How To Properly Maintain Your Ride-On Toys For Longevity
Ride-on toys have long been popular for children of all ages, and they can last for many years of fun with the proper care and maintenance. Whether they’re push cars or bikes, pedal cars or motorised electric cars, ride-on toys require regular cleaning, inspection and proper storage to stay safe and fun for your little ones.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to maintain your kids’ toys for endless ride-on toy entertainment, from inspections, solutions and maintenance tips.
Ride-on toys maintenance checks
No matter how infrequently your kids’ ride-on toys are used, time will weather kids’ toys and require thorough maintenance checks to ensure their safety and functionality. The most common problem faced with ride-on toys is slowed or weak performance, and for ride-on cars or bikes, it’s the motors not starting smoothly or at all.
Be sure to keep an eye out for these potential issues to prevent any unwelcome accidents. Regardless of your ride-on toy model’s specifications, most are made with screws, nuts or bolts that will require checks and tightening. For electric ride-on toys, remember to also check for any wear and tear in the wiring.
Additionally, you will need to clean your ride-on toys often to prevent gunk from compromising the performance and integrity of the product. Read on for more step-by-step instructions.
Cleaning your ride-on toys
- Make a gentle solution with water and a mild detergent — be careful to avoid any harsh chemicals that could cause damage to the painted or plastic components of the ride-on toy.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the solution and wipe off any dirt or grime. Some hard-to-reach spots may require long, thin brushes for proper cleaning. Just be sure that the bristles aren’t too stiff and won’t scratch the components of the ride-on toy.
- Rinse off the solution with water, making sure there’s no soapy residue left.
- Use another soft, dry cloth to wipe and dry the ride-on toy thoroughly. If weather and time permits, give it a few hours or overnight to air dry completely.
It’s recommended you clean your child’s ride-on toy at least once a month, but more repeated use or extra messy playtime during muddier or dusty days will require more frequent and immediate cleaning.
Tire or wheel maintenance
- Use a gauge to check the tire pressure of your kids’ ride-on toys before each use.
- Inflate or deflate tires as needed, using an air pump and making sure to replace the tire pins properly.
- Clean the tires for any gunk that can affect their traction.
- Replace the tires and other related parts if you observe any significant wear and tear, such as cracks or bulges.
- For non-motorised ride-on toys with wheels, it’s still important to check the integrity of the wheels, pedals and other parts that affect how your kids will move.
- Be sure that everything that needs to be tight is properly screwed in and that everything is lubricated properly so the mechanisms rotate or operate smoothly. This will help prevent any accidents that could injure your child.
Battery maintenance
Make sure you check the battery level of your kid’s toys before each use. Whether it’s an electric car or bike, a properly charged and functioning battery will help prevent unwanted situations, such as your child suddenly stopping or getting stuck in unsafe locations. So, remember to follow these battery charging tips for your ride-on toy’s maintenance:
- Follow the charging guidelines listed in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Avoid overcharging or undercharging. This can shorten battery efficiency and lifespan.
- Avoid leaving the batter connected and unattended for long periods of time.
Storage
It’s best to keep ride-on toys indoors or under a shelter when not in use. Keep them dry or away from harsh elements as much as possible to prevent unnecessary exposure and wear and tear. If you plan to keep an electric ride-on unused for extended periods of time, it’s best to remove the battery and store it separately in a cool and dry place.
Not sure what to do?
If you notice extreme wear and tear on any crucial components of your child’s ride-on toy, especially in the wiring, battery or motor of an electric ride-on car or bike, it’s best to have it inspected and repaired by a professional. You should consult a professional and contact the manufacturer or seller of the ride-on toy.
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