So, you want to learn how to drift an automatic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car, huh? It might seem like a daunting task, especially since drifting is often associated with manual transmissions, but don't worry, it's totally doable! While a manual gearbox gives you more direct control, you can still get your slide on with an automatic. Let's dive into the techniques, tips, and tricks to get you drifting like a pro.

Understanding the Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover some fundamental aspects of drifting. Drifting, at its core, is about intentionally oversteering, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control of the vehicle. This requires a delicate balance of throttle control, steering input, and weight management. When you're driving an automatic RWD car, the absence of a clutch pedal changes the game, but it doesn't make it impossible.

RWD is Key

The RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) configuration is essential for drifting. In a RWD car, the engine sends power to the rear wheels, making it easier to break traction and initiate a slide. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars tend to pull the car forward, making drifting very difficult, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars distribute power to all wheels, offering more grip and stability, which also makes drifting challenging unless you have a specialized AWD system that can send most of the power to the rear.

Automatic Transmission Considerations

Automatic transmissions use a torque converter to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. This differs from manual transmissions, which use a clutch for a direct connection. The torque converter can sometimes feel less responsive, which can be a hurdle when trying to initiate and maintain a drift. However, modern automatics, especially those with sport modes or paddle shifters, offer more control and can be surprisingly effective for drifting. The key is to understand how your specific automatic transmission behaves and learn to work with its characteristics.

Techniques for Drifting an Automatic RWD Car

Alright, let's get into the fun stuff – the actual techniques you can use to drift your automatic RWD car. Remember, practice makes perfect, and it’s best to start in a safe, controlled environment, like a track or skid pad, away from public roads.

1. The Power Over

The power over technique is the most straightforward method. It relies on using the engine's power to break traction in the rear wheels. Here’s how to do it:

• Approach the Corner: Enter the corner with a moderate amount of speed. You don't want to go in too hot, especially when you're starting out.
• Steering Input: As you approach the turn-in point, initiate a slight turn in the direction you want to drift. This will start to load up the suspension on the outside wheels.
• Throttle Control: Now, here’s the crucial part. Stomp on the accelerator! The sudden surge of power should overwhelm the rear tires, causing them to lose traction. Be prepared to counter-steer as the rear of the car starts to slide out.
• Counter-Steering: As the rear end slides, steer in the opposite direction of the turn. This is called counter-steering, and it's what keeps you from spinning out. The amount of counter-steer you need will depend on the angle of the drift.
• Modulate Throttle: Once the drift is initiated, modulate the throttle to maintain the slide. Too much throttle, and you’ll spin out; too little, and you’ll lose the drift. It's all about finding that sweet spot.
• Practice: Keep practicing this technique until it becomes second nature. Start with small drifts and gradually increase the angle as you get more comfortable.

2. The Scandinavian Flick (Weight Transfer)

The Scandinavian flick, also known as the pendulum turn, is a more advanced technique that uses weight transfer to initiate a drift. It’s particularly useful for tighter corners or when you need to initiate a drift quickly.

• Approach the Corner: Approach the corner at a moderate speed.
• Initial Turn: Briefly turn the steering wheel away from the direction you want to drift. This will shift the car’s weight to the opposite side.
• Quick Counter-Steer: Immediately after the initial turn, quickly turn the steering wheel sharply in the direction you want to drift. This rapid change in direction, combined with the weight transfer, will cause the rear wheels to lose traction.
• Throttle Control: As the rear end starts to slide, apply throttle to maintain the drift. Be ready to counter-steer to control the slide angle.
• Modulate and Correct: As with the power over technique, modulate the throttle and counter-steering to keep the drift going smoothly. This technique requires precise timing and coordination, so it may take some time to master. The key here is to be smooth and deliberate with your steering inputs.

3. Using the E-Brake (Emergency Brake)

Using the e-brake, or emergency brake, is another way to initiate a drift, especially in an automatic car where you don’t have a clutch to help break traction. However, use this technique sparingly, as excessive e-brake use can wear out your brake pads and rotors.

• Approach the Corner: Approach the corner at a moderate speed.
• Steering Input: Initiate a slight turn in the direction you want to drift.
• E-Brake Pull: Briefly pull the e-brake to lock the rear wheels. This will cause the rear end to slide out.
• Counter-Steer: Immediately counter-steer to control the slide.
• Release E-Brake and Throttle Control: Release the e-brake and use the throttle to maintain the drift. Be careful not to apply too much throttle, as you can easily spin out after using the e-brake.
• Practice and Caution: This technique should be used with caution, as it can be less predictable than power over or the Scandinavian flick. It's best used for quick adjustments or when you need to initiate a drift in a tight space.

Tips and Tricks for Automatic Drifting

Now that you know the basic techniques, let's go over some tips and tricks that can help you improve your drifting skills in an automatic RWD car.

1. Sport Mode and Manual Shifting

If your automatic transmission has a sport mode or paddle shifters, use them! Sport mode typically holds gears longer and downshifts more aggressively, which can help you maintain the engine speed you need to break traction. Paddle shifters give you even more control, allowing you to select the gear you want and keep the engine in the optimal rev range for drifting. Experiment with different gears to find what works best for your car and the specific corner you're tackling.

2. Tire Pressure Adjustments

Tire pressure can have a significant impact on your car’s handling and grip. Lowering the tire pressure in the rear tires can increase the contact patch and improve grip, which can make it easier to control the drift. However, be careful not to lower the pressure too much, as this can damage the tires or rims. A good starting point is to reduce the rear tire pressure by a few PSI and see how it feels. Adjust gradually until you find the sweet spot for your car and driving style.

3. Suspension Tuning

Upgrading or adjusting your suspension can also improve your drifting performance. Stiffer springs and dampers can reduce body roll and improve responsiveness, making it easier to initiate and control drifts. Adjustable coilovers are a popular choice among drifters because they allow you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific needs. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at drifting. Start with the basics and gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques. Find a safe, controlled environment where you can practice without endangering yourself or others. And don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Drifting takes time, patience, and a lot of practice.

5. Listen to Your Car

Your car can tell you a lot about what’s going on if you know how to listen. Pay attention to the sounds the tires are making, the feel of the steering wheel, and how the car is responding to your inputs. This feedback can help you fine-tune your technique and make adjustments on the fly. For example, if you hear the tires screeching excessively, it might mean you’re applying too much throttle or not enough counter-steer.

Safety First

Before you start drifting, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Make sure your car is in good mechanical condition, with functioning brakes, tires, and suspension. Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear, and always drift in a safe, controlled environment. Never drift on public roads, as it’s dangerous and illegal. Remember, drifting is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, so be patient and focus on improving your technique gradually. Most importantly, have fun and be safe!

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to drifting an automatic RWD car. While it might seem challenging at first, with the right techniques, tips, and practice, you can definitely get your slide on. Remember to start with the basics, gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques, and always prioritize safety. Now get out there and start drifting (safely, of course)! Happy drifting, guys!