Vehicle usage goes beyond travel. Heavy vehicles can be purchased for moving objects or for agricultural purposes. Cars, on the other hand, have become a viable option for long trips and tours. While the aesthetics and performance are among the most sought features, many car enthusiasts also purchase them for drifting. Drifting is a very popular activity among speeding enthusiasts, but it also comes with some risks. If you are wondering how to drift safely, we have a detailed overview to help you in this regard.
What is Drifting?
Drifting is a driving manoeuvre where the driver oversteers and the rear wheels or all wheels in some cases loose grip. This happens when the car is driven from corner to corner. The driver uses brakes, throttle, clutch and steering to keep the car in oversteering state when taking turns.
Drifting is done by trained professionals and is illegal in many countries including the UAE. It is advised to adhere to the laws and only practise with safety in check and in designated zones like the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The Stages of Drifting
Drifting requires remarkable driving skills. Professional racers go through excessive training and practise to learn how to drift a car safely. But apart from all the thrill it provides, drifting can result in accidents if the driver is not trained or the practice is carried out in the wrong places.
Drifting involves oversteering and sliding which increases the contact of the tyres with the surface. Modern tyres are designed to stick to the road during cornering and this is essential during drifting. Using normal tyres for drifting is not a safe option. Even with specific tyres, being aware of the tyre rotation process can help increase durability.
If you want to learn to drift, you should know about the stages of drifting. The stages are as follows:
BEGIN THE SLIDE
Drifting is a balance between oversteer and understeer. Too much throttle can lead to oversteering and the car spins out. On the other hand, turning the steering to begin without sufficient throttle results in understeer. An excess of any of the two can put the car in an unwanted state of motion.
Maintain a constant speed of about 100 kilometres per hour while cornering. Keep the vehicle in first gear if you are driving one with manual transmission. Use the brakes to transfer weight on the front part of the car and flick the steering wheel to start the drift.
MAINTAIN THE SLIDE
Once the rear of the car breaks loose, steer the other way to prevent the vehicle from spinning. For a left turn, you’ll need to steer the car to the right and vice versa for a right turn. Add more throttle to increase the drift angle and lift off to reduce it.
EXIT THE DRIFT
Exiting the drift requires equal skills as learning how to drift. This is where most drivers get it wrong and accidents happen. The proper way to exit the drift is to unwind the steering while easing off the throttle. Turning the steering wheel excessively while the car breaks sideways can initiate a loss of control and it must be avoided. For an efficient exit, it is important to exit the throttle at the right time.
How to Drift Safely
If you have learned how to drift a car, it is equally important to keep safety in check. First up, your car must be up to the standards to adhere to drifting requirements. Most modern car features can come in handy. Car tyres bear the most burden and proper types should be used. Usage of normal tyres can prompt early wear and tear and are also a threat to safety.
Additionally, drifting must only be practised in authorised places. You can get in conflict with the law if you drift on public places and roads. This can land you with hefty fines and imprisonment. Drifting in unauthorised places can also put public safety at risk. Authorised places are well-equipped to handle the situation in case of an accident and they should be the only choice for drifting. There are several race tracks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities of the Emirates best suited for drifting and other types of races.
Usually, a car with manual transmission is a preferred option for drifting but automatic transmissions can also do the job fine. It is better to know how to drift an automatic car as handling can be different from driving a manual car. Drifting is also possible with electric cars but it is advised to consult with professionals before taking your vehicle for that ride. Other than these tips to drift safely, you can also check out the go karting tips to learn about the speed car practises.
This was everything you needed to know about how to drift safely. Drifting is a famous manoeuvre among car enthusiasts and carried out all around the world. It is advised to get proper training and practise in authorised places with proper safety measures to ensure a safe drifting experience. This can also help you avoid car damage and additional expenses. If you are a fan of high-speed cars, check out these supercars spots in Dubai to witness advanced vehicles in action.
Additionally, if you are looking for a high-speed vehicle suitable for drifting, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of street-legal and modern vehicles listed.
Stay safe, follow the law and stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more driving tips.
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