🔍 What changed
This is the first version of the article, so everything below was added.
Water plus a still-powered car is how you kill electronics and rust bearings. Do this instead:
**1. Kill the power.** Switch off and unplug the battery before anything else. Running a wet car to 'dry it' just spins water into the bearings and motor.
**2. Get the water out.** Compressed air (or a leaf blower) blows standing water out of the chassis, wheels and driveline.
**3. Protect the electronics.** If the receiver, ESC or servo took water, open what you can, dry it fully, and let it sit before powering up. A light film of dielectric grease on connectors helps going forward — many bashers water-proof the receiver box in advance.
**4. Save the bearings.** Bearings rust fast. Rinse grit out, dry them, and re-oil (or replace if they're already gritty/notchy). A drop of light oil on the driveline and screws keeps corrosion off metal parts.
**5. Dry storage.** Let everything finish drying before you put the car and its battery away.