can you drift with an automatic car

[VonLilah]

Yes, you can drift an automatic car, but it requires specific techniques and is generally more challenging than with a manual transmission. The primary hurdle is the lack of direct clutch control, which is used in manual cars to abruptly break traction by shocking the drivetrain. In an automatic, you must rely on other methods like using the handbrake or manipulating the electronic gear selector to induce and maintain a slide.

The most common technique is the handbrake turn. This involves pulling the emergency brake while turning to lock the rear wheels and initiate a slide. To maintain the drift, you need to apply precise throttle control to keep the rear wheels spinning. Some modern automatics with paddle shifters or a manual mode allow you to hold a lower gear, like second, to keep the engine in its power band for better control. Cars with a limited-slip differential (LSD) are significantly easier to drift, as this component helps transfer power to the wheel with traction, preventing a one-wheel peel.

However, it's harder to perform a power-oversteer drift, where you use throttle alone to break traction. Modern automatic transmissions are programmed for smooth shifts and stability, often intervening by upshifting or cutting power if the system detects a loss of control. This is a key safety feature but a major obstacle for drifting. For beginners, a rear-wheel-drive car with an automatic transmission and a manual handbrake (not an electronic button) is the most feasible starting point. Always practice in a safe, legal, and controlled environment like a skid pad or empty parking lot.

Aspect	Automatic Transmission	Manual Transmission
Clutch Control	Not available; must use handbrake or weight transfer.	Direct control; essential for clutch-kick initiation.
Gear Selection	Can use manual mode/paddles, but transmission may still intervene.	Full driver control; can hold gear at redline.
Initiation Ease	More difficult for power-oversteer; handbrake method is primary.	Easier to initiate with a clutch kick or power-oversteer.
Transmission Stress	High stress on the torque converter and bands during sustained slides.	High stress on the clutch and gearbox.
Best Suited For	Handbrake turns, beginners learning car control.	All forms of drifting, especially power slides and linking corners.

[MacMaria]

I’ve done it in my old Mustang. It’s totally possible, but it feels different. You can’t just pop the clutch, so you rely on the handbrake a lot more. The trick is to be smooth with the throttle once you’re sideways. The car’s computer sometimes fights you, shifting up when you want to stay in the power. It’s a fun challenge, but if you’re serious about drifting, you’ll eventually want a manual.

[VanRose]

From an engineering standpoint, the automatic transmission itself isn't the main barrier. The challenge lies in the vehicle's electronic stability systems and the characteristics of the torque converter. To drift effectively, you often need to disable traction and stability control. The torque converter allows for some slippage, which can help maintain wheel spin, but it lacks the immediate, direct connection of a manual clutch, making precise initiation and correction more difficult.

[GiaLynn]

My biggest advice is to find a huge, empty, and legal space first. Start by practicing a simple handbrake turn to get a feel for the car rotating. Focus on steering into the slide immediately and using gentle throttle to keep it going. Don't just yank the handbrake at high speed—start slow. Remember, it's much harder to control, and you're putting a lot of strain on your transmission. It's a great way to learn car control, but be prepared for some frustration.

[VanLola]

Think of it like this: drifting an automatic is a workaround. The car is designed for grip and smoothness, not for sliding. You're basically tricking the car into doing something it doesn't want to do. Techniques like left-foot braking (using your left foot on the brake while your right foot is on the gas) can help balance the car. It’s a skill that teaches you a lot about weight transfer and throttle control, even if it’s not the purest form of drifting.