The study of psychological mechanisms underlying sexual attraction to automobiles has been a topic of scientific inquiry since the early days of psychoanalysis. Early Freudians proposed that cars represented the penis, while Jungians suggested they symbolized the phallus. In addition, some psychologists believe that fetishization can be related to infantile fixation on the mother's breast or the infant's experience of being nurtured by the breast.

There is no conclusive evidence for these theories.

The first known publication on the subject was published in 1984, written by French anthropologist Catherine Millet. Millet claimed that many people find automobiles sexually appealing because of their speed, power, control, and safety features. Automotive designers are often inspired by human anatomy when creating car interiors, which may contribute to their erotic appeal.

Car seats have become increasingly popular as a substitute for human partners, particularly among introverts who prefer solitude and privacy. Some individuals report that tactile interaction with upholstery material, including seatbelts and leather, stimulates their senses and triggers arousal. Others describe fantasies involving steering wheels, gear shifts, and horns as part of their autoerotic play. The association between automobiles and sexuality extends beyond individual behavior and into broader cultural phenomena such as advertising and filmmaking.

Researchers began investigating whether people's fascination with cars could lead them to engage in unsafe behaviors like texting while driving or even recklessness behind the wheel. They found that drivers who experienced strong emotions, including anxiety, anger, or excitement, were more likely to engage in dangerous practices than those who felt calm or neutral.

Studies show that men tend to be more interested in vehicles than women due to societal gender norms that portray cars as symbols of masculinity and strength.

Despite the lack of clear-cut explanations for why some people find cars sexually arousing, there is evidence suggesting that our brains react similarly to both humans and machines during intimate encounters.

Studies comparing brain activity showed similar patterns in response to images of attractive individuals and attractive automobiles. While this does not prove causality, it indicates that there may be a shared neural basis for these experiences.

The study of automotive eroticism remains an intriguing area of inquiry with practical implications for public safety. Future research should focus on exploring the underlying mechanisms and developing interventions to reduce risky behavior associated with car fetishization.