Drifting is one of the most exciting motorsports, offering drivers the chance to showcase their skill, precision, and control. But how exactly do you get started? Learning how to drift cars requires the right knowledge, the right car setup, and a lot of practice. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced driver looking to improve your skills, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to drift cars like a pro. Let’s dive into the world of drifting!
1. What is Drifting?
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the car to lose traction in the rear wheels while still maintaining control throughout the slide. Drifting is about controlling the car through turns, using throttle, steering, and braking inputs to maintain a controlled slide. It’s not just about going sideways; it’s about mastering the balance between grip and loss of traction.
Key Points About Drifting:
- Oversteering: Drifting involves breaking traction on the rear wheels.
- Throttle Control: Maintaining drift requires precise throttle input to control the slide.
- Steering Control: The steering wheel must be turned to maintain and control the angle of the drift.
2. How to Drift Cars: Step-by-Step Guide
Learning to drift takes time, patience, and practice. Follow this step-by-step guide to start drifting safely and effectively.
Step 1: Choose the Right Car
Not every car is suited for drifting. While almost any rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car can be used for drifting, certain vehicles offer better performance for the sport. Some of the best cars for beginners are:
- Nissan 240SX
- Toyota AE86
- BMW E36
- Mazda RX-7
These cars have lightweight designs, RWD layouts, and a solid aftermarket support, making them ideal for learning to drift.
Step 2: Learn the Basic Techniques
Before you hit the track, it's important to understand the core techniques of drifting:
- Clutch Kick: This technique involves pushing in the clutch, revving the engine, and quickly releasing it to break traction in the rear wheels.
- Handbrake Drift: A popular method for beginners, where the handbrake is pulled to lock the rear wheels momentarily, causing the car to slide.
- Power Oversteer: This involves applying too much throttle through a corner, causing the rear tires to lose traction and initiate a drift.
- Feint Drift: The feint drift technique involves steering away from the corner and quickly turning into it, using the momentum to break rear traction.
Step 3: Find the Right Location
Drifting is a dangerous sport and should be practiced in a safe, controlled environment. Look for a local drift school, track, or empty parking lot (if legal). Professional drivers practice on closed tracks, so avoid practicing on public roads.
Step 4: Understand the Car’s Controls
Drifting requires control over multiple inputs at once. Learn how to feel the car’s balance and make the necessary adjustments in real-time. Start practicing:
- Throttle control: Keep the car in a steady slide.
- Steering adjustments: Make small, controlled steering movements to maintain the drift angle.
- Brake usage: Learn to use brakes to adjust the car’s angle when necessary.
3. Drifting Techniques Explained
Now let’s go over the most commonly used drifting techniques in more detail. Each technique has its own nuances, and learning them will give you the ability to drift with more precision.
1. Clutch Kick
- How it Works: The clutch kick is one of the most popular techniques to initiate a drift. You push the clutch in, rev the engine, and quickly release the clutch to cause the rear tires to lose traction.
- When to Use: Best for initiating drifts on corners when you need to break traction and initiate a controlled slide.
2. Handbrake Drift
- How it Works: The handbrake is pulled to momentarily lock the rear tires, causing the car to slide.
- When to Use: This is often used on tight corners where you need to rotate the car quickly.
3. Power Oversteer
- How it Works: Applying too much throttle causes the rear tires to lose traction and initiate the drift.
- When to Use: Use this when approaching a turn with a lot of speed to break traction in the rear tires.
4. Feint Drift
- How it Works: This involves steering away from the corner and then quickly turning into it. The change in momentum will help the rear end of the car slide out.
- When to Use: Best used on longer, sweeping turns where you need to generate enough momentum to enter the drift.
4. Drifting Modifications for Your Car
To improve your drifting performance, certain modifications to your car’s suspension, tires, and drivetrain can make a big difference. Here are some of the key modifications that will help you drift more effectively:
1. Coilovers
Upgrading your car’s suspension with adjustable coilovers allows you to control the ride height and stiffness of your suspension. This makes the car more responsive during drifting.
2. Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
A limited-slip differential ensures that both rear wheels get equal power, which helps maintain consistent traction while drifting.
3. Angle Kits
For greater steering angles, installing an angle kit will give you the ability to control deeper drifts and improve car control at higher speeds.
4. Tires
Drifting takes a toll on tires, and it’s important to choose the right type of tires. Softer tires provide more grip, while harder tires help maintain a longer slide. Choosing the right balance will depend on your driving style and the track conditions.
5. Safety First: Essential Drifting Gear
Drifting is an intense motorsport, so safety should always be your top priority. Here’s the essential gear you’ll need:
- Helmet: A good-quality helmet is essential for protecting your head in the event of an accident.
- Racing Suit: A fireproof racing suit is required for safety in professional drifting events.
- Roll Cage: A roll cage provides protection in case of rollovers, ensuring your safety in a crash.
- Gloves and Shoes: Special racing gloves and shoes provide better grip and control over the steering wheel and pedals.
6. Practice Makes Perfect: Drifting Tips for Beginners
Drifting is a skill that takes time to master. Here are some important tips to help you improve your drifting skills:
- Start Slowly: Don’t push yourself too hard in the beginning. Start with slower, wider turns to build your confidence.
- Feel the Car: Pay attention to how the car feels when it’s sliding. Learn to understand the limits of your car’s traction.
- Use the Throttle Smoothly: Sudden throttle inputs can upset the car’s balance. Gradually apply throttle and make small adjustments for a smoother drift.
- Stay Relaxed: Drifting requires quick decision-making, but it’s important to stay relaxed behind the wheel. Tension can hinder your control.
7. Where to Practice Drifting
Before hitting the track, you need a proper place to practice. Here are some options:
- Drift Schools: Professional drift schools can teach you the fundamentals and provide access to safe, controlled environments.
- Track Days: Many tracks offer open days where you can practice drifting with others.
- Parking Lots or Industrial Areas: If legal in your area, these locations offer plenty of space to practice without the risk of road traffic.
8. Common Drifting Mistakes to Avoid
As with any sport, beginners often make mistakes while learning how to drift. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Oversteering: Trying to steer too hard can cause the car to spin out. Make small, controlled adjustments.
- Using Too Much Throttle: Applying too much power can make the car too twitchy. Gradually apply throttle to keep the car balanced.
- Not Using Proper Gear: Ensure you’re using the correct gear for the speed and conditions. Higher gears can cause the car to bog down, while too-low gears can cause too much revving.
Conclusion:
Learning how to drift cars takes practice, patience, and dedication. By following the steps in this guide and continuously refining your technique, you can become a master of drifting. Start with the basics, invest in essential car modifications, practice in safe locations, and always prioritize safety. With time, you’ll be able to control your car through tight corners, long slides, and thrilling drifts.
