How to Drift in a Real Car: Master the Art of Drifting

Drifting, the art of controlled oversteer, has captivated car enthusiasts for decades. The sight of a car gracefully sliding around a corner, tires screaming in defiance, is a testament to both skill and precision. But how does one go from casual driver to skilled drifter? This guide will delve into the intricacies of how to drift in a real car, exploring the techniques, safety precautions, and mindset needed to master this exhilarating driving style.

Understanding the Fundamentals: The Science of Drifting

Drifting is essentially controlled loss of traction, achieved by intentionally oversteering the car. The rear wheels lose grip, causing the car to slide sideways while maintaining control. This controlled skid is achieved through a combination of throttle control, steering input, and understanding the car’s limits.

Essential Equipment: The Right Tools for the Job

While any car can be driven with a degree of oversteer, certain vehicles are better suited for drifting than others. Here’s what to look for in a drift car:

• Rear-wheel drive: This configuration allows for easier initiation of a drift as power is sent to the rear wheels.
• Manual transmission: Manual gearboxes offer greater control over engine braking and power delivery.
• Limited-slip differential: This helps distribute power evenly to both rear wheels, improving traction and stability during a drift.
• Suspension modifications: Lowering the car’s center of gravity and adjusting the suspension settings can improve handling and stability.
• Handbrake: A crucial tool for initiating and maintaining a drift.

Choosing Your Training Ground: Where to Practice Drifting

Practice makes perfect, and drifting is no exception. However, it’s crucial to choose the right environment for your training. Here are some key considerations:

• Safety first: Always prioritize safety. Avoid practicing in public areas where you could endanger yourself or others.
• Open space: A large, empty parking lot or a dedicated drifting track provides ample room to maneuver and experiment.
• Controlled environment: Choose a surface with good traction, such as asphalt or concrete. Avoid loose gravel or dirt, which can lead to unpredictable slides.

The Art of Initiation: Getting the Car to Slide

Initiating a drift is the first hurdle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the car: Ensure the car is in a safe environment and the handbrake is engaged.
2. Engage the clutch: Depress the clutch and select a gear appropriate for the speed you’ll be drifting at.
3. Rev the engine: Rev the engine to a desired RPM, building up enough power for the drift.
4. Release the clutch: While maintaining a steady throttle, release the clutch smoothly to accelerate.
5. Turn the steering wheel: As the car accelerates, quickly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to drift.
6. Engage the handbrake: At the same time, pull the handbrake to initiate oversteer. The car will begin to slide sideways.

Maintaining the Drift: A Dance of Throttle and Steering

Once the car is in a drift, the real challenge begins: maintaining control. This requires a delicate balance of throttle and steering inputs:

• Throttle control: The throttle is your primary tool for maintaining a drift. Increase throttle to keep the car sliding, and reduce throttle to slow the drift.
• Steering correction: Use gentle steering inputs to counter the car’s tendency to oversteer or understeer. Avoid sudden movements that could disrupt the drift.
• Counter-steering: If the car starts to spin out of control, use counter-steering to bring it back in line. This involves turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the spin.

Mastering the Techniques: Beyond the Basics

As you become more comfortable with basic drifting techniques, you can explore advanced maneuvers:

• Clutch kick: A technique used to initiate a drift by quickly releasing and re-engaging the clutch. This creates a sudden burst of power, causing the car to oversteer.
• Power slide: A drift initiated by applying throttle while turning the steering wheel. This technique requires a delicate balance of power and steering input.
• Scandinavian flick: A technique that involves a quick counter-steer to initiate a drift. This maneuver is often used to tighten a turn or change direction.

Safety First: Respecting the Limits

Drifting is inherently risky. It’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions:

• Practice in a safe environment: Always practice drifting in a controlled environment where you won’t endanger yourself or others.
• Wear appropriate safety gear: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when drifting.
• Know your car’s limits: Don’t push your car beyond its limits. Learn to recognize signs of impending loss of control.
• Be prepared to abort: If the drift becomes uncontrollable, be prepared to abort the maneuver safely.

The Final Lap: Embracing the Journey

Drifting is not just about mastering techniques; it’s about developing a deep understanding of your car and its capabilities. It’s a constant learning process, requiring patience, practice, and a healthy dose of respect for the limits of your vehicle. As you progress, you’ll find the thrill of controlled oversteer becomes an exhilarating dance between driver and machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is drifting legal?

A: Drifting is generally not legal on public roads. It’s important to practice drifting in a controlled environment where it’s permitted.

Q: What are the best cars for drifting?

A: Rear-wheel-drive cars with manual transmissions are generally considered the best for drifting. Some popular choices include the Toyota AE86, Nissan 240SX, and Mazda RX-7.

Q: Can I drift a front-wheel-drive car?

A: Drifting a front-wheel-drive car is possible but more challenging due to the limited power delivery to the rear wheels. It requires more aggressive techniques and a higher level of skill.

Q: How can I improve my drifting skills?

A: Practice, practice, practice. Start with basic techniques and gradually progress to more advanced maneuvers. Seek out professional instruction or join a drifting community for guidance and support.

Q: What are some common mistakes beginners make when drifting?

A: Common mistakes include over-steering, under-steering, not maintaining a consistent throttle, and not using the handbrake effectively. It’s important to focus on building a solid foundation in the basics before attempting more advanced techniques.