Evasive driving technique: J-turn against highway robbers

The manoeuver is performed by quickly reversing in a straight line and then turning the wheel to one side and using the foot brake to lock the rear wheels while turning. The vehicle is shifted into a forward gear as the nose comes about. The basics of this turn are all focused on the physics […]

The manoeuver is performed by quickly reversing in a straight line and then turning the wheel to one side and using the foot brake to lock the rear wheels while turning. The vehicle is shifted into a forward gear as the nose comes about. The basics of this turn are all focused on the physics of weight transfer of the car during the J-turn process.

In front-wheel drive vehicles, the clutch is pressed when performing the maneuver.

The next step depends on the type of car you’re driving. There are two basic methods one of which uses the brakes (easiest) and one doesn’t (more difficult). If you have ABS fitted, you will not be able to use the brake method as it will be impossible to lock the wheels, so read the paragraph that applies to your car below:

A. Front wheel drive, manual transmission, no ABS:

Mid way through the turn, when the front wheels are parallel with the track, stab the brakes* and clutch. This will lock up the front wheels due to the fact most of the braking bias is towards the front. The momentum of the turn combined with the rear weight transfer will allow the front of the car to rotate round until you’re facing the opposite direction. When the front wheels are locked, select first gear. Now move onto Stage 4.

If you would prefer not to lock up the front wheels, use option B.

B. Front wheel drive, manual transmission, ABS:

As you have ABS fitted, you won’t be able to lock up the front wheels as used in option A. This means it will be more difficult to select first gear when the wheels are rotating backwards so you need to use double declutching. To do this, press the clutch in and pop it into neutral, then clutch out briefly. Clutch in yet again and select first. This can be done as a rapid series of movements with practice, but adds complexity to this manoeuvre.

C. Rear or four wheel drive, manual transmission, with or without ABS:

It is very difficult to lock up the rear wheels when pulling off a J-turn, so the easiest method is to avoid the use of the brakes and double declutch to select first gear. To do this, press the clutch in and pop it into neutral, then clutch out briefly. Clutch in yet again and select first. This can be done as a rapid series of movements with practice.

D. Automatic transmission, front, rear of four wheel drive, with or without ABS:

If you have an automatic, this technique can be much easier to pull off – mid way through the turn, simply flick into neutral, then drive when you’re pointing in the right direction. Some autos are more sympathetic, and in this case you’ll be able to move straight into drive.