Hints for Balloon-Powered Cars

Materials

• Although the materials can be improvised, cardboard is the simplest and cheapest material that can be used for the body and wheels of the car. Styrofoam, if you have it, is the material recommended by the NASA guide, although as a rule, the lighter the material, the faster the car will move. If the materials are too heavy, the balloon may not push the car along at all.

Axles

• The axles can be tough to do, since ensuring a fast speed is reliant on minimizing friction. If you have an old toy car that can be butchered to provide wheels, then this is a good tip. Otherwise, ensure that the holes punched or cut through the wheels are slightly larger than the axles. This will minimize friction and therefore maximize speed.

Surface

• The best surface on which to run the balloon-powered car is a flat, smooth surface such as a wooden floor. Carpet will increase friction, as will grass or most outdoor surfaces. If you are feeling adventurous, you can fashion a small parachute from a piece of cloth and run your car off a table. Assuming your materials are light, this will not cause any damage and will be a fun addition to your balloon-powered car.