How to Make a Four Wheel Drift

Drifting is spectacular to watch and fun to try.

Drifting is a growing form of motor sport in the U.S. and around the world. It involves complex driving skills and creates a spectacular scene, with smoking tires and cars sliding sideways, seemingly out of control. Learning to drift is not that complex and involves getting the tires beyond their point of adhesion. A four-wheel drift means all the tires are sliding sideways across the track, rather than rolling forwards as they normally do.

Things You'll Need

• Large, open area
• Cone
• Rear-wheel drive, manual transmission vehicle

Instructions

1. Place the cone down as a marker in the open area. Make sure there is plenty of space around it with nothing solid to hit.

2. Approach the cone at a steady speed. As you pass the cone, quickly steer towards it. As you feel yourself get thrown to the outside, press hard on the gas. The back of the car will start to slide outwards, as the rear wheels start to spin.

3. Turn the steering wheel, quickly, towards the outside. This is known as steering "into" the drift. You control the angle and direction of the drift using the steering wheel and the throttle. Steer more towards the outside to drift the car further towards the outside of the corner, and use less steering input to bring the car back towards the inside of the corner. Every car and driver combination will have slightly different results, so practice will help you understand just how your car responds.

4. Stop the drift by steering harder towards the outside and by releasing the throttle and waiting for the rear wheels to begin rolling at the correct speed and gain traction.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having trouble getting the car to drift, it may help to quickly steer away from the cone immediately before you steer towards it.

• You can use a brief application of the parking brake as you turn in to start the rear of the car sliding, as well. Just make sure you release the parking brake and apply the throttle quickly.

• You will misjudge the distances the first few times you drift, so make sure there is nothing for you to hit.

• Drifting is dangerous and may result in property damage, serious injury or death. Only practice in a safe area, free from obstacles.

• Wear appropriate safety equipment, including a crash helmet and safety belt.

• Drifting on public roads may also be illegal. Check local traffic regulations and obey all traffic laws.

References

• Drift Lock: Drifting Techniques and How To Drift