Bridge Block: Sports Driving Glossary - Sports Cars

Bridge Block: Sports Driving Glossary - Sports Cars

Very technique in "drifting", but also an obstacle for driving, if you didn't want to. Let's see how it goes

Il bridge block (or axle lock) occurs in rear-wheel drive vehicles (equipped with a manual transmission) when you are cornering and downshifting, releasing the clutch and locking the wheels with the engine brake. When this happens, the vehicle's stability is reduced and oversteer occurs. You get more or less the same effect as with the handbrake, but with the axle blocking (compared to our favorite lever) loss of adhesion occurs more progressively and naturallymaking it easier to drive.

How to use it

The bridge block is a very useful technique in drifting: Simply downshift sharply before cornering, increase engine revs and release the clutch. Thus, the wheels will try to lock and the car will pull up the trajectory, to put yourself "sideways" progressively and naturally.

The same result can be achieved with handbrake but the maneuver will be more "abrupt" and difficult to control. At this point, simply engage the accelerator and steering to increase oversteer to your liking, or lift the accelerator pedal and “lock in” the maneuver.

How to avoid it

If, on the other hand, you are not looking for oversteer, but by accident lock wheels with rear wheel drive carthen you have to have good control of the steering wheel and keep your cool. Once the bridge is locked, you will need to turn back and level the car.

Prevention is better than cure: one good gun (or heel) serves to prevent axle blocking during sporty driving in order to synchronize lifting turns.

Cars with an automatic transmission (especially sports cars) have an automatic downshift system that prevents the rear wheels from locking.