How to Drift a Car

How to Drift a Car As drifting gained popularity in Hollywood movies, the surge for wanting to learn to drift has also increased.

Drifting is basically a driving technique and a motor sport where the driver purposely over steers the car such that there is loss of traction in the rear wheels through the corners. While doing so the driver keeps control over the car and also maintains a high exit speed.

If you want to learn to drift a car, then this tutorial can be of great help. There are different techniques through which you can initiate your drift. Hand break drifting technique is the easiest away to start off with and hence best for beginners.

Instructions

Go to an empty lot and setup a cone in the middle. Drive towards the cone and rip the handbrake as you are about to approach the cone in an attempt to make a 180 degree turn around the can and then drive away from the can following the same direction that you drove toward.
Try this again. This time maintain a speed of 20 to 25 mph and begin to make the 180 degree turn. While doing this when you feel the weight of the car is shifting into the turn, immediately pull the handbrake and also simultaneously apply some pressure to the gas pedal so that your speed is maintained. Pull up the handbrake long enough for the rear end to swing outwards. Make sure you hold the steering wheel firmly as you begin to drift around the can.
Once the desired angle is reached and you begin to feel the weight of the car is shifting to the outside of the turn, release the brake. Remember to provide some more gas while steering away from the can until the car catches and you drive away in the same direction that you drove toward.
Repeat the above steps for achieving better drift. Adjust your timing accordingly for engaging the brake and releasing it and learn how much gas you require to give your car to control and maintain the speed of the drift.
Once you are comfortable with your ability, you can begin to increase your speed each time until you are comfortable at handling a drift at 45 mph. While practicing make sure you go for both left and right 180 degrees.

Points to Remember

For achieving a smooth drift you preferably need a rear wheel drive type car with Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Manual cars are better options because automatics are harder to drift, though not impossible.
Practice in a wide open area where it is legal and safe. You can also go to local drifting event where experienced drifters can instruct and guide you.
There are chances of some mechanics breakdown to your car if you practice drifting several times without providing proper maintenance to the car.

Watch a video instruction on how to rift a Car