Selecting the Right Gear for a Burnout
Choosing the appropriate gear is pivotal for executing a successful burnout with an automatic transmission. The ideal gear for this maneuver is typically the lowest gear available, designated as “L” or “1”. Engaging this gear provides the vehicle with maximum torque and prevents the transmission from shifting automatically to a higher gear, which would terminate the burnout. Additionally, selecting the lowest gear offers greater control over the vehicle’s speed and reduces the risk of damaging the transmission or drivetrain.
For vehicles equipped with performance-oriented automatic transmissions, such as those found in sports cars or muscle cars, a secondary gear option for burnouts may be available. This gear, often labeled as “S” or “+/-“, enables manual shifting capabilities while retaining the convenience of an automatic transmission. By selecting the lowest gear available in this mode, drivers can maintain a fixed gear ratio throughout the burnout, ensuring precise control and optimal torque output.
While the lowest gear is generally preferred for burnouts, certain vehicles may benefit from selecting a slightly higher gear, such as “2” or “3”. This is especially true for vehicles with powerful engines that generate excessive wheelspin in first gear. By engaging a higher gear, drivers can reduce the intensity of the burnout and minimize the risk of losing traction or damaging the driveline components.
The following table summarizes the recommended gear selection for burnouts with automatic transmission:
| Vehicle Type | Recommended Gear |
|---|---|
| Standard Automatic Transmission | L or 1 |
| Performance Automatic Transmission | L or 1 (manual mode) |
| Vehicles with Excessive Wheelspin | 2 or 3 |
Finding an Open and Safe Location
For a successful burnout, the most crucial aspect is selecting an appropriate location. Ensure you choose a secluded and safe area where you won’t risk endangering others or property. Ideal locations include:
Industrial Areas:
- Industrial parks or abandoned warehouses offer ample space for performing burnouts without any concerns about traffic or onlookers.
- Look for places with large, empty parking lots or designated test tracks.
- Prioritize areas with a smooth, even surface to prevent any potential damage to your vehicle.
Private Property:
- Consider utilizing private property with permission from the owner.
- Open fields or farms with sufficient acreage provide ample room for burnouts.
- Take precautions to minimize noise and ensure the safety of any livestock or wildlife.
Drag Strips:
- Drag strips are purpose-built facilities specifically designed for high-performance driving.
- They offer a controlled environment with safety measures in place.
- Be sure to check track regulations and adhere to their guidelines for burnouts.
Remember to assess the surroundings carefully before performing any high-speed maneuvers to avoid obstacles, debris, or unsafe conditions.
Warming Up the Tires
To prepare your tires for optimal performance during a burnout, it’s crucial to warm them up effectively. This process helps soften the rubber compound, improving grip and reducing the risk of tire damage.
Methods for Warming Up Tires:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Slow, controlled driving | Drive at low speeds for a short distance, gradually increasing the pace. This allows the tires to heat up evenly and safely. |
| Short acceleration bursts | Briefly accelerate the vehicle, then release the gas pedal. Repeat this process several times to build heat in the tires. However, avoid excessive speeds or prolonged acceleration. |
| Controlled tire spinning | With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, engage the parking brake. Accelerate the engine slightly while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to the brake pedal. This method allows the tires to spin without driving the vehicle. Spin the tires for short bursts (no longer than 10 seconds) and avoid overheating. |
It’s essential to ensure that the tires are not excessively hot before performing a burnout. If smoke is emitted from the tires during warming up, it indicates that they are reaching dangerous temperatures. Allow the tires to cool down before proceeding with the burnout.
Holding the Brake and Accelerating
Put the transmission in drive, and then hold down the brake pedal with your left foot. Apply enough pressure to keep the car from moving. Now, place your right foot on the gas pedal and press down hard enough to bring the engine speed up to around 3,000 RPM. You should feel the car start to vibrate as the tires spin.
4. Releasing the Brake
This is the most critical step, and it takes some practice to get it right. Slowly release the brake pedal while keeping your right foot on the gas. As the brake is released, the car will start to move forward, and the tires will continue to spin. It’s important to find the right balance between releasing the brake and pressing the gas. If you release the brake too quickly, the car will jerk forward and the tires will stop spinning. If you don’t release the brake enough, the car won’t move forward, and the tires will keep spinning.
The following table provides a step-by-step guide to releasing the brake:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold the brake pedal down with your left foot. |
| 2 | Press the gas pedal down hard enough to bring the engine speed up to around 3,000 RPM. |
| 3 | Slowly release the brake pedal while keeping your right foot on the gas. |
| 4 | Find the right balance between releasing the brake and pressing the gas. |
Once you have found the right balance, the car will start to move forward, and the tires will continue to spin. Hold the gas pedal down for a few seconds to complete the burnout. Then, release the gas pedal and brake pedal to bring the car to a stop.
Maintaining a Constant Speed
Maintaining a constant speed is crucial during a burnout with an automatic transmission. It ensures that the rear wheels receive consistent power for the duration of the maneuver. Follow these steps to maintain a constant speed:
- Monitor the Tachometer: Keep an eye on the tachometer to ensure that the engine is within the optimal RPM range for burnouts (typically between 2,000-3,000 RPM).
- Use the Cruise Control: If your vehicle has cruise control, engage it at the desired speed. This ensures that the engine automatically maintains the preset speed, allowing you to focus on controlling the steering.
- Modulate the Throttle: If you don’t have cruise control, modulate the throttle slightly to keep the engine RPM constant. Avoid sudden accelerations or decelerations as they can disrupt the burnout.
- Listen to the Engine: Pay attention to the sound of the engine. Ideally, you should hear a consistent roar without any fluctuations in pitch or volume.
- Brake Judiciously: If the vehicle begins to accelerate too much, apply light and gradual brake pressure to slow it down. Be cautious not to apply too much brake, as this can cause the rear wheels to lock up and lose traction.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Optimal Engine RPM Range | 2,000-3,000 RPM |
| Acceptable Throttle Modulation | Slight |
| Brake Application | Light and gradual, only as needed |
Controlling the Car’s Movement
Maintaining Control During Burnout
Burnouts exert immense stress on an automatic transmission, so it’s crucial to maintain composure and control throughout the maneuver. Always start by ensuring the car is stationary and on a safe, open surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent unexpected movement and keep the steering wheel centered, focusing on the path ahead.
Shifting Gears
To initiate the burnout, shift the transmission into “Drive” or “Sport” mode if available. If your car has paddle shifters, downshift to second gear (or first gear if it’s a high-performance vehicle) to increase torque and limit the strain on the transmission.
Modulation of Throttle and Brake
Simultaneously apply heavy pressure to the gas pedal while engaging the brake firmly with your left foot. Maintain a delicate balance, ensuring the engine revs high while preventing the car from moving forward too rapidly.
Steering Correction
As the car begins to spin, use small, gentle counter-steering corrections to keep the vehicle under control. Avoid overcorrecting, as this can lead to loss of traction and a spin-out.
Monitoring the Situation
Pay close attention to the car’s responses and the surrounding environment. If you start to lose control, ease off the throttle and brake to regain stability. It’s crucial to be aware of any obstacles in your path, such as curbs or other vehicles.
Ending the Burnout Safely
To end the burnout, gradually release the pressure on the gas pedal while simultaneously disengaging the brake. This helps to smoothly transition back to normal driving conditions and minimize damage to the transmission. However, it’s important to avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause a sudden shock to the drivetrain and potentially damage the car.
Ending the Burnout Safely
Successfully ending a burnout requires a carefully controlled process to prevent costly damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself or others. Follow these steps to conclude it safely:
1. Release the Gas Pedal: Once the rear tires begin to spin freely, gradually release the gas pedal over a few seconds, allowing the speed to decrease.
2. Steer and Control: Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel, countersteering slightly if the car begins to drift side to side. Maintain a safe trajectory throughout the burnout.
3. Activate the Traction Control: If available, engage the traction control system to assist in keeping the car under control and prevent further wheel spin.
4. Shift to Neutral: Once the speed has dropped significantly, shift the transmission into neutral to stop the power delivery to the wheels.
5. Apply Brakes: Gently apply the brakes to bring the car to a complete stop, avoiding sudden or excessive braking that could cause a slide.
6. Check for Damage: After the burnout, inspect your vehicle for any unusual noises, vibrations, or other signs of potential damage. If any issues are noticed, seek professional assistance promptly.
7. Cooldown Period: Allow your car to idle for a few minutes before driving to prevent overheating of the transmission and other components due to excessive heat buildup during the burnout.
Avoiding Transmission Damage
Burnouts can be a lot of fun, but they can also be very harmful to your transmission if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips to help you avoid transmission damage when doing a burnout:
1. Make sure your transmission is in good condition. If your transmission is already damaged, doing a burnout will only make it worse.
2. Use the correct gear for your vehicle. For most cars, the best gear for a burnout is second gear. This will give you the most torque and traction without putting too much stress on your transmission.
3. Apply the brakes firmly while giving it gas. This will help to prevent your tires from spinning too fast and damaging your transmission.
4. Don’t hold the burnout for too long. A few seconds is all you need to get the desired effect. Holding the burnout for longer will only put more stress on your transmission.
5. Let your transmission cool down after doing a burnout. This will help to prevent damage to your transmission from the heat.
6. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you’re not doing a burnout in an area where you could damage other vehicles or property.
7. If you’re not comfortable doing a burnout on your own, ask a friend or family member who knows how to do it safely.
8. If you have an automatic transmission, you need to be especially careful when doing a burnout. Here are a few additional tips to help you avoid transmission damage:
a. Make sure your transmission fluid is full and clean. Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause damage to your transmission, especially when it’s under stress.
b. Don’t shift into gear while the engine is revving high. This can put a lot of stress on your transmission and cause damage.
c. Don’t do burnouts on a regular basis. Burnouts are hard on your transmission, so it’s best to limit them to special occasions.
| Automatic Transmission Burnout Tips |
|---|
| Make sure your transmission fluid is full and clean. |
| Don’t shift into gear while the engine is revving high. |
| Don’t do burnouts on a regular basis. |
Lubricating the Transmission for Extended Lifespan
Automatic transmissions rely heavily on lubrication to function smoothly and prevent premature failure. When performing burnouts, the transmission undergoes extreme stress and heat, which can rapidly deplete its lubricant. To extend the lifespan of your transmission, proper lubrication is crucial.
- Check the Transmission Fluid Regularly: Ensure that the transmission fluid is at the proper level and color. Dirty or low fluid can impair lubrication.
- Use High-Quality Transmission Fluid: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended type of transmission fluid. Synthetic or semi-synthetic fluids provide superior lubrication and heat resistance.
- Flush the Transmission Regularly: A transmission flush removes old, contaminated fluid and replaces it with new. This helps maintain optimal lubrication and prevent the buildup of sludge and debris.
- Cool the Transmission After Burnouts: Allow the transmission to cool down by idling the engine for a few minutes after performing burnouts. This helps dissipate heat and prevents damage to the fluid and components.
- Avoid Extended Burnouts: Prolonged burnouts place extreme stress on the transmission and reduce its lifespan. Limit burnouts to short bursts.
- Install an External Transmission Cooler: An external transmission cooler can significantly reduce transmission fluid temperatures, especially during high-performance driving or extreme conditions.
- Upgrade to a Heavy-Duty Transmission: Heavily modified or high-power vehicles may benefit from installing a heavy-duty transmission designed to handle increased stress and temperatures.
- Use a Line-Lock to Protect the Transmission: A line-lock engages the rear brakes while disengaging the front brakes, allowing the wheels to spin freely without applying power to the transmission.
- Lubricate the Driveshaft: The driveline components, such as the driveshaft and U-joints, also benefit from lubrication. Apply grease or lubricant to these areas to minimize friction and extend their lifespan.
Understanding the Risks and Legal Considerations
Performing a burnout with an automatic transmission can be dangerous and illegal. Before attempting it, it’s crucial to fully understand the risks and legal implications involved.
Risks
- Transmission damage: High-rpm burnouts put extreme stress on the transmission, potentially leading to costly repairs or even failure.
- Tire damage: The intense friction generated by a burnout can quickly wear down and damage tires, increasing the risk of blowouts.
- Driveline damage: The driveline, including the driveshaft and axles, can also be affected by the forceful maneuvers involved in a burnout.
- Vehicle fire: In extreme cases, prolonged burnouts can generate excessive heat, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
- Personal injury: Tires can burst or fly off the vehicle during a burnout, posing a safety hazard to the driver and others in the vicinity.
Legal Considerations
- Traffic violations: Burnouts are typically illegal on public roads and can result in traffic citations or fines.
- Property damage: If a burnout causes damage to property or injuries to others, the driver may be held liable for the consequences.
- Insurance coverage: Most insurance policies do not cover damage caused by intentional or reckless driving, including burnouts.
How to Do a Burnout with an Automatic Transmission
Burnouts are a fun and flashy way to show off your car’s power, but they can also be dangerous if not done properly. Here are the steps on how to do a burnout with an automatic transmission:
1. Start with the car in park and the parking brake engaged.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral and start the engine.
3. Press the brake pedal with your left foot and the gas pedal with your right foot.
4. Hold the brake pedal down firmly and rev the engine to about 2,000 RPM.
5. Quickly release the brake pedal and the car will start to move forward.
6. Keep your foot on the gas pedal and the car will continue to accelerate.
7. Once the car is moving at a high enough speed, you can let off the gas pedal and the car will continue to spin its tires.
8. To stop the burnout, simply press the brake pedal again.
Be sure to take precautions before attempting a burnout:
1. Make sure the area is clear of people and objects.
2. If you are on a public road, make sure you are not breaking any laws.
3. Do not attempt a burnout on a wet or icy surface.
4. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to stop the burnout if necessary.
People Also Ask
How to Do a Burnout with an Automatic Transmission Safely
The best way to do a burnout with an automatic transmission safely is to follow the steps outlined above. Be sure to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. If you are not confident in your ability to do a burnout, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
What are the Dangers of Doing a Burnout?
Burnouts can be dangerous if not done properly. The following are some of the dangers:
* Loss of control: If you lose control of the car, you could crash into something or someone.
* Tire damage: Burnouts can damage your tires, causing them to blow out or wear out prematurely.
* Driveline damage: Burnouts can also damage your car’s driveline, including the transmission, driveshaft, and rear axle.
Is It Illegal to Do a Burnout?
The legality of burnouts varies from state to state. In some states, burnouts are illegal, while in others they are only illegal if they are done on a public road.
