You probably think that drifting is a sport reserved strictly for those with three pedals and a manual gear stick. It is a common belief that without a clutch to kick, you simply cannot get a car sideways effectively.
I am here to tell you that learning how to drift an automatic car is not only possible, but it is also a fantastic way to understand vehicle dynamics. With the right technique and a few mechanical tweaks, you can master controlled oversteer without ever touching a clutch pedal.
In this guide, we will break down the physics of sliding, the specific steps to initiate a drift in an automatic, and the safety measures you must take. We will also look at how to protect your transmission from the extra stress of performance driving.
Understanding the Physics of Drifting an Automatic
Before you turn the wheel, you need to understand what is actually happening between your tires and the pavement. Drifting is essentially the art of maintaining a controlled loss of traction in the rear wheels while steering with the front.
In a manual car, drivers use a “clutch kick” to shock the drivetrain and break the tires loose. Since you lack that option, you must rely more heavily on weight transfer and engine torque to achieve the same result.
When you decelerate or tap the brakes, the weight of the car shifts to the front tires. This pushes the nose down and unloads the rear tires, making them much easier to spin when you apply the throttle suddenly.
The Role of the Torque Converter
In an automatic, the torque converter acts as the bridge between the engine and the wheels. Unlike a clutch, it uses fluid to transfer power, which can feel a bit “mushy” during a drift initiation.
Understanding your car’s stall speed is vital. This is the RPM at which the engine’s power overcomes the fluid resistance to spin the tires, and knowing this helps you time your throttle inputs.
Rear-Wheel Drive vs. Everything Else
While you can technically “slide” a front-wheel-drive car using the handbrake, true drifting requires a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) platform. The rear wheels must provide the push that sustains the arc of the slide.
If you are working with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) automatic, the process is much more violent and harder on the components. For beginners, a RWD platform like a 350Z, BMW 3-Series, or an older Lexus is the ideal starting point.
Essential Vehicle Preparation for the Track
You cannot just pull your daily driver off the street and expect it to drift like a pro. A few small adjustments will make the car much more predictable and prevent you from overheating your expensive transmission fluid.
Start with your tires. For the front tires, you want good grip to maintain steering control, but for the rear tires, you want high tire pressure (around 45-50 PSI) to reduce the contact patch and make them “slicker.”
Check your fluids before you head out. Drifting an automatic generates an immense amount of heat in the transmission fluid, so ensure it is fresh and at the proper level to avoid mechanical failure.
Disabling Electronic Aids
Modern cars are designed to prevent you from sliding. You must fully disable Traction Control (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) before attempting to drift.
In many automatics, simply pressing the button isn’t enough. You may need to hold the button for ten seconds or perform a specific “pedal dance” to ensure the computer doesn’t cut power the moment you get sideways.
The Importance of a Limited-Slip Differential
Most standard automatic cars come with an “open differential.” This means if one wheel loses traction, the power is sent only to that wheel, resulting in a “one-tire fire” rather than a controlled drift.
If your car has an open diff, you will find it very difficult to hold a slide. Upgrading to a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) or “welding” the differential (for dedicated track cars) is the single best modification you can make.
Step-by-Step: How to Drift an Automatic Car Safely
Once you are in a safe, legal environment like a skid pad or a closed track, it is time to practice. Follow these steps to learn how to drift an automatic car without causing a wreck or blowing your engine.
- Select Your Gear: Do not leave the car in “Drive.” Move the shifter to “Manual” mode or “2.” You want to stay in a lower gear to keep the RPMs high and the torque readily available.
- Build Speed: Approach your turn at a moderate speed, usually around 20-30 MPH. You need enough momentum to carry the slide but not so much that you understeer off the track.
- The Initiation (Weight Transfer): Turn the wheel slightly away from the corner, then sharply into it. This “flick” shifts the car’s weight and helps the rear end break loose.
- Floor the Throttle: As you flick the wheel, give the car a heavy burst of gas. This sends power to the rear wheels, overcoming the remaining grip and starting the rotation.
- Countersteer: Once the back end steps out, quickly turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. If the back is swinging left, turn the wheel to the left.
The key to maintaining the drift in an automatic is throttle modulation. Since you don’t have a clutch to regulate power, you must “feather” the gas pedal to keep the car balanced between spinning out and straightening up.
The Handbrake Method
If your car doesn’t have enough power to break the tires loose with the throttle alone, you can use the e-brake. While entering the turn, pull the handbrake briefly to lock the rear wheels while keeping the throttle pinned.
Be careful with this in an automatic. You must ensure the rear wheels are actually spinning when you release the brake, or the sudden traction could stall the engine or shock the transmission.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is “Man-footing” the throttle. Keeping the pedal mashed to the floor the entire time will almost always result in a spin-out or a 180-degree turn.
Another common error is failing to look where you want to go. Your hands will naturally follow your eyes, so look through the side window at the exit of the corner rather than staring at the hood of the car.
Don’t forget about “The Straighten Up.” Many people forget to unwind the steering wheel as the drift ends. If you don’t straighten the wheels quickly enough, the car will snap-back in the opposite direction, which is a leading cause of track accidents.
Protecting Your Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmissions are not naturally fond of the high-heat, high-RPM environment of drifting. The constant shifting and fluid shearing can lead to burnt clutches inside the gearbox very quickly.
Install an external transmission cooler if you plan on drifting regularly. This is a small radiator that sits in front of your main radiator and helps keep the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) at a safe operating temperature.
Avoid “Neutral Drops” at all costs. Shifting from Neutral to Drive while the engine is revving high is a guaranteed way to shatter your transmission internals. Always initiate your drift from a moving gear.
Advanced Techniques for Automatic Drifting
As you get more comfortable with how to drift an automatic car, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques. One of these is “Left-Foot Braking,” which is a staple for professional automatic drivers.
While your right foot stays on the gas to keep the rear wheels spinning, your left foot lightly taps the brake pedal. This helps tuck the nose of the car into the corner and controls the angle of the slide without losing engine speed.
You can also practice the “Scandinavian Flick” at higher speeds. This involves a much more aggressive weight transfer that uses the car’s inertia to whip the rear end around, requiring less raw horsepower to get the job done.
Upgrading Your Setup
If you find that your car is struggling to stay sideways, consider upgrading your suspension. Stiffer rear springs and a beefier rear sway bar will reduce body roll and make the handling much more “snappy” and predictable.
An aftermarket “Shift Kit” or a transmission tune can also help. These modifications increase the line pressure in your transmission, making shifts faster and firmer, which mimics the direct feel of a manual gearbox.
Safety and Legal Considerations
It should go without saying, but never drift on public roads. Street drifting is dangerous, illegal, and gives the automotive community a bad name. Always find a sanctioned event or a private lot where you have permission to play.
Invest in proper safety gear. At a minimum, you should have a DOT-approved helmet and a fire extinguisher mounted within reach inside the cabin. Drifting puts a lot of stress on fuel lines and electrical systems.
Check your surroundings constantly. When you are sideways, your peripheral vision is limited. Make sure there are no light poles, curbs, or other drivers in your “swing zone” before you initiate a slide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drifting Automatics
Can you drift a front-wheel-drive (FWD) automatic?
Strictly speaking, no. You can perform “power slides” or “ass-dragging” using the handbrake, but since the rear wheels don’t have power, you cannot maintain a continuous controlled drift. It is still fun for learning weight transfer, though!
Will drifting ruin my automatic transmission?
If done excessively without proper cooling, yes. The heat is the primary killer. However, if you use a transmission cooler and change your fluid frequently, an automatic can handle a surprising amount of abuse.
Do I need a special handbrake for drifting?
For beginners, the stock cable-actuated handbrake is fine, provided it is adjusted tightly. Professional drifters use a hydraulic handbrake, which taps into the brake lines for instant, effortless rear-wheel lockup.
What is the best automatic car to start drifting with?
The Nissan 350Z or 370Z with the 5-speed or 7-speed automatic are excellent choices. They have plenty of torque, a decent manual mode, and a huge aftermarket for parts. Older BMW E46 models are also great budget options.
Final Thoughts on Getting Sideways
Mastering how to drift an automatic car is a rewarding challenge that forces you to become a more sensitive and observant driver. You cannot rely on the “crutch” of a clutch kick; instead, you must master the art of weight transfer and throttle control.
Start slow, prioritize your safety gear, and always keep an eye on your transmission temperatures. With enough practice on the skid pad, you will be linking corners and shredding tires just as well as the guys with the manual swaps.
The most important thing is to have fun and stay within your limits. Drifting is a skill that takes years to perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you spin out the first dozen times. Keep the rubber side down (mostly) and enjoy the ride!
Stay safe and stay sideways!
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