Preparing the Vehicle
1. Choose the Right Vehicle: Not all automatic transmission vehicles are suitable for burnouts. Opt for vehicles with high torque and rear-wheel drive.
2. Inspect Tires: Ensure your tires are in good condition, with enough tread depth. Worn tires can result in reduced traction and potential safety hazards.
3. Check Transmission Fluid: Verify the transmission fluid level and condition. Low or contaminated fluid can compromise the transmission’s performance.
4. Safety Equipment: For your protection, wear a helmet and gloves. Utilize a roll cage for enhanced safety if your vehicle is equipped with one. Safety is paramount when performing burnouts.
Wheelspin Control and Stability Systems
Modern automatic transmission vehicles may be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control systems. These systems are designed to prevent wheelspin and enhance stability. For successful burnouts, you may need to temporarily disable these systems by consulting the vehicle’s owner’s manual or seeking professional assistance.
Refer to the table below for a general guide on disabling ESC and traction control systems:
Vehicle Model | Disabling Method |
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Ford Mustang (2015-present) | Press and hold the traction control button for 5 seconds |
Chevrolet Camaro (2016-present) | Press the ESC button twice |
Dodge Challenger (2015-present) | Press and hold the ESC button for 10 seconds |
Note: Disabling safety systems may increase the risk of loss of control. Proceed with caution and at your own discretion.
Applying Throttle and Brakes Simultaneously
This is the most crucial step in the burnout process. To initiate the burnout, follow these steps simultaneously:
1. Lock the Parking Brake
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward. This will help stabilize the car and keep it in place during the burnout.
2. Hold the Brake Pedal
With your left foot, firmly depress the brake pedal to prevent the car from moving. Ensure that you apply consistent and steady pressure to maintain the vehicle in a stationary position.
3. Rev the Engine
Using your right foot, gradually press down on the gas pedal to raise the engine’s RPMs. As you increase the RPMs, feel for the point where the tires start to break loose and spin slightly.
4. Modulate the Brakes
Once the tires start to spin, carefully modulate the brake pressure by slightly releasing and reapplying the pedal. This will help control the amount of wheelspin and prevent the tires from locking up completely.
5. Find the Sweet Spot
The sweet spot is a balance where the tires are spinning freely but still have enough traction to prevent the car from lurching forward. It takes practice to find the ideal brake modulation for your particular vehicle and driving surface.
6. Controlled Release
Gradually release the brake pedal while simultaneously applying more throttle. This will increase the wheelspin and create a controlled burnout. Be careful not to release the brake too quickly, as it can cause the car to surge forward abruptly.
Remember, it is essential to practice this technique in a safe and controlled environment. Always wear proper safety gear and ensure that you have ample space to perform the burnout. Beginners should start with short, controlled burns to gain experience and avoid any potential accidents.
| Burnout Technique | Procedure |
|—|—|
| Applying Throttle and Brakes Simultaneously | Refer to the above detailed explanation |
| Shift into Neutral | Shift the transmission into neutral before applying the throttle and brakes |
| Use Line-Lock | Engage a line-lock system to hold the front brakes while applying throttle |
Ending the Burnout Safely
9. Gradually Release the Break
Once the tires start to slip, slowly release the brake pedal. Maintaining a consistent throttle position will allow the tires to continue spinning while the car accelerates forward. Release the brake pedal too quickly, and the tires may grip the road surface, causing the car to lurch forward abruptly.
10. Countersteer as Needed
As the car accelerates, it may start to drift to one side. To prevent the car from spinning out, counter steer by turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the drift. Be gentle with the steering input, as oversteering could cause the car to lose control.
11. Engage the Gears
Once the car has reached a sufficient speed, engage the first gear to gain traction. Be prepared for the car to jerk as the transmission engages, but this is normal. Gradually increase the throttle input as you shift into higher gears, ensuring a smooth transition out of the burnout.
12. Brake to a Stop
To bring the car to a stop, apply light pressure to the brake pedal until the car slows down to a crawl. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this could lock the wheels and cause the car to skid. Once the car has come to a complete stop, engage the parking brake to prevent it from rolling.
Cooling Down Procedure
After completing a burnout, it’s crucial to follow the cooling down procedure to prevent damage to your transmission and other components:
1. Drive Slowly for 10-15 Minutes
Engage Drive (D) and drive slowly for 10-15 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to circulate and cool down.
2. Check Transmission Fluid Level
Park the vehicle on level ground and check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick. Add fluid as necessary according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Inspect Transmission Lines and Cooler
Visually inspect the transmission lines and cooler for any leaks or damage. If you notice anything unusual, seek professional assistance immediately.
4. Avoid Sudden Stops and Accelerations
Avoid sudden stops and accelerations while driving. This allows the transmission to cool down gradually.
5. Let the Engine Idle for 1-2 Minutes
Before turning off the engine, let it idle for 1-2 minutes to allow the transmission fluid to settle and cool down further.
6. Park on a Level Surface
Park the vehicle on a level surface to prevent any fluid leaks caused by uneven ground.
7. Engage Neutral (N) and Set Parking Brake
Shift the transmission into Neutral (N) and set the parking brake to prevent any unintended movement.
8. Allow the Vehicle to Cool for 30-60 Minutes
Let the vehicle cool for 30-60 minutes before opening the hood or performing any other maintenance tasks.
9. Inspect Fluid for Discoloration or Smell
If the transmission fluid appears burnt or has an unpleasant smell, it may indicate a problem with the transmission. Seek professional assistance immediately.
10. Consider a Transmission Flush
Depending on the severity and frequency of the burnouts, a transmission flush may be recommended to remove any contaminants and restore the transmission’s optimal performance. This should be performed by a qualified mechanic.
How to Do a Burnout with an Automatic Transmission
Burnouts are a popular way to show off the power of a car, but they can also be dangerous if performed incorrectly. If you’ve never done a burnout before, it’s important to take the time to learn how to do it safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a burnout with an automatic transmission:
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Find a safe place to perform the burnout. You should do this on a closed road or on a track that is designed for this purpose.
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Put the car in drive. Hold the brake pedal down with your left foot and press down on the gas pedal with your right foot.
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Release the brake pedal. The car will start to spin the tires and create a burnout.
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Keep the gas pedal pressed down until you’ve created the desired amount of smoke.
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Once you’re finished, let off the gas pedal and apply the brakes to bring the car to a stop.
Caution: Burnouts can be dangerous, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and others. Always wear gloves and eye protection when performing a burnout. Only perform burnouts on a closed road or track, and never do them in public.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between a burnout and a power slide?
A burnout is a controlled loss of traction where the tires spin and create smoke. A power slide is a controlled slide of the car where the tires slip and lose traction, but the car remains in control.
How can I do a burnout in a front-wheel-drive car?
To do a burnout in a front-wheel-drive car, you’ll need to use the handbrake. Put the car in park, engage the handbrake, and then press down on the gas pedal. The car will start to spin the tires and create a burnout.
How can I do a burnout in a manual transmission car?
To do a burnout in a manual transmission car, you’ll need to use the clutch. Put the car in first gear, hold down the clutch pedal, and press down on the gas pedal. The car will start to spin the tires and create a burnout.