Drifting is one of the most exciting and visually stunning forms of motorsport. Learning how to drift in a car takes skill, patience, and an understanding of both driving techniques and vehicle setup. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to refine your advanced skills, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about drifting in a car.
What Does It Mean to Drift in a Car?
Drifting is a controlled loss of traction in which the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to slide while maintaining control and direction through a corner. Unlike accidental sliding, drifting relies on precision, throttle control, and steering adjustments.
Essential Requirements to Drift in a Car
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Car: Easier to break traction and control slides.
- Limited Slip Differential (LSD): Ensures both rear wheels spin evenly under power.
- Manual Transmission (preferred): Allows clutch kick and precise control.
- Proper Tires: Beginners often start with harder compound tires to reduce grip.
- Safe Environment: A track or skid pad designed for drifting practice.
Beginner Techniques for Drifting in a Car
1. Handbrake Initiation
Pull the handbrake while steering into the corner to break rear traction. Balance with throttle and countersteer to maintain the slide.
2. Clutch Kick
Press the clutch, rev the engine, and quickly release the clutch to shock the drivetrain and induce a slide.
3. Power Over
Use throttle alone mid-corner to break traction. Works best with higher horsepower vehicles.
4. Feint Drift
Quickly steer away from the corner before turning in sharply. The weight transfer breaks traction and initiates the drift.
Controlling the Drift
- Countersteering: Turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the slide.
- Throttle Control: Balance between oversteer and straightening the car.
- Braking: Light braking can slow the drift without losing control.
- Weight Transfer: Shift vehicle balance using throttle, braking, and steering.
Advanced Drifting in Cars
1. Shift Lock
Downshift aggressively without rev-matching to unsettle the rear wheels into a drift.
2. Manji Drift
Alternating drifts back and forth in a straight line, mimicking S-curves.
3. Long-Distance Entries
Initiate a drift before the corner and carry it through at high speed.
4. Tandem Drifting
Drifting closely alongside another car, matching line and angle with precision.
Car Setup for Drifting
- Coilovers: Adjustable suspension for precise weight transfer.
- Angle Kit: Increases steering lock to prevent spin-outs.
- Reinforced Tie Rods: Stronger components to handle steering stress.
- Hydraulic Handbrake: Reliable drift initiation tool.
- Toe Plates & Alignment Tools: For trackside alignment adjustments.
Common Mistakes When Learning to Drift
- Overusing the throttle and spinning out.
- Not countersteering quickly enough.
- Practicing in unsafe or illegal areas.
- Ignoring vehicle setup and tire condition.
Tips to Improve Your Drift Skills
- Practice in a safe, controlled environment.
- Start slow — control is more important than speed.
- Record your practice runs to review technique.
- Learn from experienced drivers or join a drift school.
Conclusion
Mastering how to drift in a car requires a blend of driving techniques, vehicle setup knowledge, and practice. From basic handbrake initiations to advanced tandem drifting, each step builds your control and style on track. Equip your car with the right suspension upgrades, practice consistently, and you’ll soon have the confidence to drift like a pro.
