Spinning tyres, commonly known as performing a burnout, involves intentionally causing the drive wheels of a vehicle to lose traction and spin rapidly while the vehicle remains stationary or moves slowly. This action heats up the tires, creating smoke and a distinctive smell, often done for show or to clean/warm up tires before a race.
Understanding the Mechanics of a Burnout
A burnout requires a specific sequence of actions to overcome tire grip and allow the wheels to spin freely. For vehicles with a manual transmission, precise coordination between the clutch, throttle, and brake is essential.
Step-by-Step Guide to Spinning Tyres (Burnout) with a Manual Transmission
To effectively perform a burnout with a manual transmission, follow these steps, ensuring safety and an understanding of your vehicle's capabilities:
- Engage First Gear: Before anything else, ensure your vehicle is in first gear. This provides the necessary torque to initiate the tire spin.
- Apply Throttle: With the car in first gear, begin to apply some throttle. This builds engine RPMs, preparing for the sudden release of power.
- Rapid Clutch Release: Release the clutch very quickly. This sudden engagement of the engine's power to the drivetrain is critical for breaking tire traction.
- Brake Application: Immediately after releasing the clutch, take your left foot from the clutch and press it hard on the brake. This action holds the non-drive wheels (or prevents the car from moving forward excessively) while allowing the drive wheels to spin under power.
| Action | Foot/Hand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Selection | Shifter | Ensure the vehicle is in first gear. |
| Throttle Application | Right Foot (Gas) | Depress the accelerator pedal to increase engine RPMs. |
| Clutch Release | Left Foot (Clutch) | Release the clutch pedal rapidly to transfer engine power to the wheels. This must be done quickly to overcome the tires' grip. |
| Brake Engagement | Left Foot (Brake) | Immediately after the clutch release, press the brake pedal firmly. This prevents the car from moving forward significantly while allowing the drive wheels to continue spinning. Note: For front-wheel drive, this requires pulling the handbrake. |
Why People Spin Tyres
- Showmanship: Burnouts are a popular display at car shows, drag races, and automotive events, creating an impressive visual and auditory spectacle.
- Tire Preparation: In drag racing, a burnout heats up the tires, making the rubber softer and stickier. This increases grip on the track, improving launch performance. It also cleans debris from the tire surface.
Spinning tyres is an advanced driving technique that should only be performed in controlled environments, away from public roads, and with appropriate safety precautions.
