How to make a handbrake turn

The technique is to upset the balance of the car in a predetermined fasion. It is easier with a front wheel drive car but with practice it can be done with almost any car. It can be done with an automatic or manual car. Here we will explain how to do a handbrake turn in a manual car.

First, get the car to 30-35mph. Don't go too fast if you are not used to this technique otherwise the car may continue to go backwards after the turn has been completed. If you don't have enough speed there will be too little momentum to swing the car around.

Keep your one hand on the handbrake and hold the realease button in. Position your other hand on the steering wheel in such a way that you can turn the steering wheel one full turn with it.

If you reach the point where you wish to turn, depress the clutch while turning the steering wheel quickly and smoothly one full revolution, in the direction that you wish to turn. A moment after you turned the steering wheel, pull up the handbrake hard and fast while still keeping in the release button. A common mistake is to pull the handbrake while you turn the steering wheel. This will not work and the car will slide to a halt, not necessarily in the road.

As the car starts swininging around, turn back the steering wheel so that it is is straightened out at the same time the car completes its 180 degree turn. This will take some practice.

This is how you perform a handbrake turn.