You may think your automatic car cannot do burnouts because it doesn’t have a clutch. However, with a little creativity, you can do a burnout with any automatic car. Here’s how:
Before you start, it’s essential to find a safe place to do this. An empty parking lot or a long, straight stretch of road is ideal. You should also make sure the area is clear of any obstacles or other vehicles.
Once you’ve found a safe place, put your car in “Drive” and hold your foot on the brake pedal. Then, press the gas pedal down to the floor. Keep your foot on the gas pedal and release the brake pedal. The car’s engine will rev up, and the tires will start to spin. As the tires spin, turn the steering wheel from side to side to create friction and smoke.
To stop the burnout, release the gas pedal and apply the brake pedal. The car will come to a stop, and the tires will stop spinning. Be careful not to hold the burnout for too long, as this can damage your car’s transmission. A few seconds is all it takes to create a crowd-pleasing burnout.
Understanding the Concept of Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It can manifest in various ways, including:
- Extreme fatigue and difficulty performing daily tasks
- Reduced concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities
- Increased cynicism and detachment from work or personal life
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances
The symptoms of burnout can vary depending on the individual and the specific situation causing the stress. However, it’s important to recognize the signs and address burnout promptly to prevent it from becoming a chronic condition. If left unchecked, burnout can have significant consequences for personal well-being, relationships, and productivity.
Safety Precautions for Burnout Execution
Burnouts, while spectacular, are not without their risks. To ensure safety, following these precautions is paramount:
1. Choose a Wide, Safe Location: Conduct the burnout in a secluded area with ample space and no obstacles, such as fences or curbs.
2. Secure the Vehicle: Properly set the parking brake and engage the transmission’s Park mode to prevent unintended movement. Additionally, use wheel chocks to enhance stability.
3. Wear Protective Gear: Don safety gear like gloves, a helmet, and fire-resistant clothing to protect against potential burns or debris.
4. Clear the Exhaust: Keep the area around the vehicle well-ventilated to avoid inhaling harmful exhaust fumes.
5. Monitor Surroundings: Have a spotter keep an eye on the surroundings for any hazards or approaching vehicles.
6. Use a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
7. Know the Limits: Avoid excessive burnouts to prevent damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain or tires.
2. Secure the Vehicle:
Properly securing your vehicle is crucial for a safe burnout execution. Ensure the parking brake is fully engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Additionally:
| Gear Type | Engagement |
|---|---|
| Manual Transmission | Shift into neutral, then engage the parking brake |
| Automatic Transmission | Select the “Park” position, which automatically engages the parking pawl |
| Automatic Transmission (Additional Step) | Place a wheel chock behind a rear wheel to provide extra stability |
By following these measures, you can mitigate the risks associated with burnouts and enjoy the spectacle safely.
Vehicle Preparations for Burnout
1. Engine Preparation
Ensure your engine is properly tuned and maintained before attempting a burnout. Replace old spark plugs, check oil levels, and ensure the engine is running smoothly.
2. Tire Selection and Pressure
Choose tires specifically designed for burnouts, such as high-performance street tires or drag radials. Lower the tire pressure slightly to increase traction, but be cautious not to go too low.
3. Transmission Setup
Automatic Transmission Considerations
For automatic transmissions, it is crucial to strengthen the transmission and drivetrain components to withstand the stress of a burnout. This may involve installing a high-stall torque converter, beefier driveshaft, and upgraded transmission mounts.
Additionally, you may consider disabling the traction control system and adjusting the shift points to allow for higher RPMs during the burnout.
| Component | Upgrade Considerations |
|---|---|
| Torque Converter | Higher stall speed for increased takeoff power |
| Driveshaft | Thicker, stronger material to handle increased torque |
| Transmission Mounts | Upgraded mounts to reduce drivetrain flex and vibration |
Gear Selection for Optimal Burnout Performance
Selecting the appropriate gear for performing a burnout is essential to optimize tire smoke production while minimizing driveline stress. Here’s a detailed breakdown of gear selection for different types of vehicles:
Front-Wheel Drive
In front-wheel drive vehicles, it’s generally recommended to perform burnouts in first gear. This gear provides the lowest overall ratio, resulting in a high torque output and maximum tire slip at the front wheels.
Rear-Wheel Drive
For rear-wheel drive vehicles, the optimal gear for burnouts depends on the vehicle’s power and traction characteristics. Generally, a balance between torque output and traction is sought:
| Vehicle Type | Optimal Gear for Burnout |
|---|---|
| High-Powered, Low-Traction | First Gear (highest torque) |
| Low-Powered, High-Traction | Second Gear (balanced torque and traction) |
| Medium-Powered, Medium-Traction | First or Second Gear (adjust based on traction) |
All-Wheel Drive
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, burnouts are typically not recommended due to the potential for driveline damage. The AWD system may distribute power to all four wheels, reducing tire slip and preventing effective smoke production.
Proper Throttle Control Techniques
Mastering proper throttle control is crucial for executing a successful burnout with an automatic transmission. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Start with a Low Throttle Position
Begin by depressing the gas pedal about 20-30% to prevent excessive wheel spin and loss of traction.
2. Smoothly Increase Throttle Input
Gradually apply more throttle by rolling your foot forward. The rate of increase should be steady and controlled to maintain consistent tire slip.
3. Reach Maximum Throttle
Once you’ve reached full throttle, hold it steady for a few seconds to generate maximum tire smoke.
4. Modulate Throttle for Tire Slip Control
As the car begins to spin the tires, quickly modulate the throttle to adjust the amount of tire slip. Too much slip will cause the car to bog down, while too little slip will result in insufficient smoke.
5. Fine-Tune Throttle Position
This is a critical step that requires a delicate touch. Slowly release the throttle pressure until you find a point where the tires are spinning consistently and the car maintains a steady speed. This ideal throttle position will vary depending on the car’s power and tire grip.
| Throttle Position | Effect |
|---|---|
| Too Low | Insufficient tire slip, low smoke production |
| Optimal | Consistent tire slip, maximum smoke production |
| Too High | Excessive tire slip, loss of traction, car bogging down |
Initiating the Burnout: Tires Smoke and Slip
To initiate a burnout with an automatic transmission, follow these steps:
- Put the car in “Drive” or “Sport” mode.
- Apply moderate pressure to the gas pedal, while keeping the brake pedal depressed.
- Once the engine reaches a high RPM, release the brake pedal and the tires will break into a spin.
- Keep the gas pedal pressed until the desired amount of tire smoke is produced.
- To end the burnout, release the gas pedal and apply the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop.
- Note: Avoid over-revving the engine during the burnout to prevent damage.
Tire Smoke and Slip
The amount of tire smoke and slip produced during a burnout depends on a number of factors, including:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Tire type | Performance tires produce more smoke than all-season tires. |
| Surface type | Asphalt surfaces produce more smoke than concrete or gravel. |
| Car weight | Heavier cars produce less smoke than lighter cars. |
| Engine power | More powerful engines produce more smoke. |
Completing the Burnout Gracefully
Once you’ve initiated the burnout, it’s time to complete it gracefully and avoid any mishaps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to complete the burnout smoothly:
1. Maintain Control:
Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel and don’t let go. Maintain control of the vehicle throughout the burnout.
2. Stay in Neutral:
Keep the transmission in neutral. Don’t engage any gears to prevent the vehicle from moving forward or backward.
3. Brake Lightly:
Apply light pressure to the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle smoothly. This will help you maintain control and prevent the tires from spinning too fast.
4. Steer Straight:
Keep the steering wheel pointed straight ahead. Avoid making any sudden or jerky movements to prevent the vehicle from losing control.
5. Avoid Harsh Braking:
Steer clear of slamming on the brakes. Doing so can lock up the tires and cause the vehicle to skid.
6. End Gradually:
Ease off the accelerator pedal gradually to bring the tires to a stop. Don’t release the pedal abruptly, as this can cause the vehicle to lurch.
7. Check for Damage:
After the burnout, check the vehicle for any damage. Inspect the tires for punctures or any other visible defects.
8. Cool Down the Vehicle:
| Component | Cool-Down Time |
|---|---|
| Tires | 15-20 minutes |
| Brakes | 30-45 minutes |
| Engine | 1 hour |
