Teslas are among the most advanced cars in the world, and the electric motors of each model get stronger with every release. If Teslas were so powerful, they would be able to do some sick stunts such as burnouts and donuts, wouldn't you say?
Can Teslas do a burnout? Yes, the Tesla can perform burnouts just like any other high-performance vehicle. Once the ABS, stability, and traction controls are disabled by removing an electrical fuse. The process of removing a fuse will void your Tesla warranty. This is not recommended for such a high-performance car. Track Mode is an alternative option that falls within the warranty.
Teslas' traction and anti-brake system are too restrictive to allow burnouts or other tricks. Once this limitation is removed, Teslas can burnout with the best. Find out how to burn out a Tesla by reading on.
What is a Burnout?
A burnout in a vehicle involves the car being stationary and the wheels spinning. This maneuver is meant to create thick clouds of smoke, make a lot noise and attract attention to both the car and its driver.
Burnouts are mostly performed to impress or display the driver. They don't usually have any strategic benefits for the driver. Burnouts in drag racing are done to make the wheels of the vehicle stick to the asphalt. This gives the car better traction from the start.
Burnouts, in the end, are just a show and have no real purpose for drivers outside of drag strips.
With Modifications, Teslas are Capable of Burnouts
The stock Tesla is not able to perform burnouts because of its ABS and brake system. However, you can disable the following Tesla components:
- Anti-lock Braking System( ABS)
- Stability Control System
- Traction Control System
Tesla's brake systems can be disabled simply by removing the fuse that controls the three different aspects of the system. Tesla (or anyone) would not recommend this before normal operation.
This video shows a Tesla performing burnouts, after its brake system was modified.
Benefits of Burnouts on a Tesla
Burnouts on a Tesla have only one real advantage: they look cool. Teslas are expensive to maintain and repair, so it's no surprise that they don't attract many drag racers.
It's still hard to look cooler driving a Tesla. One of the best ways to do this is to perform a few burnouts or doughnuts. If that doesn't work, you can always jump over a small chasm of Dukes of Hazzard-style. Don't do the last part.
The disadvantages of doing burnout on a Tesla
The disadvantages of burning out in a Tesla far outweigh the benefits. These are some of the burnouts' drawbacks:
- Those tires you're burning up? These tires are not cheap. Some Tesla tires can cost upwards of $300 each. They are special acoustic tires that reduce road noise. It's not the type of tire you want to use for a parking lot prank.
- You may void your warranty. If your Tesla breaks down as a result of disabling the ABS system, or there is a fault in the electrical system as a result of disabling the ABS system (a result that is not unheard of when it comes to manipulating the electrical systems of advanced digital vehicles), then your warranty could be voided, and you could have to pay for repairs yourself.
- It is possible to damage the Tesla and then have it repaired. It is difficult to get a Tesla repaired because of part delays, logistics problems, and other issues.
- You might mess up. You could accidentally disable the wrong fuse if you don't know the Tesla engineering design. You are also more likely to cause electrical damage to your car if you don't know how to fix it yourself.
- You could be injured. To do a burnout, you must keep your feet balanced on the brake and accelerator. If you remove your foot before removing the accelerator, the car will accelerate uncontrollably. This could cause someone to be injured or even killed.
- Burnouts are prohibited. Burnouts fall under the category of street racing. In almost all places, street racing is illegal to do in public due to its danger. If a police officer catches you performing a burnout in public, it's likely that you will be given a ticket, and you may have to take a taxi back to the station.
You can see that the negatives of burning out in a Tesla are far greater than the positives. There are many risks that can be avoided, but it's not worth damaging a machine of this caliber.
Perform Burnouts in a Safe Manner
It's vital that you burn out in a Tesla safely if you want to do one. To avoid getting in trouble when performing a Tesla burnout, follow these rules:
- Burnouts are not allowed on public property. This can result in you being arrested, as was mentioned in the article. You should only burnout your Tesla on private property. This will keep you out of the way of curious neighbors who may call 911 to report a noise disturbance or smoke.
- Be sure to keep all onlookers clear. This may seem obvious, but you shouldn't let your friends stand directly next to the area in which you are performing a burnout. Accidentally, someone could be killed. Bystanders should be set back several dozen yards to allow them to escape if the driver loses their control.
- Do not inhale the smoke from burnt tires. The noxious fumes created by burned rubber in tires are harmful to your lungs and respiratory system. Make sure you do not breathe in more smoke than is necessary.
- Do not burnout your vehicle unless you are sure you can control it at all times.
Teslas can do burnouts but at what cost?
It's exciting to drive a Tesla, and you may want to show off your car. Modifying a Tesla to allow it to perform burnouts by removing the brake system fuse is possible, but there are some risks involved.
It is ultimately up to the individual Tesla drivers to decide whether they want to burnout in their Tesla. It is the driver's duty to ensure that any tricks they perform in their car are done safely.
