How to Do Burnouts in an Automatic: Step-by-Step Guide - Auto Experts

A burnout is one of the most thrilling displays of raw power and control in a car. The sight of tires spinning, smoke rising, and the roar of an engine at full throttle is enough to turn heads at any car meet or drag strip.

While burnouts are often associated with manual transmissions, they can also be performed in automatic cars with the right technique and conditions.

However, before attempting a burnout, it’s important to understand that it puts significant strain on your vehicle, especially the tires, transmission, and drivetrain. It should only be done in controlled environments like private tracks, burnout pits, or events where it is legal and safe.

In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to performing a burnout in an automatic car, the risks involved, and how to minimize damage while maximizing performance. Whether you’re doing it for fun or prepping for a drag race, here’s everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Car: Is It Capable of a Burnout?

Not all automatic cars are built for burnouts. Some modern vehicles come with traction control and electronic stability systems that automatically limit wheel spin. Others may have weak transmissions or drivetrains that aren’t designed to handle the stress.

1. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vs. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vs. All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

RWD Cars: Best suited for burnouts because power is sent to the rear wheels, making it easier to break traction.
FWD Cars: Can do burnouts, but require additional tricks, such as using the parking brake to keep the rear wheels stationary.
AWD Cars: Generally not ideal for burnouts since power is distributed to all four wheels, making it difficult to break traction on just the rear wheels.

2. Engine Power and Torque

Cars with higher horsepower and torque are better suited for burnouts. Muscle cars, sports sedans, and high-performance vehicles typically have the necessary power to spin the tires with ease.

3. Transmission Type and Settings

Automatic transmissions with manual shift mode or “Sport” mode allow for better control over gear selection.
Older automatics without electronic limitations tend to be easier to perform burnouts in.
Vehicles with traction control and stability control must have these features disabled before attempting a burnout.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find a Safe and Legal Location

Never attempt a burnout on public roads, as it is dangerous and illegal in most places. Instead, find a designated burnout pad, racetrack, or private property where such activities are permitted.

Step 2: Check Your Tires and Brakes

Burnouts generate a lot of heat and can destroy tires quickly. Ensure you’re using old or spare tires, as they will wear down rapidly.
Brakes should be in good condition, especially if you plan to use the “brake stand” method to hold the car in place.

Step 3: Turn Off Traction Control and Stability Control

Most modern automatic cars have traction control systems (TCS) and stability control that prevent wheel spin. Look for a button labeled TCS, ESC, or VSC and turn it off. If there’s no button, check the vehicle settings through the infotainment system.

Step 4: Put the Car in Drive or Manual Mode

Select first gear if your vehicle has a manual shift mode.
Keep the car in Drive (D) if manual mode isn’t available, but avoid using higher gears.

Step 5: Hold the Brake Firmly with Your Left Foot

This technique is known as a “brake stand.” It keeps the car from moving forward while allowing the rear tires to spin.

Step 6: Press the Gas Pedal with Your Right Foot

Gradually increase throttle pressure while keeping the brakes engaged.
The goal is to find the balance between brake force and throttle input, allowing the rear wheels to break traction while the front wheels hold position.

Step 7: Release the Brake Slightly to Maintain a Controlled Burnout

If the rear wheels begin spinning, reduce brake pressure slightly while maintaining throttle input.
Too much brake pressure will stall the burnout, while too little will cause the car to move forward.

Step 8: Hold for a Few Seconds, Then Release

A burnout should last no more than 5-10 seconds to avoid excessive heat buildup in the tires and transmission.
When finished, ease off the throttle and release the brakes smoothly to avoid a sudden jolt forward.

Alternative Methods for Different Car Types

1. Burnout in a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Car

Since power is sent to the front wheels, an FWD burnout requires locking the rear wheels.

Engage the parking brake to keep the rear wheels from moving.
Press the gas while holding the brake to spin the front wheels.
This method works best with manual parking brakes rather than electronic ones.

2. Burnout in a High-Performance AWD Car

Most AWD vehicles won’t allow traditional burnouts due to power distribution across all wheels.
Some performance AWD models (like the Dodge Charger AWD) have “burnout mode” that temporarily sends power to the rear wheels.
In most cases, an AWD car will require modifications (disconnecting front driveshafts) to perform a burnout effectively.

Potential Risks and How to Avoid Damage

Burnouts can be fun, but they also come with risks. Here’s how to minimize damage to your car:

1. Transmission Overheating

Automatic transmissions rely on fluid cooling, and burnouts generate excess heat.
If attempting multiple burnouts, let the car cool down between runs.

2. Tire Wear and Blowouts

Tires burn out quickly, especially performance or street tires.
Use cheap or used tires if planning multiple burnouts.

3. Brake and Axle Strain

Holding the brakes while spinning the wheels can put stress on brake pads and rotors.
Excessive force may cause axle or differential damage.

4. Engine Stress and RPM Limits

Revving the engine too high for too long can lead to overheating or mechanical failure.
Stay within safe RPM ranges and avoid bouncing off the rev limiter.

Is It Legal to Do Burnouts?

Burnouts are illegal on public roads in most countries due to the risk of accidents and excessive tire smoke. Consequences may include:

Fines and Penalties
Vehicle Impoundment
License Suspension

To avoid legal trouble, always perform burnouts in designated areas like racetracks, drag strips, or sanctioned car events.

Doing a burnout in an automatic car is possible with the right technique and conditions. While RWD vehicles are best suited for the task, it can also be done in FWD cars with the proper adjustments.

However, it’s crucial to consider the risks, including transmission wear, tire damage, and legal consequences.

If you’re looking to try a burnout, always use a safe and legal location, turn off traction control, and apply the right balance of throttle and braking.

Keep in mind that repeated burnouts can lead to costly repairs, so only attempt them occasionally and ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition before doing so.

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Tom Brady

Tom Brady has been senior content creator at Automoexperts.com since 2023. He graduated from Mechanical Engineering at California Institute of Technology. He has been immersed in the world of autos since day one. With a lifetime of experience in the automotive industry, Tom has earned the respect of his peers as an expert, particularly in the realm of fast cars.