What Is a Burnout?

A burnout is when a car spins its tires while stationary, creating a wild mix of noise and smoke. Technically, that smoke is more like water vapor, but who’s counting? The tires heat up from all that friction, and before long, they’re smoking like a barbecue on a summer day.

Burnouts are all about the sensory experience—the screeching sound, the smell of burning rubber, and that thick cloud of smoke swirling around. They might not make much sense, but there’s something captivating about them that just hits different.

While terms like “peeling off” and “power braking” exist, “burnout” is the one that sticks. Thanks to movies like *Fast and Furious*, burnouts have become a part of car culture, often showcased in videos from late-night car meets and drag races.

What’s the Point of a Burnout?

In the world of drag racing, a quick burnout before the race helps warm up the tires, boosting grip for a better launch. But in everyday life? Not so much. They’re purely for show. Burnouts can wreck tires and damage the drivetrain, including the engine and transmission.

For many car lovers, the thrill of the burnout outweighs the downsides. It’s all about the spectacle, right?

How to Do a Burnout in an Automatic Car

Doing a burnout in an automatic car is definitely possible, but it’s a bit trickier than in a manual. Here’s the lowdown:

First off, the whole point of an automatic is to make driving easier. But when it comes to burnouts, it means having to work against the car’s built-in systems. You’ll need to override the car’s programming to get those tires spinning.

Without a clutch, it’s harder to send that power to the wheels instantly. Most automatics are designed to deliver power smoothly, which isn’t great for spinning tires.

Some modern cars won’t even let the driver push the brake and throttle at the same time. So, if the car’s computer doesn’t allow it, forget about burnouts.

Burning Rubber in a Front-Wheel Drive Automatic

For those in a front-wheel drive automatic, the process is a bit more straightforward:

1. Turn off the traction control. Check the owner’s manual if unsure how.
2. Engage the handbrake, but make sure it locks only the rear wheels.
3. With your left foot on the brake, shift into Drive (or first gear if possible).
4. Release the brake and slam the throttle. The front wheels should spin, and smoke will follow.

Burning Rubber in a Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic

Now, if it’s a rear-wheel drive, things get a bit more complicated:

1. Again, turn off traction control and keep your left foot on the brake (don’t engage the handbrake).
2. Shift into Drive, ideally locking it in first gear.
3. Floor the throttle. If the rear wheels aren’t spinning, gently ease off the brake until they start to turn.

Drawbacks of Spinning Tires in an Automatic

Burnouts come with a laundry list of downsides:

• Tire Damage: Tires are meant to grip, and burning them up requires a ton of power. They’ll be toast in no time.
• Legal Trouble: While the act of burning rubber isn’t illegal, the resulting damage to roads can get a driver slapped with hefty fines.
• Car Damage: Beyond tires, a burnout can wreck the engine, transmission, and other vital parts of the car.
• Safety Risks: If the tires suddenly find traction, the car could lurch forward unexpectedly, posing a danger to anything in its path.

Plus, there’s always the risk of fire, and let’s be real—burnouts don’t do anything good for the car.

When Are Burnouts a Good Idea?

For drag racers, burnouts are essential for warming up tires and improving grip. But for regular road cars? Not so much. If there’s a burning desire to try one out, consider the following:

• Use private land where it’s safe.
• Avoid over-revving the engine.
• Turn off traction control.
• Use old, worn tires to make it easier.
• Wet the ground beneath the driven wheels for extra slip.
• Be ready for potential damage to the car.