Understanding Burnout in Automatic Cars
Burnouts are a popular way to add some excitement to your driving experience. However, it’s important to understand how to do them safely and effectively, especially in an automatic car.
Unlike manual cars, which require you to use the clutch to disengage the engine from the transmission, automatic cars have a torque converter that allows you to keep the engine running while the car is stationary. This makes it easier to do burnouts, but it also means that you need to be careful not to damage the transmission.
How to Do a Burnout in an Automatic Car
To do a burnout in an automatic car, follow these steps:
- Put the car in drive and hold the brake pedal down.
- Rev the engine to about 3,000 RPM.
- Release the brake pedal and simultaneously press down on the gas pedal.
- Hold the gas pedal down until the tires start to spin.
- Once the tires are spinning, let off the gas pedal and apply the brake pedal to stop the car.
It’s important to note that burnouts can put a lot of stress on your car’s transmission and tires. If you’re not careful, you can damage them beyond repair.
Safety Tips for Doing Burnouts
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when doing burnouts:
- Never do a burnout on a busy road or in an area where there are people or property around.
- Make sure the car is in good condition and that the tires are properly inflated.
- Don’t do burnouts for too long, as this can overheat the transmission.
- Be aware of your surroundings and be ready to stop the car if necessary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Burnout
Understanding the Basics
Burnouts are a thrilling and exhilarating automotive maneuver that involves spinning the rear wheels, creating a cloud of smoke and propelling the vehicle forward. To execute a burnout successfully in an automatic transmission car, follow these steps:
Preparing the Vehicle
- Find a safe and open area: Ensure you have ample space to perform the burnout without endangering yourself or others.
- Engage the “Drive” mode: This will provide the torque necessary for the burnout.
- Put the parking brake on: This will prevent the vehicle from rolling forward unexpectedly.
- Rev the engine: Increase the RPMs to around 2,000-2,500 for a moderate burnout or higher for a more intense burnout.
Executing the Burnout
- Simultaneously release the brake and apply pressure to the gas pedal: This abrupt release of the brake will engage the transmission and send power to the rear wheels, causing them to spin.
- Maintain steady gas pedal pressure: Keep the engine RPMs high to sustain the burnout.
- Steer slightly: Counteract the natural tendency of the car to pull to one side by applying a slight amount of steering input.
- End the burnout: Release the gas pedal and apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Avoiding Damage
Cornering and Oversteer Control
Oversteer is a driving scenario where the rear wheels of a car lose traction and begin to slide sideways, while understeer occurs when the front wheels lose traction. Oversteer can be caused by accelerating too quickly out of a corner, entering a corner too fast, or applying too much power while cornering. Understeer is typically caused by entering a corner too fast or applying too much braking while cornering.
Managing Oversteer
If your car begins to oversteer, there are a few things you can do to regain control. First, ease off the accelerator. This will reduce the amount of power going to the rear wheels and help to slow the car down. Second, turn the steering wheel in the direction that you want the car to go. This will help to bring the rear wheels back into line with the front wheels.
If you are unable to control the oversteer with these steps, you may need to take more drastic measures. You can try applying the brakes, but be careful not to lock them up. If you lock up the brakes, you will lose all control of the car. You can also try shifting the car into a lower gear. This will help to slow the car down and give you more control over the rear wheels.
| Oversteer Correction | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Ease off the accelerator | Reduce power to the rear wheels |
| Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid | Bring the rear wheels back into line |
| Apply the brakes gently (avoid locking them up) | Slow the car down and regain control |
| Shift into a lower gear | Slow the car down and give more control over rear wheels |
Maintaining Vehicle Stability
Maintaining stability during a burnout is paramount for safety and control. Here are some crucial techniques to keep your vehicle in line:
4. Steering Control
Maintaining a Centered Steering Wheel: Keep the steering wheel perfectly centered to prevent the vehicle from drifting or losing control. Any deviations can cause the tires to lose traction or overcorrect, leading to a spinout.
Smooth and Gradual Corrections: If necessary, make small and gradual steering corrections to maintain your line. Avoid abrupt or jerky movements that could upset the vehicle’s balance.
Countersteering: In the event of a slide, apply gentle countersteering in the opposite direction to recover control. Do this smoothly, avoiding overcompensating, as it can exacerbate the situation.
Throttle Modulation: Adjust the throttle to control the amount of power being applied to the wheels. Reduce throttle in case of excessive wheelspin or loss of traction, and gently increase it as stability is regained.
| Correct Techniques | Incorrect Techniques |
|---|---|
| Centered steering wheel Smooth corrections Countersteering when necessary Throttle modulation |
Off-center steering Abrupt corrections Overcorrecting countersteering Excessive throttle |
Avoiding Wheelspin and Driveline Damage
To minimize wheelspin and preserve the driveline’s integrity, follow these guidelines:
1. High-Traction Surface
Choose a paved surface with ample grip. Loose surfaces, like gravel, can cause uncontrolled wheelspin.
2. Proper Tire Inflation
Ensure the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase the contact patch, reducing traction.
3. Gradual Throttle
Gently apply throttle to the point where the tires overcome static friction. Avoid sudden bursts that can result in excessive wheelspin.
4. Countersteer Appropriately
As the vehicle starts to slide, carefully counter by turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction. This prevents the burnout from spinning out of control.
5. Downshift to Second Gear
Downshifting to second gear is crucial to limit torque, mitigate driveline stress, and control wheelspin. Here’s a detailed guide on how to execute this step:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off traction control systems, if possible. |
| 2 | Accelerate the car at a gradual pace. |
| 3 | Once the car reaches the desired speed for the burnout, release the throttle slightly while simultaneously pushing the gear selector into Second gear. |
| 4 | Reapply throttle to engage the tires and induce a controlled burnout. |
| 5 | As the car accelerates, gradually shift the gear selector up through the gears to maintain momentum and control. |
Safety Considerations and Precautionary Measures
1. Ensure a Safe Environment
Choose a wide-open area clear of obstacles like pedestrians, vehicles, and buildings. Avoid performing burnouts in residential areas or public spaces.
2. Inspect the Vehicle
Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any potential issues, including worn tires, brakes, suspension components, and fluid leaks. Ensure the transmission is in good working condition before attempting a burnout.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and sturdy shoes, to minimize the risk of injury.
4. Secure Loose Objects
Remove or secure any loose objects from the vehicle’s interior and exterior, as these could become projectiles during the burnout.
5. Use a Fire Extinguisher
Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle and know how to use it. Burnouts can generate extreme heat and sparks, so be prepared to extinguish any potential fires.
6. Avoid Excessive Heat Buildup
Burnouts are an intense activity that can generate excessive heat in the transmission and other components. To avoid damage or costly repairs:
| Duration | Recommended Limit |
|---|---|
| Single Burnout | 5-7 seconds |
| Multiple Burnouts | Allow 30-60 seconds of cooling time between each burnout |
| Excessive Slippage | Avoid prolonged slippage, as it can overheat the transmission and tires |
Troubleshooting Burnout Problems
1. Check the Transmission Fluid Level
Low transmission fluid can cause the clutches to slip, resulting in burnout problems. Check the fluid level and add more if needed.
2. Inspect the Transmission Filter
A clogged transmission filter can restrict fluid flow and cause burnout issues. Remove and inspect the filter, and replace it if necessary.
3. Check the Shift Solenoids
Shift solenoids control the engagement of the clutches in the transmission. If a solenoid is faulty, it can cause erratic shifting or burnout problems.
4. Inspect the Throttle Position Sensor
The throttle position sensor provides information about the accelerator pedal position to the transmission control module. A faulty sensor can send incorrect signals, causing the transmission to shift inappropriately.
5. Check the Torque Converter
The torque converter transmits power from the engine to the transmission. If the torque converter is faulty, it can cause slippage and burnout problems.
6. Inspect the Differential
The differential distributes power to the wheels. If the differential is damaged or worn, it can cause burnout problems.
7. Check the Driveshaft
The driveshaft connects the transmission to the differential. If the driveshaft is damaged or unbalanced, it can cause vibrations and burnout problems.
8. Inspect the Axles
The axles transmit power from the differential to the wheels. If an axle is damaged or worn, it can cause burnout problems. Inspect the axles for any damage or excessive wear, and replace them if necessary.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Slipping transmission | Low transmission fluid, clogged filter, faulty shift solenoids |
| Erratic shifting | Faulty shift solenoids, throttle position sensor |
| Vibrations | Damaged driveshaft |
Burnout Etiquette and Responsible Practices
Burnout Etiquette
When performing a burnout, it is important to be respectful of others. Avoid doing burnouts in areas where there are people or property that could be damaged. Also, be aware of the noise level and try to keep it to a minimum.
Responsible Practices
Burnouts can be dangerous, so it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury or damage. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when performing a burnout. Also, make sure the vehicle is in good condition and that the tires are properly inflated.
Selecting a Location
Choose a safe location to perform your burnout. An abandoned parking lot or industrial area is ideal. Make sure there are no pedestrians, buildings, or other structures nearby.
Tire Selection
Use low-profile tires with a high tread wear rating. This will help prevent the tires from overheating and blowing out.
Brake Pad Selection
Use ceramic or metallic brake pads. These pads are more durable and can withstand the high temperatures generated by burnouts.
Wheelbase Length
Vehicles with a longer wheelbase will be more stable during burnouts. This is because the longer wheelbase helps to distribute the weight of the vehicle more evenly.
Transmission Type
Avoid performing burnouts with a vehicle that has an automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions are not designed to withstand the high temperatures generated by burnouts and can be easily damaged.
Cooling System
Make sure the vehicle’s cooling system is in good condition. This will help to prevent the engine from overheating during a burnout.
Preparation and Safety Measures
Before attempting a burnout, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, fluids, and brakes to prevent any potential problems. Wear a helmet for safety and clear the area of any obstacles or spectators.
Manual Brake Lock Technique
This method involves engaging the parking brake while simultaneously pressing the accelerator. Hold the parking brake lever tight, as this will lock the rear wheels and prevent the vehicle from moving forward. Release the parking brake abruptly to initiate the burnout.
Line Lock Technique
A line lock is a device that allows you to lock the front brakes, leaving the rear wheels free to spin. Install the line lock and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Engage the line lock, depress the accelerator, and release the line lock to trigger the burnout.
E-Brake Burnout
This technique is similar to the manual brake lock, but utilizes the electronic parking brake (E-Brake) instead. Engage the E-Brake, press the accelerator, and release the E-Brake sharply to induce the burnout.
Rolling Burnout
This method involves starting from a rolling position, usually from a low gear. Accelerate aggressively while simultaneously holding the steering wheel straight. This can be performed with or without a line lock.
Power Brake Stand
A power brake stand is a device that mounts to the rear axle and allows you to engage the rear brakes without applying the parking brake. Install the power brake stand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to lock the rear wheels and initiate the burnout.
Transbrake
A transbrake is a specialized transmission component that locks the transmission, preventing the vehicle from moving forward. With a transbrake, you can aggressively accelerate without worrying about the car rolling forward.
Clutch Kick Burnout
This method is applicable to manual transmission vehicles. Start the burnout by releasing the clutch rapidly while simultaneously accelerating. This will spin the wheels and initiate the burnout.
Rear Differential Burnout
This technique involves locking the rear differential, which transfers equal power to both rear wheels. This provides maximum traction for burnouts. Engage the rear differential lock and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tow Strap Burnout
This is a less common method that involves attaching a tow strap to a fixed object, such as a tree or a pole. Hook the strap to the front of your car, accelerate, and let the strap slowly pull the car forward, inducing a burnout. This is not recommended for inexperienced drivers or on public roads.
Conclusion: When and Why to Perform a Burnout
Burnouts should only be performed in safe environments, such as a private track or a designated burnout area. They are primarily used in competitive motorsports or as a form of entertainment at events. Burnouts can also be beneficial for cleaning the tires and removing debris from the tread, improving grip.
It’s important to note that excessive burnouts can lead to premature tire wear, brake damage, and potential mechanical failures. Perform burnouts responsibly and within reason to avoid costly repairs or accidents.
