Buzz
Despite the peril associated, you might be inclined to execute a car spin at some point.
Steps
Front Wheel Drive
Maintain a straight drive at approximately 50 km/h (30 mph) on pavement. On dirt, aim for about half that speed, ideally in 2nd gear with full throttle.
Lift your right foot off the accelerator pedal abruptly. If you're driving an automatic, gently press the brake with your left foot while keeping your right foot poised over the accelerator.
Turn the steering wheel decisively in your intended direction.
Engage the handbrake shortly after initiating the turn. Remember to keep your thumb on the safety button. Keep turning until the steering wheel locks. This is notably simpler with power steering, requiring only one-handed maneuvering.
Apply throttle promptly when the rear of the vehicle begins to slide. This sensation is akin to a fleeting moment of weightlessness.
Straighten the wheel and release the handbrake when ready to exit the spin. Releasing the handbrake first will cease the spin, returning the vehicle to normal turning, possibly leading to collision with the curb or veering off-road!
Rear Wheel Drive with High Power
Turn the steering wheel fully toward your intended direction while the vehicle is stationary.
Engage first gear, apply full throttle, and release the clutch halfway. This action should induce wheel spin and a playful rear-end behavior from your vehicle.
Release the throttle when ready to end the spin. Simultaneously release the clutch and straighten the steering wheel.
Rear Wheel Drive with Low Power or All Wheel Drive
Initiate from a stationary position and commence circling, gradually reducing the radius by turning the wheel.
Accelerate once your steering is fully turned. Continue until you sense the car can't handle more speed without losing control. Ensure you maintain a perfect circle, avoiding understeer (i.e., the tendency for the front wheels to continue straight instead of turning).
Depress the clutch and engage the emergency brake.
Release the handbrake immediately upon the rear of the vehicle sliding. Execute a wheel spin as previously described.
Lift off the accelerator when ready to end the spin. Simultaneously disengage the clutch and straighten the steering wheel.
Opting for the Right Car Components
The subsequent section delineates an idealized drifting vehicle. A car configured for drifting is easily maneuvered into spins. It's essential to note that if you configure your car as described, it may become too unstable for safe operation on public roads!
Equip your ideal drifting vehicle with the following components.
- Lowered and stiffened suspension (sport springs, sport shocks) - never trim springs!
- Rear camber adjusted to maximum positive
- Front camber adjusted to maximum negative
- Neutral brake bias (equal braking force applied to front and rear axles simultaneously). In regular cars and light vans, the bias is set to the front to prevent drifts during braking in turns
- Handbrake actuator cable with no slack
- High engine power (over 100 hp). Gasoline engines (diesels are sluggish and unwieldy)
- No ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The absence of an ECU eliminates aids such as ESP or traction control. Drifting is impossible with any of these aids
- Rear-wheel drive
- Manual transmission
- LSD (Limited Slip Differential) or any other self-locking differential
- No ABS
- Power steering (for novices; professionals prefer direct steering for enhanced control and feedback)
- Worn narrow tires at the rear and wide new tires at the front
- Rear disc brakes (drum brakes are prone to slipping and overheating)
- Long wheelbase. Longer wheelbase vehicles offer superior control during drifts/spins
Pointers
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Avoid attempting this if law enforcement is present.
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Avoid sharp turns in reverse in small cars, as they can overturn!
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Prolonged and forceful pulling of the handbrake can lead to flat spots on the tires due to wheel locking.
Cautions
- Although enjoyable, exercise restraint; excessive spinning of your vehicle can lead to damage to the drivetrain and tires. Colliding with objects, particularly curbs, can cause irreparable damage and disable your vehicle. Frame damage is often irreversible.
- Avoid public roads as spinning could result in damage to your vehicle and pose risks to yourself and others. Limit this activity to secluded off-road areas.
- Refrain from attempting this in SUVs, vans, or trucks, as these vehicles are prone to flipping due to their potentially top-heavy nature. Opt for a car with lowered suspension for enhanced safety. Remember, under specific conditions (such as rough terrain, tire failure, or high speeds), almost any vehicle can flip.
- It's advisable to avoid performing this on dry asphalt as it places strain on the center differential. Instead, opt for snow or dirt surfaces.
