The donut is a driving technique with which a layer of rubber is left on the asphalt, drawing a "donut" as precise as possible to show off to friends. You can do it correctly only with a small and light vehicle, otherwise you will not be able to trigger the rotation. While it is a dangerous practice that severely wears tires, you can still do it safely; all you need to do is take the necessary precautions, practice often and master the necessary skills. You will soon become a donut master!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: with a Rear Drive Car
Step 1. Engage first gear
This method only works with manual transmission cars since you have to use the clutch. Move the shift lever, which is located near your right leg or the steering wheel, and put it into first gear. Gradually press the accelerator pedal to move forward slowly. As the car picks up speed (20-30km / h), start turning the steering wheel in the direction you want to do the "donut". Note that at this stage you are not making the donut yet, just preparing the machine.
- Turn the steering wheel only 45 ° as you slowly travel a wide curved trajectory;
- Keep driving in circles for a while, getting used to the feel of the vehicle.
Step 2. Turn the steering wheel to tighten the rim
It is essential to carry out this step and the following ones in quick sequence. Continue to gradually increase the pressure on the accelerator pedal and turn the steering wheel in the same direction as before, so as to draw an angle of 45-90 °. While turning the steering, fully depress the clutch pedal and pull the handbrake lever.
The rear wheels lock as soon as the car begins to spin
Step 3. Fully depress the accelerator and release both the clutch and the handbrake
Remember that this phase must take place immediately after those described above as a single fluid sequence. As soon as the rear wheels lock and the car begins to lose grip, press the accelerator; you should simultaneously take your foot off the clutch pedal and deactivate the parking brake. If you have reached sufficient speed, the machine should start spinning by drawing a donut.
Step 4. Gradually reduce your speed after a lap or two
Once you've completed the technique a couple of times, bring the vehicle back to normal speed by lifting your foot off the gas pedal. As you slow down, turn the steering wheel to straighten the wheels; you should steer the car towards a large surface of asphalt. If you are in control of the car, press the clutch pedal and shift the gear lever to the neutral position.
Part 2 of 4: with a front-wheel drive car
Step 1. Engage first gear
If the car has manual transmission, put the first; if the transmission is automatic, it selects the gear to go uphill. The shift lever is located near your right leg or near the steering wheel; as you select the gear ratio, turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction.
Step 2. Press the accelerator pedal
If you press it fully, the vehicle should begin to turn in the direction you have chosen; when it starts to lose some grip, apply the handbrake to skid the rear wheels.
Step 3. Manage engine power and brakes
To allow the car to continue spinning and sliding on the rear wheels, you must continuously press and apply both the accelerator and the handbrake. After doing this once, take your foot off the gas pedal and release the parking brake; as soon as you feel that the car loses power and therefore rotation, accelerate again and pull the brake.
- Be careful not to increase the engine speed excessively with the transmission in first gear; if you do this more than 5-6 times, you risk damaging the engine itself.
- To stop the rotation, simply release the gas pedal by returning the steering wheel to the center position.
- Press the clutch pedal and brake while parking.
Part 3 of 4: Inverted Donut with a Front-Wheel Drive Car
Step 1. Engage reverse
This method only works with manual transmission cars because the clutch must be used. Turn the steering wheel in one direction while engaging reverse; the gear lever is located on the steering wheel or near the right leg.
Step 2. Begin to retreat
Operate the clutch first, then fully depress the gas pedal. Take your foot off the clutch to cause the vehicle to skid backwards as the front wheels lose traction and slip; In this way, the front begins to turn around the rear tires which act as a pivot.
Release the throttle slightly while keeping it in a constant medium power position
Step 3. Turn the steering wheel suddenly
When you feel the car start to back up, it turns sharply in the opposite direction; the resulting skid puts your body under intense pressure (lateral G-force).
- Once the donut is complete, return the steering to the central position and slow down to about 30 km / h; it may be necessary to correct the steering direction for a while to maintain control of the car.
- Press the clutch pedal, brake pedal and park.
Part 4 of 4: Necessary Precautions
Step 1. Disable the traction control system before attempting this maneuver
This is a fundamental step, otherwise the wheels will unlock and do not slip as they should. Put the key in the ignition and start the engine; stops traction control while the car is still stationary. Usually, there is a button on the left or right of the steering column that allows you to activate and deactivate this function; if you can't find the command, consult the user manual.
- Do not deactivate it before starting the vehicle; By default, the system is functional, this means that it automatically engages as soon as you start the engine.
- A dashboard warning light is likely to come on to inform you that traction control is off; don't worry about this light, it should go out as soon as you finish donut and wake up the system.
Step 2. Find an open space to practice
The best surface is asphalt, avoid grass or dirt; the ideal place is an empty parking lot or a wide road closed to traffic. Make sure you have enough room to roll the car safely and check for houses, trees or other obstacles.
Although it is possible to attempt the maneuver on snowy areas, avoid icy or rather slippery ones because they are very dangerous
Step 3. Check the tire tread
Do not perform donuts with tires that are worn or that need to be replaced. To check the conditions, use a one euro coin and insert it into the notches of the tread; if the stars along the gold border are completely hidden by the eraser, you can proceed safely.
If you can see more than half of the stars, you need to replace the tires by purchasing them online and replacing them yourself or by contacting a tire dealer
Step 4. Inspect fluid levels
Make sure the oil has recently been changed; you should also have the power steering and brake fluid replaced; these are very important elements, because this maneuver puts enormous pressure on the vehicle. You need to make sure the car is in perfect condition before practicing a donut; take it to a repair shop or follow the advice in these articles to check and change fluids:
- How to Change the Car Oil;
- How to Change the Power Steering Fluid;
- How to Change the Brake Fluid.
- You should also have a general inspection of the car's internal components. Inspect the engine, transmission, muffler, etc., making sure they are in perfect condition. Do some research online for more tips on this.
Step 5. Make sure there are friends with you
Generally speaking, the donut is a safe maneuver, but someone better be there in case of an emergency. You could ask a couple of friends or family to watch you practice. Make sure they stay at a safe distance while you swerve with the car to minimize the risk of hitting them and at the same time they can call emergency services if necessary.
- Check that your cell phone and that of friends are charged before going out.
- Have the number of the ambulance and the local police handy for emergencies.
Advice
- Some practice is needed, keep practicing; on the first try you may not be able to maintain adequate power to trigger the spin, so you must try again.
- Wet asphalt helps the wheels spin, but don't attempt this maneuver during a thunderstorm!
- The car should be small and light, a heavy van or pickup is not good.
