responsible usage ensures lasting fun and safety.
