Drifting FAQS (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to drifting? ›

Approach the corner with some speed, brake to transfer some weight to the front and away from the rear, and flick the steering to initiate the drift. In this second image, the front suspension has compressed meaning there is now a higher percentage of the car's total mass, and so total grip, over the front tyres.

I've seen people taking up drifting and becoming really good after about 12 months of intense practice. It's not going to happen overnight! Get to know some experience drifters and don't be afraid to ask for tips! When you do finally get your own car, I'd suggest starting off by fitting used tires on the rear.

That depends. Around a corner it is not the fastest way, as a straight line will propel you faster, since there are no interruptions, but drifting can be as fast as around a corner as driving around a corner in a traditional way.

Contrary to popular belief, drifting doesn't necessarily cause immediate damage to your engine or transmission. However, if you push your car beyond its limits or neglect regular maintenance, the aggressive driving style in drifting can increase stress on these components.

Drifting is traditionally performed using three methods: clutch kicking (where the clutch is rapidly disengaged and re-engaged with the intention of upsetting the grip of the rear wheels), weight transfer (using techniques such as the Scandinavian flick), and employing a handbrake turn.

Nope, drifting is almost always slower. There are, however a few conditions under which sliding the car leads to faster lap times. One condition is when the road surface is slippery, like dirt, gravel, or even ice.

Achieving speeds that can exceed 90 mph, drivers in drifting competitions deliberately oversteer — meaning they purposely get the back wheels of their vehicle to lose traction with the pavement, the rear end of the car swinging wide.

Exiting a drift is a fine balance between throttle control and steering input. You have to start peeling off the throttle while opening the steering as you exit, but it's very common for students to think they should keep countersteering for longer than they should while giving throttle.

Can you drift on public roads? No. Drifting on public roads is illegal and can result in hefty fines or even jail. As a sport, drifting belongs on the race track.

Is drifting easier in manual or automatic? ›

Pick a manual transmission car to make drifting easier.

Manual transmission cars have a clutch pedal and a gear shift you use to control the engine. Automatic cars take care of this for you. When you're drifting, the extra control enables you to achieve the correct speed and angle required to get around a bend.

The phenomenon of drifting occurs because the rear slip angle is greater than the front slip angle. Maneuvering a car while turning is quite simple. You simply rotate the car's steering wheel to your desired direction. Once you do this, physics will take over, and you will be left with limited control of your car.

The longer and more drifting you do to your vehicle will add stress to your brakes which will overheat, and the suspension will get stressed as well. Even the most advanced suspension systems have limits and parts break.

These are about car control. Drifting teaches valuable skills, habits and muscle-memory that help drivers progress in multiple motorsports. And, helps avoid accidents in daily driving!

The art of drifting is achieved by taking a rear wheel drive (RWD) car and pushing it into oversteer; achieved by using the handbrake and clutch, and the throttle. When you push the vehicle into oversteer, the traction on the rear wheels break and then move out of line.

Drive on worn-out tires for an easier time starting a drift.

Inexpensive tires, even if they are new, often can help with drifting. Many cars come equipped with automatic stability or steering control systems. Turning these systems off makes drifting much easier if a change of tires aren't enough to make a difference.