can you do a burnout with drum brakes

Can You Do a Burnout with Drum Brakes?

When we think of burnouts, the image of a roaring engine, burning rubber, and a cloud of smoke comes to mind. Typically, this image is associated with vehicles equipped with disc brakes, which are far more common in high-performance cars. However, enthusiasts often wonder can you do a burnout with drum brakes? To understand this, we need to delve into the mechanics of drum brakes and the physics behind a burnout.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are a type of braking system found in many older vehicles and some modern budget-friendly models. Instead of a set of discs and calipers that squeeze the brake pads to slow down the wheels, drum brakes work by pushing brake shoes against the inner surface of a spinning drum. This design is generally cheaper and more straightforward, but it has its drawbacks. Drum brakes can be less efficient at dissipating heat, which can lead to brake fade under extreme conditions.

The Mechanics of a Burnout

A burnout occurs when the drive wheels of a vehicle spin without gaining traction, creating a dramatic display of power and smoke. To achieve this, a driver typically holds the brakes with one foot while simultaneously pressing the accelerator with the other, causing the rear wheels to spin. The effectiveness of this maneuver relies heavily on the vehicle's braking system to hold the car in place while power is sent to the wheels.

Challenges with Drum Brakes

1. Heat Dissipation Drum brakes can overheat quickly due to their enclosed design. This overheating can reduce their stopping power or cause brake fade, making it difficult to maintain the necessary grip.

2. Braking Force The force generated by drum brakes may not be sufficient to hold the vehicle in place during a burnout. Since their design relies on mechanical leverage, they may not be able to provide the immediate stopping power needed.

3. Wear and Tear Attempting a burnout can severely strain drum brakes, leading to increased wear and potential failure. The brake shoes and drum can degrade faster, resulting in expensive repairs.

4. Limited Traction In many cases, vehicles with drum brakes also come with less powerful engines or narrower tires, limiting the overall potential for a burnout. The absence of significant power and wider contact patches usually found on vehicles designed for performance dampens the effectiveness of a burnout.

Practical Considerations

If a driver is determined to attempt a burnout with drum brakes, there are some steps they can take

1. Choose the Right Vehicle Older muscle cars or modified cars with more powerful engines and wider tires may have a better chance of achieving a burnout, even if they are equipped with drum brakes.

2. Tire Preparation Worn-out or bald tires can provide less grip, making it easier to spin the wheels. However, this approach poses its risks and should be approached with caution.

3. Controlled Environment It’s essential to perform such stunts in a controlled environment, like a racetrack or a dedicated area, to ensure safety and avoid legal trouble.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while performing a burnout with drum brakes is theoretically possible, it's fraught with complications. The inherent limitations of drum brakes, including their heat dissipation capabilities and overall braking force, make the task more challenging than using a more modern disc brake setup. For purists and enthusiasts of classic cars, the idea of a burnout remains an exciting challenge. Still, for anyone considering the endeavor, it’s crucial to weigh the risks versus the rewards and understand the fundamental mechanics at play.