How to do a burnout with an automatic transmission

Burnouts are polarizing. Some folks love them, while others see them as a way to waste money, rubber, and time, as well as a clean pavement in some cases.

We tend to fall into the group that enjoys them. That’s why we’ve brought you this video from the folks at rally school Team O’Neil.

Host Wyatt Knox explains how to execute a burnout in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The process is much easier than with a manual transmission, but before you rush out and try it yourself, ensure that your vehicle can handle a burnout without damage.

The ideal setup is a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, though front-wheel-drive vehicles also tend to be fine. If your vehicle has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, attempting a burnout may cause serious damage, so it’s best avoided.

The process with an automatic transmission is as simple as applying the brake with your left foot and the throttle with your right foot. The key is to not mash the brake pedal all the way. About half way is a good starting point and adjusting as necessary. This way full braking force isn’t applied, allowing the wheels to light up easier.

You then balance the brake and throttle to get wheelspin to occur and you can hold that brake stand as long as you’d like (or as long as the rubber lasts) or roll out of it and on into a burnout. A little practice and you’ll be doing it like the pros at the drag strip in no time.

Actually, a place like a drag strip or similar controlled enviroment is the ideal place to practice. Anywhere else and you’re just looking for trouble.