Drifting isn’t just a motorsport—it’s a language of car control, tire smoke, and chassis balance. If you’re trying to learn how to drift a car, there’s no better time to dive in than now. With grassroots events, affordable setups, and track days available nationwide, learning to drift is more accessible than ever.
What Is Drifting, Really?
Drifting is the art of controlling a vehicle while intentionally breaking traction in the rear wheels and maintaining that slide through a corner. Unlike grip driving, your goal isn’t maximum speed—it’s maximum angle, control, and flow.
What You Need to Start Drifting
- Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Preferably with a limited-slip or welded differential.
- Manual Transmission: Easier for initiating and maintaining a drift using clutch kick techniques.
- Suspension Setup: Coilovers with stiffer spring rates and dialed-in alignment (like SLR Drift Spec Coilovers).
- Tires: Grippy front tires, budget or worn rears for learning.
- Safety Gear: Helmet, fire extinguisher, and ideally a roll bar or cage.
Core Drifting Techniques
Let’s break down the core techniques used in drifting. These work across almost all drift scenarios:
1. Clutch Kick
Rev the engine and depress the clutch, then release it quickly to shock the drivetrain and break rear traction.
2. E-Brake (Handbrake) Initiation
Pull the e-brake briefly while turning into a corner to unsettle the rear and begin the drift. Works best at lower speeds or in tighter turns.
3. Power Over
Apply throttle aggressively mid-turn to break traction. Requires a car with decent horsepower.
4. Feint (Scandinavian Flick)
Steer in the opposite direction before a corner to load up the suspension, then quickly turn in the intended direction to swing the car into drift.
5. Shift Lock
Downshift aggressively to slow the rear wheels faster than the fronts, locking the rears into slide. Used mostly in advanced drift transitions.
Drift Car Setup Secrets
Drifting isn’t just about driving—car setup plays a massive role. Here’s how to prepare your car:
- Toe Out Front: Enhances turn-in responsiveness.
- Camber Negative Front: Maximizes grip during countersteer.
- Zero Toe Rear: Keeps rear predictable in transitions.
- Welded or 2-Way Diff: Ensures both wheels spin together under power.
👉 If you’re running an E36, E46, or 350Z, check out the SLR Drift Spec Coilovers and SLR Tie Rod Kits for maximum steering angle and setup control.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Too much angle too soon: Focus on control before style.
- Overusing the handbrake: It’s a tool, not a crutch.
- Bad rear tires: Bald tires might be cheap, but zero traction makes learning harder.
- Incorrect seating position: Sit close and upright so you can steer with precision.
Where to Practice Drifting
Never drift on public roads. The best places to practice include:
- Drift clinics: Hands-on training with instructors.
- Skid pads: Open safe areas for practicing techniques.
- Parking lot events: Sanctioned setups with cones and courses.
- Simulator Practice: Use tools like Assetto Corsa to refine timing and transitions.
Drift-Ready Upgrades to Consider
- Angle kits for maximum steering lock
- Toe plates for in-garage alignment
- Race ramps for safe car maintenance
Final Thoughts
Drifting isn’t just about looking cool. It teaches you car control, balance, and driving intuition like no other motorsport. With the right equipment and understanding, you’ll improve faster and safer. If you’re ready to learn how to drift a car properly, bookmark this guide, gear up, and hit the track with confidence.
🎯 Want to go deeper? Revisit our master guide: How to Drift Cars – The Ultimate Guide
