Some people find it difficult to imagine that there is anything sexual about cars, but for others, they can be incredibly erotic objects. For some, maintaining their vehicle becomes an act of seduction, with every touch and sound adding to the anticipation of what will happen later on. Car owners often develop a psychological attachment to their vehicles, which can lead to unconscious associations between them and sex. When car repair involves frequent interactions with various parts, lubricants, tools, sounds, smells, textures, and visual stimuli related to engines and undercarriages, it may become a form of tactile fetishism. Some people may also experience auditory arousal from the noises made by the engine, gearbox, and other components during operation. This phenomenon is known as autophilic erotophilia. Cars can also symbolize power and control, which are often associated with dominance and submission in human relationships, leading to fantasies involving roleplay or even exhibitionism. In fact, many individuals have reported having masturbated while thinking about their cars or imagining themselves being in different situations with them, such as driving or repairing them. This attraction to automobiles has been studied extensively in psychology, where it is referred to as the "automotive-sexuality model."

Car ownership comes with routine maintenance tasks that require repetitive actions, such as refueling, washing, cleaning, waxing, polishing, oiling, tuning, checking fluids, changing tires, replacing spark plugs, and more. These activities can be transformed into sexual acts through sensory associations, including sight (shiny metal surfaces), sound (revving engines), touch (smooth leather upholstery), taste (oil and gasoline), and scent (fragrant air fresheners).

Lubricating door hinges could suggest lube, while tightening bolts might feel like penetration, and listening to an engine rev up could create vibrations similar to those experienced during orgasm.

Car care products may contain pheromones designed to attract people of the opposite sex. Some people even find pleasure in parking lot encounters where they can watch others perform these actions on their vehicles. The fetishization of cars is not limited to any particular group; it can occur across genders, ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It may be triggered by various factors, including childhood memories, personal trauma, or simply a love for technology and engineering. In some cases, this fascination may lead to obsessive behavior, where individuals collect cars or spend excessive amounts of money on them.