Unleash the Beast: Essential Tips for How to Drift a Normal Car

Have you ever watched a professional drifter gracefully dance their car through a corner, a symphony of controlled chaos? You might be thinking, “That looks fun, but I don’t have a tricked-out drift car!” Well, guess what? You don’t need a souped-up machine to experience the thrill of drifting. This guide will teach you how to drift a normal car, empowering you to unleash your inner drift king (or queen) and conquer the asphalt.

The Fundamentals of Drifting

Drifting, at its core, is the art of controlled oversteer. It’s about intentionally making the rear of your car slide sideways while maintaining control. Sounds simple, right? It’s not as easy as it looks, but with practice and a good understanding of the basics, you can master this exhilarating technique.

1. Choose Your Weapon: The Right Car

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting. Ideally, you want a car with:

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): RWD vehicles are the natural choice for drifting since they allow you to easily induce oversteer.
• Manual transmission: A manual transmission gives you precise control over engine speed and power delivery, crucial for initiating and maintaining a drift.
• Limited slip differential (LSD): An LSD helps distribute power evenly to both rear wheels, preventing one wheel from spinning while the other loses traction.

While a dedicated drift car is the ultimate tool, don’t let that discourage you. Even a humble Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla can be used to learn the basics of drifting.

2. Safety First: Respect the Rules

Before you even think about hitting the gas, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Drifting is inherently risky, and you need to be prepared:

• Find a safe, closed course: Never attempt to drift on public roads. Look for a private track, empty parking lot, or a designated drifting area.
• Get the right gear: Wear a helmet and appropriate driving gear to protect yourself in case of an accident.
• Have a spotter: A spotter can watch your progress, warn you of hazards, and assist you if necessary.

3. Mastering the Techniques: The Art of Drifting

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to actually drift your car:

#3.1. The Throttle: Your Drifting Engine

The throttle is your primary tool for controlling your drift. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Initiating the drift: As you approach the corner, downshift to a lower gear and apply a quick burst of throttle. This will transfer weight to the rear wheels, making them more likely to lose traction.
• Maintaining the drift: Once the rear end starts to slide, use the throttle to control the angle of the drift. Give it a little more gas to tighten the drift, or ease off to widen it.
• Exiting the drift: As you exit the corner, gradually reduce the throttle and steer the car back into a straight line.

#3.2. The Steering Wheel: Your Drifting Compass

The steering wheel is your guide, allowing you to direct the car’s slide. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Steering into the drift: As you initiate the drift, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. This will help the rear end slide out.
• Counter-steering: Once the rear end is sliding, you’ll need to counter-steer to maintain control. This involves turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the drift.
• Adjusting the angle: Use the steering wheel to fine-tune the angle of the drift, keeping it within your desired range.

#3.3. The Clutch: Your Drifting Break

The clutch can be used to help initiate a drift or to regain control if things get out of hand:

• Clutch kick: A quick release of the clutch can be used to transfer power to the rear wheels and initiate a drift.
• Clutch control: If the car starts to spin out of control, you can use the clutch to regain traction. Simply press the clutch pedal to disengage the engine and allow the car to slow down.

4. Practice Makes Perfect: Developing Your Drifting Skills

The key to mastering drifting is practice. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed and angle as you become more comfortable.

• Start with small drifts: Begin by practicing small drifts in a safe area. Focus on getting a feel for the car’s response to the throttle and steering.
• Increase the angle: Once you’re comfortable with small drifts, start increasing the angle of the drift. Remember to keep your speed low and your focus sharp.
• Experiment with different techniques: Try different techniques, such as clutch kicks, handbrake turns, and throttle steering, to find what works best for you.

5. Beyond the Basics: Advanced Drifting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can start exploring more advanced techniques:

• The Scandinavian Flick: This technique involves a quick steering input followed by a quick counter-steer, resulting in a controlled oversteer.
• The Power Slide: This technique involves using the throttle to maintain a constant drift angle, often used in tight corners.
• The Tandem Drift: This technique involves two cars drifting side-by-side, creating a visually stunning spectacle.

The Thrill of the Slide: Why Drifting is More Than Just a Skill

Drifting isn’t just about the technicalities; it’s about the feeling of controlled chaos, the adrenaline rush, and the pure joy of pushing your limits. It’s about connecting with your car on a deeper level, understanding its nuances, and learning to dance with the asphalt.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Drifting Journey

Drifting is a skill that takes time, patience, and a healthy dose of courage. But with the right approach, you can unlock this exhilarating world and experience the thrill of controlled oversteer. Remember, safety is paramount, and practice is key. So, find a safe space, put on your helmet, and unleash your inner drift king (or queen)!

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I drift a front-wheel drive car?

While it’s possible to drift a front-wheel drive car, it’s significantly more difficult. Front-wheel drive cars tend to understeer, making it harder to induce oversteer.

2. What are some common mistakes beginners make when drifting?

Common mistakes include over-steering, not using enough throttle, and not counter-steering effectively. It’s important to practice and learn from your mistakes.

3. Do I need a special car to drift?

No, you don’t need a dedicated drift car to start drifting. Even a normal car can be used to learn the basics.

4. How can I improve my drifting skills?

Practice is key. Start with small drifts and gradually increase your speed and angle. You can also take lessons from a professional drifter.

5. Is drifting legal on public roads?

Drifting is illegal on public roads in most countries. Always find a safe, closed course to practice.