How to Emergency Brake Drift a Car

Using the emergency brake to make a car drift or slide laterally is a technique employed by many racers to execute tight, 180-degree turns. It is also an excellent driving technique to learn in case you enter a tight turn at too high of a speed, and you start to lose control. By practicing in a safe, open area, you will soon be able to master this turning technique.

Things You'll Need

  • Car
  • Open parking lot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a large, open area with an asphalt surface, such as an empty parking lot, in which to practice. Make sure you are free from any sort of obstacles, such as lampposts, which can cause damage to your car if you spin out of control.

    • 2

      Drive in a straight line at a relatively slow speed, depending upon the distance you can work with during your drift.

    • 3

      Shift into a lower gear, allowing your car to begin to rev above 5000 rpm. Most drifters prefer to shift into first gear at this point.

    • 4

      Depress the clutch until it is engaged, and steer the car into the turn. At the same time, pull up on the emergency or hand brake. You will need to pull up on the brake abruptly, so that the rear wheels will lock up.

    • 5

      Disengage or "pop" the clutch as you begin to slide, continuing to steer the car into the turn, and then step on the gas. The amount of gas you give the car will determine how much the rear end will spin into the turn.

    • 6

      Allow the car to slide in the right direction, and then use the steering wheel to regain control of the car as you continue to apply the throttle. Do not let the car slow down, straighten out or gain traction until the turn is completed and you are facing the desired direction.

    • 7

      Practice this technique until you can perform it consistently and predictably. As you become more proficient at this skill, you will be able to perform it on the open road.