How to Drift an Automatic Transmission Car?

[Cali]

There are two methods for drifting: one is gear drifting, and the other is handbrake drifting. As long as you have a handbrake, you can perform drifting. Of course, a manual-automatic transmission can also achieve gear drifting. Therefore, automatic transmission cars can also perform drifting. How drifting is generated: The condition for drifting ultimately boils down to one thing—when the rotational torque generated by the lateral force of the rear wheels at the center of mass is less than the rotational torque generated by the lateral force of the front wheels at the center of mass, the rear of the vehicle will slide outward, thus creating a drift. The phenomenon of changing the relative static friction of the rear wheels into sliding friction is what we call drifting (from a professional perspective, drifting occurs when the rear wheels of the vehicle exceed the maximum slip angle and begin to slide). Precise control over the center of mass, the sliding and static friction angles and distances of the front and rear wheels, and their relative functional relationships can turn this drifting process into a controllable one.

[Stella]

Drifting with an automatic transmission requires skill, and this is my favorite method when I'm on the track. First, turn off the stability control system, otherwise the electronic systems will constantly interfere. Accelerate slightly before entering the turn, then sharply turn the steering wheel and pull the handbrake at the apex to make the rear end slide out. Immediately step on the throttle to maintain power and counter-steer to control the angle. Remember to use manual mode and lock it in a low gear to prevent the transmission from automatically upshifting. Practice in an open area, starting on slippery surfaces to get a better feel. Drifting is especially hard on tires—I once wore out a set in just one day. Safety first, never try this on public roads!

[MacBryce]

Drifting with an automatic transmission is indeed challenging. Here's my advice for beginners to get started. First, find an open area—wet or slippery surfaces are easier to handle. Use paddle shifters or manual mode to lock into first gear and turn off traction control. Before entering the turn, lightly press the accelerator, then quickly steer and gently pull the handbrake near the apex. Once you feel the rear end slide, immediately apply throttle. Adjust the steering angle smoothly with the drift—don't overcorrect. Practice coordinating the throttle and steering to find the balance point. My first few attempts ended in spins, but I later realized the importance of timing. Remember to wear a helmet to protect yourself and your car.

[DiMolly]

Drifting isn't as mysterious as it seems. Here's how I teach friends to do it with automatic transmission cars. Find a safe location and turn off electronic stability control. Maintain speed before entering the turn, then suddenly steer in the opposite direction of the curve before quickly straightening the wheel and pulling the handbrake. Follow up promptly with throttle while adjusting the steering angle according to the slide. The key lies in fluid movements - steering and throttle must be synchronized. Worn tires with poor grip work best. From my experience: front-wheel drive is harder to control than rear-wheel drive, so make good use of weight transfer. Be warned - drifting causes significant wear, so budget for maintenance costs.

[DerekRose]

To drift with an automatic transmission car, I recommend beginners practice in three steps. First, use the handbrake on a straight road to feel the tail slide and master the timing of rear-wheel sliding. Then, try low-speed slalom, gently pulling the handbrake while changing direction. Finally, find a 90-degree turn, enter at about 30km/h, pull the handbrake while accelerating, and turn the steering wheel fully in the direction of the drift. Check tire wear after each practice session. I recently found that higher tire pressure makes it easier to initiate a drift. The key is to make anticipatory movements and maintain steady throttle input without letting go. Remember, safety gear is essential.

[FelicityRose]

The key to drifting with an automatic transmission lies in power control. Based on my years of modification experience, I've summarized this method. Lock it in first gear using manual mode and turn off the electronic stability system. Accelerate to around 60km/h before entering the turn, then sharply steer and pull the handbrake at the turning point. Immediately apply throttle to maintain wheel speed as the rear end swings out. Constantly make slight steering adjustments to counter understeer. With more practice, you'll realize weight transfer is crucial: decelerate before entering the turn to shift weight to the front wheels, then transfer weight to the side of the car once the drift starts. Rear-wheel drive cars work best for this.