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If you've seen a car chase in a film, chances are you've seen a J-turn. This is performed when a protagonist is suddenly confronted by danger and realises the only way out is behind him (and very occasionally her): the driver reverses quickly, spins the car in a graceful arc and drives off without leaving the road. "If you're learning defensive driving, in the army or as a chauffeur, it's a key skill," says Mauro Calo, a precision stunt driver and senior driving specialist for Mercedes- Benz and McLaren SLR who founded the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows Stunt Display Team.
The theory is simple, but if you're not used to handling your car while skidding and driving backwards, it's tough.
A few caveats
This is all a lot easier in a longer-wheelbase car, as it pivots more slowly, explains Mauro Calo. It's also simpler with a manual-drive, and if you have a car with ESP (electronic stability program, nothing psychic), you need to turn it off. Practise somewhere sensible - not on the main road. If you can, find a smooth, low-friction surface - wet, flat Tarmac is best. And check your insurance policy.
Control a skid
1. Put the car (ideally a rear-wheel drive) into a long, gentle turn. While doing this circle, get up to about 20mph. Remain in second gear. Notice how, if you accelerate, it affects the balance and grip of the car as it turns.
2. Give the throttle a good, positive stab to break the traction. You should now be skidding, and the rear of the car will spin out. The more you accelerate, the more you provoke your slide and the greater the angle of the car.
3. When the car loses grip, remove the cause of the skid (excess power) by coming off the throttle and turning the wheels in the direction you want to go.
4. As the car straightens up, straighten the wheels up. If you start spinning the other way, just turn back.
It's all about managing the weight of the car. Once you've done this a few times, your awareness of what's actually happening around you while you're skidding will increase. When you're comfortable performing longer skids, and you understand what is happening to the direction of your momentum, try the J-turn.
The J-turn
1. Check your surroundings. Turn off ESP. Put the car in reverse.
2. Move off and get up to 17 to 20mph. You need to be moving fairly swiftly so that there's less likelihood of rolling the car. Get ready - the next bit happens quickly.
3. When you're ready to manoeuvre, push in the clutch, hit the brakes hard, and spin the steering wheel at least one complete revolution. Be violent with it: you need to fool the car into spinning all the way.
4. The car starts turning. Once your turn is approaching 90°, start to straighten up the wheel, but not all the way.
5. Put the car into second gear (never first), but don't lift up the clutch until you're facing the right direction or you'll continue to spin.
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This article was originally published by WIRED UK
