Mastering the art of how to drift automatic begins with understanding that the physics remain identical to a manual transmission vehicle, only the execution is streamlined. Instead of coordinating a clutch pedal with a gear shift, the driver focuses entirely on throttle control and steering input to break traction. An automatic transmission delivers power to the wheels instantly, which can make the initial slide feel aggressive if the throttle is applied too suddenly. Success in this discipline requires a respect for momentum and the precise moment where the driven wheels lose grip.
Selecting the Right Vehicle for the Slide
Not every car is suited for the learning curve involved in how to drift automatic, and choosing the right platform is the first critical step. You want a vehicle with a rear-wheel-drive layout, as front-wheel-drive cars tend to understeer violently when attempting to break traction. A solid rear differential, such as a limited-slip or welded unit, is essential for maintaining power delivery to both rear wheels during the turn. While front-engine cars are common, mid-engine configurations offer superior weight distribution for maintaining balance at the edge of adhesion.
The Role of the Electronic Stability Control System
Modern safety features are often the biggest obstacle when learning how to drift automatic, specifically the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. This computer intervention is designed to prevent oversteer by braking individual wheels and reducing engine power to regain traction. To effectively drift, you must override this system, usually by disabling it entirely through the settings or using a performance mode that turns off intervention. Attempting to drift with ESC active results in a frustrating battle where the computer will constantly correct your steering and throttle inputs.
Switching Off Stability Aids
Locate the ESC deactivation button, often found near the driving mode selector.
Consult your owner’s manual to determine if a scan tool is required to disable deeper safety parameters.
Never disable safety systems on public roads; this practice is strictly for closed-course or private property.
Throttle Control: The Heart of the Drift
In the sequence of how to drift automatic, the right foot is the primary tool for initiating and maintaining the slide. Because the transmission removes the complexity of the clutch, the throttle becomes the precise instrument for managing the angle of the drift. Feathering the throttle allows you to balance the car, keeping the rear wheels spinning at the same rate as the front wheels are sliding. Too much gas sends you into a spin, while too little causes the car to snap straight and potentially crash.
Initiating the Transition
To begin the drift, you must first load the suspension by braking hard into the turn. This shifts weight backward, reducing grip on the rear tires. As you release the brake and turn the steering wheel, you immediately apply throttle to break traction at the rear axle. The goal is to hear the tires chirp or feel the car rotate around the front wheels. Once the car is facing the intended direction, you smoothly modulate the throttle to hold the line.
Steering and Weight Transfer
Steering while drifting an automatic vehicle is counterintuitive to new drivers who might try to correct the slide immediately. To initiate a turn, you steer into the corner, looking where you want the car to go. This steering input shifts the weight forward, rotating the car and breaking traction at the rear. As the car rotates, you must relax the steering slightly to allow the front tires to point in the direction of travel, preventing them from fighting the road surface.
The Handbrake Technique for Quick Initiation
For those struggling to find the throttle break point, the handbrake offers a reliable method to force a slide in automatic cars. Pulling the emergency brake lever locks the rear wheels, instantly breaking traction and causing the rear end to swing out. This is particularly useful for tight hairpin turns where a perfect throttle initiation is difficult. It is crucial to release the handbrake promptly once the slide begins to avoid snapping the rear axle or losing control.
