Beatrice Lang
Handbrake turns are a dying art, with fewer manufacturers using handbrakes in new cars, instead opting for an electronic parking brake. However, the recent boom in used cars means the physical handbrake will still be around for a while. Electronic handbrakes work similarly to manual handbrakes, but use a small motor and a series of gears to press the calliper or shoe against the brake. They save space, but they can be expensive to fix if they break. Performing a handbrake turn in a car with an electronic handbrake is not recommended, as they only work when the car is stationary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to execute a handbrake turn | Find an empty space to practice, like an empty parking lot |
| Use a low-friction surface like snow or a wet surface | |
| Go slower on less-grippy surfaces and faster on dry pavement | |
| Turn before pulling the handbrake | |
| Use a higher gear during the exit to avoid spinning out | |
| Use your palm to push the wheel up instead of gripping it | |
| Turn the wheel very hard | |
| Push the clutch in all the way and pull up on the parking brake quickly | |
| Leave the clutch in until you're ready to exit the turn | |
| Straighten the steering wheel and punch the gas | |
| Electronic handbrakes are harder to use for handbrake turns |
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What You'll Learn
Electric handbrakes are harder to use for handbrake turns
Firstly, electric handbrakes often lack tactile feedback, which can be important for executing precise maneuvers like handbrake turns. The lack of tactile feedback means the driver has less control over the release of the handbrake, which can make it challenging to time the turn accurately.
Secondly, electric handbrakes typically have a slower release time compared to traditional handbrakes. This delay can affect the timing of the handbrake turn and may require the driver to adjust their technique. In a manual car, for example, the driver may need to wait a moment before setting off to avoid stalling the car.
Additionally, electric handbrakes are designed to be either fully on or off, without the ability to modulate the braking force. This lack of modulation can make it challenging to control the vehicle during a handbrake turn, especially when exiting the turn and transitioning back to acceleration.
Furthermore, electric handbrakes are often activated by a button or switch, which can be less intuitive and responsive during a handbrake turn. The driver needs to coordinate pressing the button or switch while also steering and managing the clutch and accelerator pedals. This coordination can be more challenging compared to the fluid motion of pulling a traditional handbrake lever.
Lastly, electric handbrakes may not be as reliable in emergency situations, such as electrical system failures. In such cases, a traditional handbrake that operates mechanically may provide a safer backup option.
While electric handbrakes offer convenience and safety features, they may not be as well-suited for handbrake turns due to their unique characteristics. Drivers interested in performing handbrake turns may prefer the control and responsiveness offered by traditional handbrakes.
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Handbrake turns are easier on low-traction surfaces
Handbrake turns are considerably easier on low-traction surfaces. When practising handbrake turns, it is best to use a low-friction surface to make it easier for the back end to slide and to prolong the life of your tyres. A surface with low friction is easier to get your back wheels to lose traction and whip around. As a rule of thumb, when driving on dry pavement, 30 mph is a good speed to attempt a handbrake turn. As you approach the turn, let off the gas, and the deceleration will transfer weight and traction from the back tyres to the front ones.
The less traction there is, the slower you should go. If you go too fast, you will just spin around. It is easier to practise handbrake turns in bad conditions like wet grass, gravel, or snow. A slippery surface like fresh snow will require only a short tap on the handbrake, while dry pavement will require a longer hold.
When performing a handbrake turn, you should approach the corner at a reasonably low speed. Before turning into the corner, swiftly come off the gas to create a forward weight transfer and provide maximum grip at the front end. This will allow a swift turn. As you enter the corner, turn very hard, and you want to apex halfway around. As soon as you enter the turn, push the clutch in all the way and pull up on your parking brake quickly. You will leave the clutch in until you are ready to give the tyres power again.
Once you are done overcoming the grip, if you are still drifting and want to go forward and stop drifting, quickly let off the handbrake, steer in the direction of the skid (opposite of the turn), and then straighten the wheel in one smooth motion.
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Steering wheel position and technique
The steering wheel position and technique are crucial for executing a perfect handbrake turn. Here are some detailed instructions to help you master this manoeuvre:
Firstly, ensure your right hand is positioned correctly on the steering wheel. For a right-hand turn in a RHD car, place your right hand at the seven o'clock position on the steering wheel. Alternatively, some drivers prefer the eleven o'clock position. For a left turn, mirror this positioning by choosing either the five o'clock or one o'clock position, respectively.
Now, let's discuss the technique. As you approach the turn, begin by taking your foot off the gas pedal to decelerate. This weight transfer is crucial as it shifts traction from the back tyres to the front ones. When you're close to the turn, push the clutch all the way in and simultaneously pull up on your parking brake. Keep the clutch depressed until you're ready to accelerate out of the turn.
As you enter the corner, turn the steering wheel very hard. You want to reach the apex, or the midpoint of the turn, with your steering. This is where the "palming" technique comes into play: instead of gripping the steering wheel, push your palm against it at the twelve o'clock position. This allows you to smoothly follow the wheel's rotation without needing to adjust your grip.
When it's time to exit the turn, you can adjust your steering wheel position. If you used the seven-to-one technique, release your grip slightly to let the steering wheel straighten out. If you've overshot, you may need to turn slightly in the opposite direction to correct your path. Bring the steering wheel back to the twelve o'clock position, or adjust it to compensate for any overshooting.
Finally, release the clutch and accelerate to blast off in your new direction.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and your car's response will vary with speed and conditions. Always practise in a safe, empty space to avoid damage to your car or harm to others.
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Braking and accelerating at the right times
When performing a handbrake turn, braking and accelerating at the right times are crucial for a smooth and controlled manoeuvre. Here are some detailed instructions for braking and accelerating effectively during a handbrake turn:
Braking Techniques:
As you approach the turn, it is essential to reduce your speed. Let off the gas pedal to decelerate and transfer weight and traction to the front tires. This will provide more grip for the front tires as you initiate the turn. Ensure you are in the correct gear for the surface you are driving on—for pavement, second gear is usually suitable, while snow may require third or fourth gear.
As you enter the turn, push the clutch all the way in and quickly pull up on the parking brake (handbrake). Keep the clutch depressed until you are ready to accelerate out of the turn. Be mindful that if you have an electric parking brake operated by a button or switch, it may not be suitable for handbrake turns as they can be slower to release.
Accelerating Techniques:
When you have completed the turn and your wheels are straightened out, it's time to accelerate. Let out the clutch and punch the gas pedal to blast off in your new direction. This acceleration will help you maintain control and stability as you exit the turn.
Practise and Surface Considerations:
Practise makes perfect, and each car will respond differently at various speeds and conditions. Get a feel for your car's behaviour by practising in an empty parking lot or a cone-laden car park. Remember that the surface friction will impact your handbrake turns. A lower-traction surface, such as snow or wet pavement, will require slower speeds to maintain control. On dry pavement, 25-30 mph is generally a suitable speed for initiating the turn.
In summary, successful handbrake turns require a delicate balance of braking and accelerating at the right moments. Practise braking, turning, and accelerating techniques to perfect your handbrake turn skills and ensure a smooth and controlled driving experience.
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The handbrake turn is becoming a dying skill
The handbrake turn is a skill that is becoming increasingly obsolete in the modern world. Once a handy manoeuvre to have in one's arsenal, it is now something of a dying art, consigned to history by the electronic parking brake. The handbrake itself is falling out of favour among car manufacturers, who are opting for the less conspicuous electric parking brake, which frees up space in the centre console for storage.
However, the handbrake turn still has its proponents, who argue that it is a useful skill to possess in certain situations. For example, in rallying, a handbrake turn can help a driver navigate a tight corner without losing speed. It can also be used to impress passengers or shake off pursuers in a race. Nevertheless, with the advent of new technologies and the decreasing prevalence of physical handbrakes, the handbrake turn is becoming less practical for most drivers.
For those wishing to master the handbrake turn, there are several techniques to employ. It is recommended to practice in an empty car park to avoid damage to one's car or surrounding objects. A low-friction surface is ideal, as it makes it easier for the rear wheels to lose traction and whip around. When entering a corner, one should turn the wheel very hard, and push the clutch all the way in while pulling up on the parking brake.
As one exits the turn, the steering wheel should be straightened out, and the clutch released, allowing the car to accelerate in a new direction. It is important to note that handbrake turns can cause significant wear and tear on a car's components, including the handbrake cable, tyres, and rear wheels. Therefore, it is essential to monitor these parts and replace them if necessary.
While the handbrake turn may have been a common skill in the past, the evolution of car technology and design has rendered it less practical and relevant in the modern era. However, for those who wish to keep the art alive, there are still techniques and tips to perfect this manoeuvre.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not possible to perform a handbrake turn with an electric handbrake as they only activate under a certain speed. Electric handbrakes are also slow to release, which is crucial to a handbrake turn.
To perform a handbrake turn, find an empty space such as an empty car park lot or a space with snow. Place your right hand on the left side of the steering wheel at the 7 o'clock position and your left hand on the handbrake. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to travel and as you enter the turn, push the clutch and pull up on the handbrake. To exit, straighten the steering wheel and release the clutch and handbrake.
Electronic handbrakes save space in the interior of the car and are more comfortable as they do not require yanking on a handbrake lever. They also eliminate the risk of the car rolling away as they are harder to loosen.
Electric handbrakes can be more expensive to fix and are not suitable for performing handbrake turns.
