Tires produce sounds when they rotate due to friction between the rubber and road surface. These sounds can vary depending on factors such as speed, weight, load distribution, tread design, and temperature. Some car enthusiasts argue that the sound produced by high-performance tires is similar to the sound of a woman moaning during sexual activity. The tire's frequency is often described as "sexual" because it falls within the range of human female voices. This has led to speculation about why certain frequencies are perceived as more attractive than others. One explanation is that humans are naturally drawn to higher pitches because they are associated with youthfulness and fertility. Another theory is that these frequencies activate neural pathways related to pleasure and arousal.

Some studies have found that women prefer the sound of men who drive cars equipped with low-profile tires, which produce a deeper, rumbling sound when accelerating or decelerating. This may be because such tires are associated with aggression, power, and masculinity, making them attractive to many women. In contrast, men tend to prefer higher-pitched noises, which some researchers suggest could reflect their attraction to younger partners.

Another study found that the frequency of car squeals varied depending on the type of music playing in the background. When listening to hard rock music, participants reported hearing lower-pitched tire noises, while when listening to classical music, they heard higher-pitched ones. This suggests that our perception of sound is influenced by our expectations and experiences.

Not all experts agree with this interpretation. Some say that the relationship between tire noise and sexual arousal is purely subjective and individualized. Others point out that there is little scientific evidence to support the idea that specific sounds are universally sexually appealing. They argue that the appeal of tire squeal depends more on cultural contexts and personal associations than objective qualities like tone or frequency.