Kosteukäännöksillä

Kosteukäännöksillä, a Finnish term, translates to "moisture turns" or "wet turns." It refers to a specific type of maneuver in driving, particularly in vehicles with rear-wheel drive, that utilizes the vehicle's momentum and a sudden application of throttle to induce a controlled rotation around a corner. This technique is often associated with motorsports and car control clinics rather than everyday driving.

The core principle behind kosteukäännöksillä involves a change in the vehicle's weight distribution. As the driver approaches a corner, they might initiate a slight turn of the steering wheel. Then, a sharp acceleration while the steering is still turned (or slightly counter-steered) causes the rear wheels to lose traction. This loss of grip allows the rear of the car to swing outwards, effectively rotating the vehicle. The driver then uses steering corrections and throttle modulation to control the angle of the rotation and bring the car back into line as it exits the corner.

This technique requires significant skill and practice to execute safely. It is often performed on low-traction surfaces like gravel or in wet conditions, hence the "kosteus" (moisture) aspect, as these conditions make it easier to break traction. Inappropriate or uncontrolled application of kosteukäännöksillä on public roads can lead to loss of control and accidents. It is primarily a tool for skilled drivers in controlled environments.