Fetishes are objects or activities that excite and satisfy us sexually, often beyond their actual purpose. We may feel an intense desire to touch, smell, taste, hear, or even look at them in certain ways. But why do we have fetishes, what are they for, and can they be healthy?

A new study published in the journal Human Nature shows that cars are one of the most common non-human fetishes among men and women. This is due to the car's combination of power, speed, sleekness, shape, sound, smell, movement, texture, and its ability to take us places. The car represents freedom, control, power, and adventure. It has become a symbol of masculinity, femininity, and social status. As such, it is used as a metaphor to represent sexual organs, gender, and identity.

We speak of "revving up" a car, "driving" into action, or "parking" when done.

Cars also allow us to separate from reality and enter a fantasy world where anything is possible. We can drive fast, race, crash, jump, fly, or explore unknown territories without fear of harm. We can transform ourselves into something else, or someone else. Some people associate cars with sex because of this sense of escape and transformation.

In our culture, cars are seen as symbols of status, power, masculinity, and virility. They have been used in advertising campaigns to sell everything from cigarettes to insurance policies. And yet, many people find them erotic, exciting, and arousing. Why?

One theory is that cars combine multiple sensory inputs in an exciting way that triggers pleasure centers in the brain. Another is that they represent a form of dominance and control over nature, which may be appealing to some people. Still, others believe that cars simply provide a safe way to express our desires and fantasies without being judged or punished for doing so.

Some people also have fetishes for specific car models, such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, or BMWs. Others prefer older, classic cars like Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, or Thunderbirds. And still, others enjoy the sound of engines, the smell of gasoline, or the feel of leather seats.

Whatever the reason, automotive fetishism is not uncommon, nor necessarily dangerous. It can add excitement and variety to one's sex life if managed responsibly.

It should never replace actual human contact, intimacy, or empathy.