Here's How To Drift Front-Wheel-Drive Car Like A Pro - VIDEO

Drifting was a brand-new technique that few had ever come across when it originated in Japan in the 1970s. Oversteering the vehicle in order to swing through a corner with little to no traction, drifting competitions take into account a driver’s skills to ride the desired line through the corner with precision and skill. In the 1970s, early drifting stars like Kunimitsu Takahashi and Keiichi Tsuchiya came on the scene, showing off their ability to drift through corners with amazing talent. Although it took a while for official drifting events to arise, very soon people would attend events to see the cars slide through a corner and smoke billowing through the wheels. 

Drifting is usually done with rear-wheel drive cars, but the Indian auto market is filled with predominantly front-wheel-drive cars. As we can see in the video from Evo India above, with these simple steps you can ‘drift’ a front-drive car, in this case, a 2020 Hyundai i20 DCT Turbo

Step 1

You need to use the handbrake in a front-wheel-drive car to slide. Using the handbrake means you can use a lower amount of steering angle to catch the slide, as the rears are already breaking traction.

Step 2

Your right hand should be held at the opposite end of the steering to the corner you’re turning into. It will help when the car is turning and you won’t have to leave the steering. Also, your left hand will be handling the handbrake so you can’t use it to steer.

Step 3

Timing is crucial when you’re using the handbrake. As a general rule of thumb, yank the handbrake after you have started turning. Otherwise, the car will just skid straight on.

Step 4

Drifting in a rear-drive car will see you use the throttle to change the angles of the drift, but not in a front-drive car. You should the throttle generously to get out of the corner after the slide in a front-drive car.

Step 5

Sometimes the handbrake may not be powerful enough to lock the rear wheels. In that case, tap the brake lever along with the handbrake so it’ll lock the wheels quicker and more easily.

Step 6

What if you get the slide wrong? In that case, you should turn into the slide and let the car complete the momentum. Most mistakes happen when you’re fighting the car against where it wants to go. 

Alright, these were the basic tips to help you slide a car, but here are some additional tips that you should keep in mind.

• Never slide or drift in public roads, you don’t want to be a nuisance to other drivers. Also, things like these end up giving driving enthusiasts a bad reputation. If you want to learn drifting, do it at your nearest local racetrack or at a secluded place with no traffic.
• Make sure to get the lowest seating possible in your car, it will lower the centre of gravity. Your arms should be in a slightly bent position for the best results.
• Always look where you want to go, not where you are. Most of the time this simple trick will help you, especially if you’re in a tricky, to get out without any issues.
• Slippery surfaces are always better to slide, as gravel or sand means lower grip levels, making breaking traction easier.

We hope these steps and tips will help you when you try to drift your car. Make sure you don’t do it on public roads, and good luck!