Can Automatic Transmission Cars Drift?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars can drift, and there are two methods to achieve it: gear drifting and handbrake drifting. Introduction to Drifting: Drifting is a driving technique, also known as "tail sliding." The driver causes the car to slide sideways by oversteering. It is usually compared to grip cornering. Drifting is mainly used in performances or racing events with significant changes in road conditions. Due to the friction characteristics of the road surface, drifting is frequently applied in off-road rally races, while other types of racing rarely use drifting techniques for cornering. This is because drifting on ordinary asphalt roads results in significant speed loss and increased tire wear. Unless for special reasons, drivers do not frequently use this technique during competitions. Methods of Drifting: Pull the handbrake while driving straight and then steer; pull the handbrake during a turn; slam the brakes while driving straight and then steer; slam the brakes during a turn; for rear-wheel-drive cars with sufficient power, slam the accelerator and steer when the speed is not very high.
As a car enthusiast who loves studying vehicles, I've found that automatic transmission cars can indeed drift, although they're not the most ideal choice. The essence of drifting is creating controlled skidding during turns. Manual transmissions offer more direct control through clutch operation, but with some techniques, automatics can achieve it too. You'll need an automatic transmission with a manual mode, such as a dual-clutch with a lock-up clutch or an older AT. Find an open space, turn off traction control, accelerate to 50-60 km/h, then sharply turn the steering wheel while lightly tapping the brakes to make the rear wheels lock and slide. However, throttle control must be steady to avoid stalling or excessive skidding. When I was younger, I tried it in parking lots—tire wear was rapid, and the transmission even overheated with warning alerts. Safety-wise, beginners shouldn't attempt this recklessly. Drifting is best left to professional training environments, as the risk of accidents and damage to car components is high. In short, automatic transmission drifting is possible but challenging, requiring professional guidance for practice.
