Psychologists study how people feel about cars, their automobility, and sexuality, including attraction, passion, and confusion. The idling engine's sound and vibration can evoke intimate arousal, relaxation, and psychosexual resonance for some people. This effect is related to a fetish called "automotive erotica", which involves car-related fantasies and desires that are different from those involving traditional human bodies. Car lovers often form attachments to vehicles based on their shape, size, speed, color, or other features.

They may perceive a sports car as an ideal partner because it embodies power, strength, and performance. Some drivers enjoy touching their steering wheel while driving, feeling the sensations of control and confidence it gives them. Others like to watch other drivers during rush hour traffic, imagining what they might do if they were in the same situation. These behaviors may become a focus of attention and desire, leading to feelings of excitement and satisfaction. Researchers have studied how car-fetishism affects people's relationships and mental health. Some couples engage in roleplay involving cars, such as pretending to be strangers who meet on the highway and start a journey together. Such scenarios can increase intimacy, playfulness, and risk-taking behavior.

There is also a dark side to this phenomenon, with some drivers becoming obsessed with their cars and neglecting other aspects of life. They may spend hours alone in their garages, working on restoration projects, tuning engines, or simply staring at their prized possessions. The idling engine and its associated vibrations create a unique environment where the body feels relaxed and aroused simultaneously. In addition, many people find the smell of gasoline and rubber to be erotic and comforting.

The connection between automobiles and sexuality is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the human need for closeness, excitement, and self-expression.