How to Do a Burnout
Few things signify wild, reckless fun more than the iconic tire-screeching, rubber-burning automotive stunt known as the burnout. While professional drivers make them look easy, burnouts require careful preparation and technique to perform safely and successfully.
What Exactly is a Burnout?
A burnout refers to deliberately spinning a vehicle's driven wheels while stationary, producing clouds of smoke along with the unmistakable stench of burning rubber. The technique causes the tires to heat up and slip, laying down molten rubber tracks while creating a dramatic squealing noise.
Reasons Drivers Attempt Burnouts
There are several motivations for drivers attempting to do burnouts:
Showing Off
Burnouts are often used as ostentatious displays to show off a car's power. The ability to shred tires demonstrates the vehicle has potent acceleration capabilities.
Testing Traction
Burnouts allow drivers to safely test the limits of a car's traction and abs before launching in races. Heating the rear tires to optimal grip reveals how much throttle can be applied upon launch without losing control.
Many drivers simply enjoy the rebellious thrill of making loud noise and leaving rubber tracks behind them as evidence of their stunt driving abilities.
Choosing a Location
Finding a suitable location is a critical first step when preparing to attempt your inaugural burnout. Consider the following factors:
Space
Ensure you have ample clear space to perform the burnout without endangering people, buildings, vehicles or other objects with your maneuvering.
Surface
The surface must have enough grip for the tires to gain traction, but not too much that they cant break loose. Concrete or coarse asphalt is ideal, avoid polished cement.
Visibility
Pick a location with good visibility so you can spot any potential hazards and unwary pedestrians wont accidentally wander into your spin zone.
Legality
Find a spot where burnouts wont violate local noise regulations or reckless driving laws, keeping safety and civility top of mind.
Vehicle Considerations Before Attempting a Burnout
Preparing your car properly vastly improves burnout success and safety. Heres what to address:
Tires
Only attempt burnouts using appropriate rear wheel drive tires in good condition. Their grip allows spinning the wheels without them deteriorating.
Traction Control
Disable your vehicles traction control system so it doesnt interfere with tire spin. Consult your owner's manual if unsure how.
Emergency Brake
Ensure the emergency brake is off so it doesn't impede wheel rotation. Any brake contact inhibits slip needed for burnouts.
Engine Temperature
Make sure your engine is fully warmed up before attempting a burnout. Cold oil and transmission fluid lack proper viscosity for sustained high RPM.
Safety Precautions Before Performing a Burnout
Burnouts can be risky. Implementing precautions helps keep you safe while shredding tires:
Comfortable Clothing
Wear non-synthetic, non-baggy clothing and flat shoes. Nylon/polyester garments may melt, and loose items could impede pedal operation.
Seatbelts
Ensure you and all passengers are securely strapped in with seatbelts before initiating a burnout.
Eye & Ear Protection
Use proper eye protection and ear plugs/headphones to shield hearing from flying debris and extreme noise during the maneuver.
Spotter
Having an experienced assistant to act as a safety spotter provides an extra set of eyes monitoring conditions.
How to Execute a Burnout
Once location, vehicle, safety preparations and precautions are addressed, here is the proper technique for completing a successful burnout:
- Depress Gas While Braking - Hold brake pedal firmly with left foot. Then depress accelerator completely to building max RPM.
- Release Brake - With wheels spun up to speed, release brake pedal quickly while maintaining gas pedal position.
- Modulate Throttle - As tires break loose, carefully modulate gas pedal to sustain spin. Too much/little throttle will bog engine or regain traction.
- Look Cool - Resist urge to celebrate early. Wait for visible smoke while holding spin before displaying bravado.
- Maintain Control - If car begins veering left or right, ease off gas until straight then continue balanced throttle.
- End Cleanly - Once satisfied with spectacle, slowly ease off accelerator allowing wheels to gently regain traction.
Common Burnout Errors
Attempting burnouts takes practice. Here are some rookie mistakes and how to avoid them:
Too Much Throttle on Launch
Flooding the drivetrain with gas before the tires lose traction will cause wasteful wheel spin without smoke. Easy does it when initially releasing the brake.
Too Little Throttle After Launch
Letting RPM drop too low after brake release wont break the tires loose, missing the burnout. Remember to still fully depress the gas once wheels are free rolling.
Panicking Mid-Burnout
Abandoning the throttle abruptly when struggling to control wheel spin ends the maneuver prematurely. Stay calm and smoothly modulate pedal pressure instead.
Celebrating Too Early
Raising arms triumphantly without first establishing plumes of smoke wastes opportunity for dramatic effect. Wait until clear traction loss before basking.
Aftermath & Cleanup
Successfully smoking tires leaves evidence demanding proper follow up actions:
Cool Down Period
Drive slowly without stopping immediately after burnouts to allow cooling airflow over brakes, tires and drivetrain to prevent damage from residual heat.
Remove Debris
Clean remnants of burned rubber from site to eliminate slipping hazard for future passersby.
Replace Tires
Inspect rear tires for any loosening tread or belt damage from daily pothole-free driving after aggressive slipping.
In Summary
While stunt driving antics like purposeful burnouts seem irresponsibly reckless, understanding proper technique plus implementing safety steps allows for minimization of risks.
With the right location, vehicle prep, driving skill and smart precautions, executing show-worthy, smokin hot burnouts can produce smiles without dire consequences.
FAQs
What vehicles are best for attempting burnouts?
Rear-wheel drive sports cars and muscle cars with decent traction control systems are best suited for beginner burnouts. Their engines provide ample power to spin tires while advanced electronics prevent complete loss of control.
What surface traction level is ideal for burnouts?
Moderately abrasive asphalt provides the right balance of grip and slip to maintain burnouts. Concrete gives too much traction for sustained wheel spin, while polished roads prevent spin entirely.
Is it illegal to do burnouts on public roads?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Intentionally burning rubber on public streets typically violates laws prohibiting exhibition of acceleration and speed, reckless driving, unnecessary engine noise, and leaving debris behind.
How much tire smoke is normal during burnouts?
Expect copious billowing white smoke emanating from tires at first, transitioning to light gray trails once rubber compound bakes onto pavement. Dark smoke signals imminent tire failure requiring immediate throttle reduction.
What safety gear should be worn while attempting burnouts?
Use closed-toe shoes, natural fiber clothing, proper eye protection, and hearing protection when performing burnouts. Also ensure both driver and passengers are secured with seatbelts before attempting the stunt.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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