Drifting is more than just sliding your car around corners — it’s a motorsport that combines skill, precision, and vehicle control. If you’ve ever asked, “How do you drift?” this guide will take you through every step, from the basics to advanced techniques, so you can start practicing safely and effectively.
What Is Drifting?
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear tires to lose traction while maintaining control through the entirety of a turn. It’s used in motorsports like Formula Drift and grassroots events worldwide, and it’s as much about style as it is about speed.
The Basics of Drifting
- Car Type: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is ideal, though AWD can be converted to RWD.
- Power: Enough torque to break traction, but controllability matters more than raw horsepower.
- Tires: Start with affordable, consistent tires — you’ll go through them quickly.
- Location: Always practice drifting in a safe, legal, closed-course environment.
Core Drifting Techniques
1. Handbrake (E-Brake) Drift
Pulling the handbrake locks the rear wheels, causing them to lose traction. Common for initiating drifts at lower speeds or tight corners. Keep your thumb on the release button for smoother control.
2. Clutch Kick
While accelerating in a turn, quickly depress and release the clutch to jolt power to the rear wheels, breaking traction. Useful for sudden initiation or extending a drift.
3. Power Over
Apply full throttle mid-turn to overpower rear grip. Requires more horsepower but is simple to execute in higher-powered cars.
4. Weight Transfer (Feint) Drift
Steer briefly away from the turn, then quickly back towards it to shift weight and unsettle the rear tires into a slide. Common in tighter, technical sections.
5. Braking Drift
Lightly tap the brakes while turning to shift weight forward, reducing rear traction. Used often in tandem drifting to adjust positioning.
Step-by-Step: How to Drift
- Approach the corner at moderate speed.
- Initiate the drift with your chosen technique (e.g., handbrake, clutch kick).
- Countersteer to control the car’s angle and prevent spinning out.
- Modulate throttle to maintain the drift — more throttle to increase angle, less to straighten.
- Exit the corner smoothly, reducing countersteer as traction returns.
See our full guide here: The Ultimate Definitive Guide to Drifting: How to Drift?
Beginner Tips for Drifting
- Start in second gear for a balance of control and power.
- Practice in wide-open areas before moving to tighter tracks.
- Use consistent tire pressures for predictable handling.
- Film your runs to analyze mistakes and improvements.
Drift Car Setup Essentials
- Coilovers: Adjustable ride height and damping for better weight transfer.
- Steering Angle Kit: Increases maximum steering lock for recovering deep drifts.
- Differential: A 2-way LSD or welded diff for consistent traction breakaway.
- Alignment: Negative camber (-3 to -5° front), positive caster (+6 to +8°), slight toe-out front.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcorrecting countersteer, which can snap the car the other way.
- Initiating at speeds beyond your control level.
- Skipping proper car maintenance — drifting stresses suspension and drivetrain.
- Practicing on public roads — it’s illegal and unsafe.
Advanced Drifting Concepts
- Tandem Drifting: Chasing another car while matching their angle and speed.
- Manji: Linking multiple straights with side-to-side drifts.
- Long Slide Entries: Entering corners with an exaggerated drift angle for style points.
Does Drifting Damage Your Car?
Yes — drifting causes extra wear on tires, clutch, suspension, and drivetrain. However, with proper maintenance and high-quality parts, you can minimize the impact. See our detailed guide here: Does Drifting Damage My Car?
Safety Precautions
- Wear a helmet and seatbelt at all times.
- Inspect your car before and after each session.
- Have a spotter to monitor your runs and track conditions.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks to maintain focus.
Conclusion
Drifting is an addictive blend of skill, style, and control. By understanding the fundamentals, practicing consistently, and refining your technique, you can progress from your first slide to confident tandem battles. Always remember — safety and consistency come first. Get the right setup, learn from each run, and enjoy the art of drifting.
