Heat Slipstream & Corner Rules: Speed Limits, Heat and Spin Outs
In Heat: Pedal to the Metal, slipstreaming moves your car but does not increase the Speed value used to check corners. That distinction causes many first-game mistakes.
When can you slipstream?
After normal movement and the React step, if your car is next to another car or in a space directly behind one or more cars, you may slipstream.
How far does slipstream move you?
A standard slipstream moves you 2 spaces forward. It is optional and can normally be used only once per turn.
Does slipstream count toward corner speed?
No. Slipstream movement does not add to your Speed value for the Check Corner step.
Can slipstream carry you across a corner line?
Yes. If you cross a Corner Line at any point during the turn, including through later movement, you still check that corner. The slipstream’s two spaces simply do not add to the Speed value.
How do corner speed limits work?
Compare your total Speed for the turn with the corner’s printed Speed Limit. If Speed is equal to or below the limit, nothing happens. If it is higher, pay Heat equal to the difference.
What if you cross more than one corner?
Check every crossed Corner Line separately, starting with the first one crossed.
What causes a spin out?
If you cannot pay enough Heat for excess corner speed, pay the Heat you can and spin out: move back to the first available space before the offending corner, take Stress according to your gear and move your gear pawn to first gear.
Related Heat guides
Publisher source
Rules checked September 2026.