For Rallycross cars (like the Supercars or RX cars), the handbrake is weak by design due to the center differential. To make it better:
| Handbrake Type | Modulation | Latency | AMS2 Feel | Durability | Final Score | |----------------|------------|---------|-----------|------------|-----------------| | Keyboard Button | 0 | 8 | 2 | 10 | 4.0 | | Joystick (Analog) | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 | | Cheap USB (Digital only) | 2 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 4.5 | | Dedicated USB Analog | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9.5 |
Is the Automobilista 2 handbrake "broken"? No. It is brutally realistic. The problem is that most sim racers are used to arcade-like binary handbrakes that ignore inertia, tire load, and hydraulic pressure.
To make the Automobilista 2 handbrake better, you don't need a new game. You need three things:
By applying the hardware, software, and technique tweaks outlined in this guide, you will transform the handbrake from a vague frustration into a precision instrument. Whether you are throwing a rally car through the Finnish forests or scandinavian flicking a vintage Porsche, AMS2 will reward you with the most satisfying, physics-driven slides on the market.
Now go forth, pull that lever, and paint the tarmac with tire smoke. You finally have the handbrake you deserve.
Have your own secret handbrake settings? Share them in the Reiza forums. Looking for hardware recommendations? The Moza HBP and Heusinkveld Handbrake are currently the top picks for AMS2's analog sensitivity curve.
To make the handbrake work better in Automobilista 2 (AMS2) , you need to address both the physical calibration of your hardware and the in-game car setups, as the simulation is highly sensitive to input ranges and brake thermals. 1. Hardware Calibration & Sensitivity automobilista 2 handbrake better
Standard "button" handbrakes or poorly calibrated analog levers often cause instant lock-ups or fail to register full travel.
Use External Tools: For generic USB handbrakes, use DIView to set precise deadzones and calibrate the range . This ensures the "off" position is truly 0% so the brakes don't drag .
Check In-Game Sensitivity: Ensure your brake sensitivity in the controller settings is set to 50 for linear behavior . Values below 50 create a non-linear curve that can make handbrake initiation feel inconsistent .
Frequent Recalibration: Some users find it necessary to recalibrate pedals and handbrakes every session within the AMS2 menus to maintain a consistent feel . 2. Car Setup Adjustments
If the handbrake feels too "grabby" or doesn't initiate a slide properly, the issue may be with the car's general braking and suspension balance.
Brake Pressure: If your handbrake causes immediate, uncontrollable spins, try reducing the overall Brake Pressure in the car setup menu (often found under the "Brakes" tab) to around 80-90% .
Caster Angle: For drifting or rally stages, increasing the caster angle by up to 50% can make the steering feel tighter and more stable when the rear breaks loose . For Rallycross cars (like the Supercars or RX
Differential Settings: Adjusting the differential can help the car "step out" more predictably when the handbrake is pulled . 3. Driving Technique for Handbrake Use
AMS2 physics require careful weight management to use the handbrake effectively, especially in Rallycross (RX) or with drifting-capable cars like the Lancer or Krosskart . Is there any way to calibrate a handbrake?
To make the handbrake perform better in Automobilista 2 (AMS2)
, you must balance hardware calibration with in-game sensitivity settings. Unlike standard braking, a "better" handbrake setup in AMS2 requires immediate response for rallying or drifting while avoiding accidental engagement from "ghost" inputs. 1. Optimize Calibration & Deadzones
The most common issue with handbrakes is a "mushy" feel or late engagement. Zero Deadzones Configuration tab, ensure handbrake deadzones are set to
. This ensures the game registers movement as soon as you pull the lever. Linear Sensitivity : Set handbrake sensitivity to
(default) to ensure a 1:1 linear relationship between your pull and the in-game response. External Calibration : If you use a generic USB handbrake, use tools like the DIView calibration tool | Handbrake Type | Modulation | Latency |
to set hard limits, ensuring 100% engagement happens exactly when your lever hits its physical stop. Reiza Studios Forum 2. Vehicle Setup Adjustments
Standard race setups often fight against handbrake turns. Use these tweaks to make the car more "willing" to rotate: Brake Bias
: If the car isn't rotating enough, move the brake bias slightly toward the Engine Braking : For cars with adjustable engine braking, a lower digit
(e.g., 6) increases the braking force the engine applies when you lift off, which helps the handbrake lock the rear wheels faster. Tire Choice Street Tires
(found on the Camaro SS) for practicing drifts; they are more forgiving and slide more naturally than high-grip slicks. 3. Advanced Driving Techniques
Improving the handbrake isn't just about settings; it’s about the "clutch-in" timing: Handbrake Turns Made Super Easy!