Cars are often seen as a symbol of masculine power, strength, and dominance. As such, they have been linked to psychological and emotional associations related to sexuality, particularly when it comes to controlling them. This can be seen in the popular image of the driver who takes charge of his car and enjoys driving it like he is taking charge of the world around him. For some people, this type of control may even become an integral part of their sexual identity. In fact, there has been research suggesting that for some men, adjusting the steering wheel during sex can lead to feelings of mastery and control, which in turn can enhance arousal and pleasure.

One study found that men who reported a stronger desire for control and mastery were more likely to experience greater levels of pleasure from manipulating their partner's genitals while also engaging in activities involving physical force and aggression. The same study also suggested that these men had higher levels of testosterone than other men. This suggests that there could be a link between testosterone and the association between cars and sexuality, which would make sense given that testosterone is responsible for male sexual behavior.

Other studies have shown that women may also associate automobiles with feelings of intimacy and attraction. One study found that women who were given a choice between two identical cars found one more attractive if it was associated with being driven by a man rather than a woman. Another study showed that women who viewed images of sports cars were more likely to report feelings of attraction towards the drivers compared to those viewing images of sedans.

The connection between cars and eroticism goes beyond just their appearance or the actions associated with driving them. There are also numerous fetishes related to cars, such as the "car fetish" and the "automobile fetish." These involve intense sexual desire for certain aspects of cars, such as the sound they produce, the way they feel when touched, or even their smell. Some people may find themselves sexually aroused simply by thinking about their car, looking at pictures of it, or touching it.

While cars are not inherently sexual objects, they can become so in some contexts, particularly when it comes to controlling them. Adjusting the steering wheel during sex may give some men a sense of mastery and control that enhances their pleasure, while others may find that just the sight of a sports car can elicit feelings of attraction. The association between cars and sexuality is complex and varies from person to person, but it remains an interesting area of research nonetheless.