The psychological effects of touching a car's steering wheel have been studied by researchers who found that the sensory experience can be sexually stimulating for some individuals. This is because the feel of the material, texture, temperature, and contour of the surface can all contribute to the body's response to touch, creating a unique experience that may be interpreted as pleasurable.

The act of driving itself has been associated with feelings of power, control, and freedom which may heighten one's sense of desire and excitement.

Individuals who own cars with leather interiors report higher levels of arousal than those who own cloth seats. The tactile sensation of the soft, supple leather against their skin can elicit pleasure centers in the brain, leading to feelings of satisfaction and desire. The same effect can be seen in Alcantara and carbon fiber materials, which are also commonly used in high-end luxury vehicles. These surfaces offer a smooth, velvety texture that feels inviting and invigorating.

Touching a vehicle's steering wheel or gear shift can also trigger fantasy and imaginative thoughts about sexual experiences.

Someone might imagine themselves as a racecar driver or a sexy spy, enhancing their enjoyment and increasing their level of arousal. Other people may simply enjoy the sensation of the material rubbing against their skin or the feeling of being in control while manipulating the wheel.

There is evidence that the eroticized nature of car touch may not always be intentional. In a survey of automobile drivers, many reported accidentally grazing their genitals on the interior surfaces during maneuvers such as shifting gears or turning corners. This suggests that the physical contact between the body and the vehicle's surface may be unconscious and unintentional, but still produce an emotional response.

The sensory experience of driving a vehicle, including the feel of its surfaces, can have psychological effects that may enhance one's enjoyment and excitement. Understanding these effects may help designers create more appealing cars for both functional and pleasurable reasons.