Inducing controlled oversteer in a front-wheel-drive vehicle involves techniques that manipulate weight transfer, braking, and steering to overcome the inherent understeer characteristic of this drivetrain layout. This typically involves using the handbrake, clutch kicking, or a combination of both to destabilize the rear wheels and initiate a slide. For example, entering a corner with higher than usual speed, then quickly pulling the handbrake while steering into the turn can cause the rear wheels to lose traction and initiate a drift.
While drifting is commonly associated with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, achieving it with a front-wheel-drive platform offers a unique challenge and, for some, a greater sense of accomplishment. Historically, front-wheel-drive cars were not considered ideal for drifting due to their tendency to understeer. However, with increasing interest and development of specific techniques, controlled slides have become attainable. Understanding these techniques can enhance car control skills and provide a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics, potentially improving performance in emergency maneuvers or challenging driving conditions.