If you want to leave tire marks on the ground and impress your friends, you can learn to spin your car. To do them properly, the vehicle needs to be small and light. Although it can be dangerous and can also damage and tear your tires, there is also a safe way to spin. If you take the necessary precautions and practice often, you will be able to master this skill. Follow the instructions and before you know it, you will already be spinning.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Spinning in a Rear-Wheel Drive
Step 1. Put first gear
This method only works on cars that have a manual transmission, as you will need to use the clutch. Move the gear stick to the side of the steering wheel or towards your right leg, and put into first gear. Then gradually press down on the gas and drive slowly forward. Once the car has reached a certain speed (25 to 30 km / h or 15 to 20 mph) start turning the steering wheel in the direction you want to spin. Note: in this step you will not do the spin, but you will position your vehicle in such a way that it is ready to do it.
- Turn the steering wheel only 45 degrees while slowly making a big circle with your car.
- Go around the circle several times to get used to the movement the vehicle makes when turning.
Step 2. Make a tighter turn
It is very important that this step and the next are done one immediately after the other and quite quickly. Keep gradually pressing the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel so that it is positioned between 45 and 90 degrees (in the same direction as before). As you turn the wheel, fully depress the clutch and release the parking brake.
The rear wheels of the car will start to lock up as your car skids
Step 3. Fully depress the accelerator and release the clutch and parking brake
As we said, this step and the previous one should be done one immediately after the other, quite quickly. As the rear tires begin to lock up and your car begins to skid, put your foot down. At the same time, release the clutch and the parking brake. If you have enough speed, the vehicle should start to skid and spin.
Step 4. Slow down slowly after doing a spin or two
After you've completed a spin or two, release the accelerator to bring your vehicle back to normal speed. As you decelerate, turn the wheel so that it is straight again. It is best to steer the car into an open, paved area. Once you have the car under control, step on the clutch and return to neutral.
Part 2 of 4: Spinning a Front Wheel Drive Vehicle
Step 1. Put first gear
If your car has a manual transmission, put it first. If your car has an automatic transmission, put the gear you would use to go up a hill. The gear lever is next to the steering wheel or your right leg. While setting the correct gear, turn the steering wheel fully in one direction.
Step 2. Press the accelerator
As you fully depress the accelerator, your car will begin to turn in one direction. As the vehicle glides, pull on the parking brake so the rear tires start to skid.
Step 3. Manage both the acceleration and the brakes correctly
If you want your car to keep turning and sliding, you have to continually press the accelerator and release the parking brake. When you've done it once, gently release the accelerator and parking brake until the car begins to slow down. When this happens, press the accelerator again and release the parking brake.
- Be careful not to accelerate too much in first gear. Doing it more than 5-6 times could damage the engine.
- To stop spinning, just slowly release the gas pedal as you straighten the wheel.
- Press the clutch and brake to return to neutral.
Part 3 of 4: Backing Up a Front Wheel Drive Car
Step 1. Put in reverse
This method only works if your car has a manual transmission, as you will need to use the clutch. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go and, at the same time, put it in reverse. The gearbox is next to the steering wheel or your right leg.
Step 2. Start backing up
You must first press the clutch and, at the same time, fully depress the accelerator. Release the clutch fully as soon as you step on the accelerator. The car will start to lurch backwards as the front wheels will lose their grip on the ground and start to skid. The front end will begin to spin around the rear wheels.
Gently release the throttle and keep it in a constant position at medium speed
Step 3. Turn the steering wheel sharply
Once the vehicle has started to slide on the rear wheels, sharply turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction you are in. This type of spin will exert great pressure on your body (lateral g-force).
- Once you've finished spinning, straighten the steering wheel and slow down to about 20 mph (30 km / h). You may have to move the steering wheel from one side to the other to maintain control of the car.
- Step on the clutch and brake to put the car back in neutral.
Part 4 of 4: Take the necessary precautions
Step 1. Before spinning, turn off the traction control
It is essential that you turn it off, since the system prevents the loss of grip of the tires and will not allow them to skid properly. Start the car and, while in neutral, turn off the traction control. Generally, the off button is located on either side of the steering wheel. If you can't find it, check the vehicle's instruction manual
- Do not turn off the traction control before starting the car as it turns on by default and therefore will turn on whenever you start the car.
- When you turn off the traction control, a light will likely appear on the instrument panel to draw your attention to what you've done. Don't worry about this light as it will go away once you finish spinning and turn traction control back on.
Step 2. Find a free and open space to make the tops
Ideally, the surface of the place you choose should be concrete and not grass or earth. Empty parking lots or uncrowded streets are good options. Make sure there is enough room for when your car starts turning in circles and that there are no houses, trees, or other obstacles around it.
While spinning is possible in snowy areas, avoid slippery or icy areas as they can be dangerous
Step 3. Make sure the tire tread is sound
It is not advisable to spin a vehicle that has tires that are worn or need to be changed. To verify that the tires are in good condition, you only need a penny. Place it on the tread with Lincoln's face facing down. If the tread covers Lincoln's head completely, you will be able to spin safely.
If more than half of Lincoln's head is sticking out, it would be best to change the tires on your vehicle. You can buy them on the web or go to a mechanic
Step 4. Check the fluids in the car
Check that the car's oil has been changed recently, as well as the power steering oil and brake fluid. When you spin, you will put enormous pressure on the car, so it is important that it is in top condition. To change the fluids, you can go to the mechanic or enter the following links:
- How to change car oil
- How to Circulate Power Steering Fluid
- How to change the brake fluid in a car
- You should also check all the internal components of the vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, muffler, etc.
Step 5. Invite some friends
In general, spinning is safe. However, it is best to have someone come with you in case there is an emergency, so invite a couple of friends or family members who are eager to join you. Ask them to stay away from the space where you will be spinning so there is no chance that they will injure themselves if there is an accident. They will be able to call someone in case something happens.
- Make sure that both your mobile battery and your friends' batteries are charged before going out.
- Have on hand the emergency number you should call if an emergency occurs.
Advice
- Spinning takes a lot of practice, so don't stop trying. If you don't succeed the first time, please try again.
- Spinning will be easier if the surface is wet, but cancel the activity if it is raining too much.
- Remember that the car must be light and small. You will not be able to spin properly with a truck, as it will be very heavy.