How to Perform a Burnout Start?
3 Answers
Understand the engagement point of the clutch. Start by idling the engine, shift into first gear, and slowly release the clutch until the car begins to lurch forward. Quickly release the clutch to this point to build muscle memory. Below is an introduction to performing a burnout start: Control the speed of releasing the clutch: After familiarizing yourself with the clutch engagement point, press the clutch while stationary, shift into first gear, and rev the engine to 3000 RPM or higher. As the RPM rises, quickly release the clutch to about halfway or more, then quickly press it again. Repeat this process—quickly releasing the clutch to about halfway or more and then pressing it again—two or three times. The tires will start spinning, initiating the burnout start. With practice, the number of repetitions can be reduced. Operation precautions: If the engine stalls repeatedly during this process, it means the clutch is being released too high. Try releasing it slightly less. If the wheels move forward but fail to burnout, try pressing the accelerator deeper before quickly releasing the clutch for the first time.
I remember the scene of trying a burnout start in a closed area last time. You need a rear-wheel-drive car, and insufficient horsepower won't do. After getting in the car, I first turned off the traction control system, pressed the brake hard with my left foot, and slowly revved the throttle to three or four thousand RPM with my right foot. Listening to the engine roar, I suddenly released the brake with my left foot, held the steering wheel tight to avoid wobbling, and the rear wheels immediately spun wildly, spewing white smoke. The key is the rhythm between the throttle and brake—too aggressive and you lose control, too slow and you can't get the tires to burn. The smell of burning rubber is particularly strong, and doing it once wears out half of the tire. This trick is quite hard on the car, putting strain on the drivetrain and transmission. Unless you're on a professional track, don't mess around with it. I only tried it once in a closed area, and now just thinking about it makes me cringe at the cost of the tires.
I'm a seasoned veteran in the car modification scene, and launching with a burnout really depends on whether the car can handle it. Forget about ordinary family sedans—you need at least a 2.0T rear-wheel drive. Before starting, turn off the ESP, firmly press the brake with your left foot, and floor the throttle with your right. When the engine sound deepens, release the brake—that’s when the rear tires scream into a spin, and blue smoke pours out of the wheel arches for an epic effect. Make sure to check tire pressure; too high and the burnout won’t be even. After the fun, inspect the chassis—suspension bushings are prone to cracking. Once, my rear differential started making weird noises after a burnout session, costing me over 3,000 to fix. If you’re modifying the exhaust, pay attention to backpressure—a proper backfire sound can be even more thrilling.
