How to Drift an Automatic Car

Drifting a car is much easier when you drive a stick shift. You can still drift an automatic car, but it takes some skill. The problem is that when you try the drift, there's a big potential of destroying your transmission. The key to drifting a stick shift is to pop the clutch right. You obviously can't use this technique when you drift an automatic, but there's a method to mimic the action. But you have to decide before you try if it's worth taking the chance of destroying the transmission.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vehicle Large open area

1. Find a large area where you can turn the vehicle without worrying about hitting something. You also need enough space to get the car to a higher rate of speed. Fasten your seat belt before you start the engine.

2. Press the accelerator until your speed reaches high RPM's. You'll know it by the sound of the motor whining.

3. Locate the area where you want to make your turn. You need to have a turn involved if you want to drift your automatic car. In order to drift, you have to coordinate two actions. You want to prepare yourself ahead of time and get both hands ready to do their jobs.

4. Shift the transmission into neutral right before the turn. Keep the RPM's high and don't brake.

5. Turn the wheel sharply. Coordinate the turn with a change in gear positions. You need to shift it in to the drive gear while you're turning. This is the action that can potentially ruin your transmission. Keep the motor revving by feeding it gas while it's in neutral. You need to practice it first on a slick surface, such as an icy area or a parking lot after it rains.

6. Use an alternate method to drift the car. If you're moving forward, you don't have to have a lot of speed---just rev up the motor by giving it plenty of gas and then throw it into drive. It's called a neutral banger.

7. Watch out, or you'll ruin your emergency brake with this method. Drive the car at a high speed. Give your emergency brake a quick jerk to lock the tires. Hit the gas as hard as you can. If your car has front-wheel drive, you can't use this technique.