How to Make Car with Washing Machine Motor

The Unexpected Star: Washing Machine Motors as Car Powerhouses

So, you want to make a car powered by a washing machine motor? Well, first things first: yes, it’s as crazy as it sounds and no, this isn’t a Hollywood sci-fi plot. Washing machine motors, particularly the universal motors commonly found in older washers, pack a surprisingly juicy punch—typically around 500 watts. That’s enough muscle to get a small DIY electric vehicle rolling, if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and your brain buzzing.

Why use washing machine motors? Because they’re often readily available, inexpensive if you salvage from old machines, and they’re designed for variable speed and bidirectional rotation. This means you can control their speed with finesse and even reverse them, which is just what you need when transforming one into your personal electric chariot.

Before we jump into the nuts and bolts (and belts and chains), here’s a cheeky wink: this project is perfect for go-karts, small electric cars, or quirky proof-of-concept rides. Don’t expect to cruise the freeway anytime soon, but totally expect to turn heads at the neighborhood racetrack.

Step 1: Salvage That Sweet Motor

Hit your local thrift store or dig into your garage for an old washing machine. You’re looking for the motor usually attached to the drum—ideally a universal type motor with brushes and a commutator that spins on AC or DC. Extract the motor carefully, making sure to preserve wiring and mounting brackets. If you’re curious about the exact specs and how to identify these motors, this video shows the basics of motor power and characteristics.

Once you have your motor, clean it up, check for wear on brushes, and replace them if worn. A smooth-running motor is a happy motor—and happy motors make happy rides.

Step 2: Acquire or Build a Controller for Mastering Motor Mojo

Here’s where we drop the jargon bomb: universal washing machine motors need a special driver or controller circuit to regulate speed and torque properly. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch; these motors require phase angle control or Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to adjust their speed smoothly.

Without a controller, the motor will either run full tilt or not at all. Controllers also help with reversing the motor, which is vital for a car-like experience. You can find pre-made motor controllers online or build your own if you’re a bit of an electronics whiz. For a practical, hands-on example, check out this DIY drivetrain video.

If you want to skip the hassle of AC motors, consider converting the washing machine motor to run on 12V DC by modifying the wiring and hooking it up to battery power. It’s been done with great success, as explained here.

Step 3: Frame Your Dream Machine

No motor thrills without a solid frame. You’ll want to build a sturdy chassis using reinforced steel tubes or heavy-duty aluminum. The frame must support the motor(s), batteries, wheels, and your passenger seat (hopefully you!).

Mount the motor(s) firmly—yes, vibration is your enemy here. If you choose to use two motors, one per drive wheel, you can enable dynamic steering by adjusting the power to each motor independently. This setup offers a bit of that sci-fi flair where you steer with your throttle. For example, a swivel front wheel combined with differential speed control on the driven rear wheels works brilliantly, as demonstrated in this DIY kart build.

Step 4: Powering Up – Batteries and Wiring

You’ll need a robust power source—usually a 12V deep cycle battery is a starting point. Can you wire several in series for higher voltage? Absolutely! Just remember, the washing machine motors were designed for AC mains voltage, so converting to DC requires compatible controllers and careful wiring to avoid frying components.

A dimmer switch or a closed-loop speed control circuit will help you manage throttle response, just like a professional electric vehicle—only far more handcrafted and characterful.

Step 5: Drivetrain Mechanics – Belts, Chains, and Wheels

Your motor’s shaft won’t directly spin the wheel (unless you’re into extreme DIY torture devices). Instead, use a belt or chain drive to transfer power to the wheels. This approach lets you adjust gear ratios and smooth out torque delivery.

Depending on your frame design, you might add sprockets or pulleys to the motor shaft and the axle, linking them with a chain or belt. This setup is straightforward and offers good mechanical advantage for low-speed torque.

Step 6: Fine Tuning and Testing – The Art of Trial and Error

No handmade car build is complete without some greasing of elbows and brains. Test your wiring, ensure all connections are solid, and carefully power up your motors. Expect to debug the controller software or circuits, adjust your mounting points, and troubleshoot wiring hiccups.

When you finally get those wheels spinning smoothly, take your creation for a slow and cautious spin. Performance will reflect the motor power, battery charge, and mechanical efficiency. Don’t forget safety gear—you’re playing with electrified kinetic energy, after all.

Bonus Tips & Resources

Watch practical guides on motor conversions and DIY electric vehicles on YouTube, like this inventive project explaining homemade infinite energy using washing machine motors.
Engage with communities like DIY Go Karts forums for seasoned tips and troubleshooting.
Consider sourcing ready-to-use brushless DC motors designed for electric vehicle conversions if you want to graduate beyond washing machine motors, such as kits found here.

Why Settle for Just Washing Machine Motors?

While repurposing washing machine motors is a fantastic introduction to electric vehicle engineering, they naturally come with power limits. Your mini car won’t win any drag races against a Tesla, but it’ll definitely ace the ‘coolest backyard project’ award.

For those hungry for more speed and longevity, checking out professional-grade brushless DC motors or automotive electric motors is the way forward. Still, nothing beats the quirky charm of driving a car powered by something once used to spin your laundry.

Ready to Kickstart Your Build?

Grab your tools, safety gear, and a preferably intact washing machine motor from trusted sources. For quality parts and battery packs, check the recommended links below for quick shopping.

– Buy Parts in India
– Global including USA

Remember, safety first! Wear protective gear, consult with experts if you’re unsure, and keep your workspace tidy. Now go on, turn that laundry relic into a rolling legend!