Why Do You Need to Counter-Steer During Drifting?
2 Answers
Counter-steering during drifting is necessary because the rear wheels lose traction, either partially or completely. To execute a perfect drift, it's essential to maintain traction in the front wheels. When the rear wheels lose grip, the front wheels, which control the direction of the car, are turned, causing the car to drift. If the original steering angle of the front wheels is maintained, especially on curves or downhill sections, the car is likely to roll over or collide with barriers, mountainsides, etc. Counter-steering is required to correct the vehicle's trajectory. During the drifting process: If you feel the rear of the car starting to slide, you should begin counter-steering smoothly. The degree of counter-steering should be proportional to the extent of the car's displacement and needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation, as everyone's technique varies.
The first time I drifted on the track, I felt the rear of the car slide out like skating, and instinctively wanted to counter-steer to control it. Actually, counter-steering is to point the front wheels in the direction of the slide, so the car won't spin out or lose control. For example, in a sharp turn, if you only steer by instinct, the car might completely lose control; counter-steering a bit allows the tires to grip the ground and maintain a smooth sliding sensation. It's as natural as leaning slightly when turning on a bicycle, using weight transfer to stay balanced. While practicing drifting, I found tire temperature and road conditions are also crucial—when it's too dry, grip is stronger, and counter-steering needs to be gentler, while the opposite is true when it's wet. So counter-steering is a core skill that takes practice to master. For safety, it's best to practice in an open area first.
