How to Drift Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks
Drifting is a driving technique where you intentionally oversteer your car, causing it to slide sideways around a corner. It is commonly used in racing, but many people do it for fun as well. Drifting can be very exhilarating, as it requires skill, precision, and courage. However, drifting can also be very dangerous, as it involves losing control of your car and risking collisions or accidents. Therefore, it is important to learn how to drift properly and safely, and practice in a suitable location.
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In this article, I will show you how to perform different types of drifts using various techniques, such as power over, handbrake slide, clutch kick, and feint drift. I will also explain how to control your car during and after the drift, and give you some tips and tricks on how to improve your drifting skills. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what drifting is, how it works, and why it is fun.
Selecting a car and practice spot
The first step in your drifting journey is choosing the right car and practice spot. Not all cars are suitable for drifting, and not all locations are safe for practicing. Here are some things to consider when selecting your car and practice spot:
Choose a rear-wheel drive (RWD) car. RWD cars are ideal for drifting, as they allow you to break traction on the rear wheels more easily than front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) cars. RWD cars also give you more control over the angle and speed of the drift.
Choose a manual transmission car. Manual transmission cars give you more control over the engine power and torque than automatic cars. Manual cars also allow you to use techniques such as clutch kicking or heel-and-toe shifting, which can help you initiate or maintain a drift.
Choose a car with a limited-slip differential (LSD). LSD is a device that distributes power evenly between the rear wheels, preventing one wheel from spinning faster than the other. This helps you keep both wheels spinning during a drift, which makes it smoother and more stable.
Choose a lightweight car. Lightweight cars are easier to maneuver and accelerate than heavy cars. They also have less inertia, which means they can change direction more quickly.
Choose a safe location. Drifting can be very dangerous if done in public roads or crowded areas. You should only practice drifting in a private property or an authorized track that has enough space, good visibility, smooth surface, and no obstacles or pedestrians. You should also wear proper safety gear, such as seat belts, helmets, gloves, and fire extinguishers.
Performing a power over to drift
A power over is one of the simplest ways to initiate a drift. It involves using the throttle to break traction on the rear wheels by applying more power than they can handle. This causes the rear wheels to lose grip and slide out, creating oversteer. A power over is usually done on a straight road or a wide corner, where you have enough room to accelerate and slide. Here are the steps to perform a power over:
Approach the corner at a moderate speed. You don't want to go too fast or too slow, as this will make it harder to initiate and control the drift. A good rule of thumb is to go at about 70% of the maximum speed you can take the corner without drifting.
Turn the steering wheel slightly in the direction of the corner. This will help you set up the car for the drift and create some lateral force on the rear wheels.
Floor the throttle as you enter the corner. This will send a surge of power to the rear wheels, causing them to spin faster than the front wheels and break traction. You should hear the tires screech and feel the back end of the car swing out.
Countersteer and modulate the throttle to maintain the drift. As soon as you feel the car start to slide, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the corner. This will help you balance the car and prevent it from spinning out. At the same time, adjust your throttle input to control the angle and speed of the drift. You can use more throttle to increase the angle and speed, or less throttle to decrease them.
Exit the drift smoothly. As you reach the end of the corner, ease off the throttle and straighten the steering wheel. This will allow you to regain traction and resume normal driving.
A power over is a great way to start drifting, as it is relatively easy and fun. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as requiring a lot of space, power, and tire wear. Therefore, you may want to try other techniques that are more suitable for different situations.
Using the handbrake to slide an automatic
If you have an automatic car, you may find it difficult to initiate a drift using only the throttle. This is because automatic cars tend to have less torque and more traction control than manual cars, which makes it harder to break traction on the rear wheels. However, there is another way to start a drift in an automatic car: using the handbrake. The handbrake is a lever that applies brakes on the rear wheels, locking them and causing them to skid. By using the handbrake, you can create oversteer without relying on engine power. A handbrake slide is usually done on a tight corner or a hairpin turn, where you need to slow down and change direction quickly. Here are the steps to perform a handbrake slide:
Approach the corner at a moderate speed. You don't want to go too fast or too slow, as this will make it harder to initiate and control the drift. A good rule of thumb is to go at about 50% of the maximum speed you can take the corner without drifting.
Turn the steering wheel slightly in the direction of the corner. This will help you set up the car for the drift and create some lateral force on the rear wheels.
Pull up the handbrake as you enter the corner. This will lock up the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the corner. This will help you balance the car and prevent it from spinning out. At the same time, adjust your throttle input to control the angle and speed of the drift. You can use more throttle to increase the angle and speed, or less throttle to decrease them.
Exit the drift smoothly. As you reach the end of the corner, ease off the throttle and straighten the steering wheel. This will allow you to regain traction and resume normal driving.
A clutch kick is an effective technique for drifting in a manual car, as it allows you to create oversteer without losing speed or changing gears. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as requiring a lot of timing, coordination, and clutch wear. Therefore, you may want to try other techniques that are more gentle and consistent.
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Feint drifting for tight corners
Another technique for initiating a drift is feint drifting, which involves using weight transfer to create oversteer. Weight transfer is the movement of mass within the car due to acceleration, braking, or steering. By shifting the weight of the car from one side to another, you can create an imbalance of grip on the wheels, causing them to slide. A feint drift is usually done on a tight or narrow corner, where you need to change direction quickly and sharply. Here are the steps to perform a feint drift:
Approach the corner at a high speed. You want to go fast enough to create enough momentum and centrifugal force on the rear wheels. A good rule of thumb is to go at about 80% of the maximum speed you can take the corner without drifting.
Turn the steering wheel slightly away from the direction of the corner. This will shift the weight of the car to the outside wheels, creating more grip on them and less grip on the inside wheels.
Quickly turn the steering wheel in the direction of the corner. This will shift the weight of the car back to the inside wheels, creating more grip on them and less grip on the outside wheels. This sudden change of grip will cause the outside wheels to lose traction and slide out, creating oversteer. You should hear the tires screech and feel the back end of the car swing out.
Countersteer and modulate the throttle to maintain the drift. As soon as you feel the car start to slide, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the corner. This will help you balance the car and prevent it from spinning out. At the same time, adjust your throttle input to control the angle and speed of the drift. You can use more throttle to increase the angle and speed, or less throttle to decrease them.
Exit the drift smoothly. As you reach the end of the corner, ease off the throttle and straighten the steering wheel. This will allow you to regain traction and resume normal driving.
A feint drift is a challenging technique for drifting, as it requires a lot of skill, timing, and precision. However, it also has some advantages, such as requiring less space, power, and tire wear than other techniques. Therefore, you may want to try it if you want to master tight corners and hairpin turns.
Throttle control and countersteering
No matter what technique you use to initiate a drift, you will need to use throttle control and countersteering to maintain it. Throttle control is the ability to modulate your throttle input to control the angle and speed of the drift. Countersteering is the ability to steer in the opposite direction of the slide to balance the car and prevent it from spinning out. These two skills are essential for drifting, as they allow you to adjust your car's position and direction during the drift. Here are some tips on how to use throttle control and countersteering:
Use smooth and gradual throttle inputs. You don't want to use sudden or jerky throttle inputs, as this will make your car unstable and unpredictable. You want to use smooth and gradual throttle inputs, as this will make your car smooth and predictable. You can use more throttle to increase the angle and speed of the drift, or less throttle to decrease them.
Use countersteering to balance the car. You don't want to use too much or too little countersteering, as this will make your car oversteer or understeer. You want to use just enough countersteering to balance the car and keep it in line with the corner. You can use more countersteering to reduce the angle of the drift, or less countersteering to increase it.
Use both hands on the steering wheel. You don't want to use one hand on the steering wheel and one hand on the handbrake or the gear shift, as this will make your car less responsive and more difficult to control. You want to use both hands on the steering wheel, as this will make your car more responsive and easier to control. You can use quick and precise movements to steer the car in the desired direction.
Use your eyes and ears to guide you. You don't want to rely only on your instincts or feelings, as this will make your car unpredictable and inconsistent. You want to use your eyes and ears to guide you, as this will make your car predictable and consistent. You can use your eyes to look ahead and plan your next move, and use your ears to listen to the engine and tire sounds and adjust your throttle and steering accordingly.
Throttle control and countersteering are the core skills of drifting, as they allow you to manipulate your car's behavior during the drift. By mastering these skills, you will be able to drift with confidence and style.
Controlling the angle and speed
Another aspect of drifting that you need to master is controlling the angle and speed of the drift. The angle of the drift is the degree of deviation from the direction of travel, or how sideways your car is. The speed of the drift is the rate of movement along the direction of travel, or how fast your car is going. Controlling the angle and speed of the drift is important, as it affects the stability, balance, and aesthetics of the drift. Here are some tips on how to control the angle and speed of the drift:
Use a combination of throttle, steering, and braking. You don't want to use only one method to control the angle and speed of the drift, as this will make your car limited and rigid. You want to use a combination of throttle, steering, and braking, as this will make your car versatile and flexible. You can use throttle to increase or decrease the angle and speed, steering to adjust or correct the angle and direction, and braking to slow down or stabilize the car.
Use different types of braking. You don't want to use only one type of braking to control the angle and speed of the drift, as this will make your car inefficient and wasteful. You want to use different types of braking, such as foot brake, handbrake, or engine brake, as this will make your car efficient and effective. You can use foot brake to reduce the speed and increase the stability of the car, handbrake to lock the rear wheels and initiate or adjust the angle of the drift, and engine brake to use the engine resistance to slow down the car without using the brakes.
Use different types of drifts. You don't want to use only one type of drift to control the angle and speed of the drift, as this will make your car boring and repetitive. You want to use different types of drifts, such as power over, handbrake slide, clutch kick, feint drift, or others, as this will make your car exciting and diverse. You can use different types of drifts depending on the shape, size, and condition of the corner, as well as your personal preference and style.
Use transitions and combinations. You don't want to use only one drift per corner, as this will make your car simple and plain. You want to use transitions and combinations, such as switching from one drift to another, linking multiple drifts together, or changing the angle and speed of the drift mid-corner, as this will make your car complex and dynamic. You can use transitions and combinations to create more challenge and variety in your drifting, as well as to impress yourself and others.
Controlling the angle and speed of the drift is an advanced skill that requires a lot of practice and experience. However, it is also a rewarding skill that allows you to express your creativity and personality through your drifting.
Exiting the drift
The final step in your drifting process is exiting the drift. Exiting the drift is the act of ending the slide and returning to normal driving. Exiting the drift is important, as it affects the smoothness, safety, and satisfaction of your drifting. Here are some tips on how to exit the drift:
Ease off the throttle gradually. You don't want to lift off the throttle abruptly, as this will cause your car to snap back and lose balance. You want to ease off the throttle gradually, as this will allow your car to regain traction smoothly and steadily.
Straighten the steering wheel gently. You don't want to turn the steering wheel sharply, as this will cause your car to jerk and lose stability. You want to straighten the steering wheel gently, as this will allow your car to align with the direction of travel calmly and safely.
Adjust your speed and position accordingly. You don't want to exit the drift at a high speed or a wrong position, as this will cause you to overshoot or undershoot the corner or collide with other cars or objects. You want to adjust your speed and position accordingly, as this will allow you to exit the drift smoothly and safely.
Exiting the drift is the final touch that completes your drifting experience. By exiting the drift smoothly and safely, you will be able to enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of drifting without compromising your car or yourself.
Tips and tricks
Now that you know how to perform different types of drifts, you may want to improve your drifting skills and avoid common mistakes. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you become a better drifter:
Practice, practice, practice. Drifting is a skill that requires a lot of practice and repetition to master. You should practice drifting regularly and consistently, in different conditions and scenarios, until you develop muscle memory and confidence. You should also practice with other drifters, as they can give you feedback, advice, and inspiration.
Start small and simple. Drifting is a skill that requires a lot of patience and progression to master. You should start with small and simple drifts, such as power over or handbrake slide, before moving on to bigger and more complex drifts, such as clutch kick or feint drift. You should also start with slow and easy corners, before moving on to fast and hard corners.
Learn from your mistakes. Drifting is a skill that requires a lot of trial and error to master. You should learn from your mistakes, such as spinning out, understeering, or oversteering, and try to avoid or correct them in the future. You should also analyze your performance, such as angle, speed, or smoothness, and try to improve or optimize them in the future.
Have fun and be safe. Drifting is a skill that requires a lot of fun and safety to master. You should have fun while drifting, as it is an enjoyable and rewarding activity. You should also be safe while drifting, as it is a dangerous and risky activity. You should always follow the rules and regulations of the location, respect the rights and property of others, and protect yourself and your car from harm.
Tips and tricks are helpful guidelines that can help you enhance your drifting skills and avoid common pitfalls. By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to drift like a pro in no time.
Conclusion
Drifting is a driving technique that involves sliding your car sideways around a corner. It is a fun and exciting activity that requires skill, precision, and courage. In this article, I have shown you how to perform different types of drifts using various techniques, such as power over, handbrake slide, clutch kick, and feint drift. I have also explained how to control your car during and after the drift, and given you some tips and tricks on how to improve your drifting skills. By following these steps and guidelines, you will be able to drift like a pro and have a lot of fun. I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy drifting! FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about drifting:
What are the benefits of drifting? Drifting has many benefits, such as improving your driving skills, increasing your adrenaline levels, expressing your creativity and personality, and having fun with your friends.
What are the risks of drifting? Drifting has many risks, such as damaging your car, injuring yourself or others, breaking the law, or getting into trouble with the authorities.
What are the best cars for drifting? The best cars for drifting are rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, lightweight, and have a limited-slip differential. Some examples are Toyota AE86, Nissan 240SX, Mazda RX-7, BMW E30, or Ford Mustang.
What are the best locations for drifting? The best locations for drifting are private property or authorized track that have enough space, good visibility, smooth surface, and no obstacles or pedestrians. Some examples are parking lots, industrial areas, race tracks, or drift parks.
What are the best resources for learning more about drifting? The best resources for learning more about drifting are books, magazines, websites, videos, podcasts, or blogs that cover the topic of drifting. Some examples are Drift Bible by Keiichi Tsuchiya, Drift Zone by Phil Morrison, Drifted.com by James Deane, Drift Hunters by Ken Block, or Maximum Driftcast by Corey Hosford.
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