If you’ve ever wondered whether the guy in the lane next to you is just as nuts about cars as you are, here are 20 telltale signs that you’re dealing with a fellow petrol head.
1. Stickers Galore
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Their car isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling billboard for every performance part they’ve ever admired or bolted on.
2. The Nod of Recognition
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Catch their eye at a stoplight and they give you that knowing nod – it’s the secret handshake of the car enthusiast world.
3. Exhaust Tones Over Ringtones
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You hear their car before you see it, and the rumble of their exhaust turns more heads than a fireworks show.
4. Hood Up at the Hangout
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At any casual gathering, they’re the ones with the hood popped, showing off an engine bay so clean you could eat off it.
5. They Speak in Codes
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Their vocabulary is a series of model codes and part numbers. “E46 M3” or “LS3 swap” are more than just alphanumeric gibberish to them.
6. Racing T-Shirt Collection
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Whether it’s a vintage drag racing shirt or a tee from a local track event, their wardrobe is as motor-centric as a mechanic’s toolbox.
7. Dashboard Dining
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The passenger seat of their car doubles as a table for fast food, because priorities.
8. Rev Limiter Testing
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You know they’re a petrol head if they think the redline is just a starting point.
9. Weekend = Track Day
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They don’t have weekends off; they have track days or auto-cross days.
10. Oil Stains
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Look for the oil stains on the driveway—and on their hands, clothes, face… everywhere.
11. Tire Tread Talks
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They can spend hours debating the merits of summer vs. all-season tires and have opinions about tire brands you didn’t even know existed.
12. Car Show Regulars
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Rain or shine, they’re at every car show, swap meet, or auto auction within a 50-mile radius.
13. They Have a “Guy”
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Need a rare part or a custom job? They always have a “guy” who can sort it out.
14. Multiple Car Syndrome
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One car is never enough. Their garage looks more like a used car lot.
15. Racing Games at Home
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Their gaming setup rivals some simulators used for driver training—wheel, pedals, shifter, and all.
16. They Name Their Cars
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Every car has a name, and it’s usually something much more affectionate than what they call their in-laws.
17. Coffee and Cars
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Their idea of a perfect Sunday morning includes a car meet and a cup of the strongest coffee you can stomach.
18. Road Trip Ready
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They’re always ready for a road trip, and not just any road trip—a scenic drive where the roads are twisty and the stops are few.
19. Petrol Station Regular
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They treat the local petrol station like a pit stop, timing their visits and fuel-ups like a race team.
20. They Can’t Stop Modifying
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Finally, you know you’re in the presence of a true petrol head if their car is never “finished.” There’s always a new mod, tweak, or upgrade in the works.
Gearhead Glory
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Spot these traits and you’ve found your tribe. Pull over, share stories, or just give that approving nod. After all, the road is better shared with those who love it as much as you do.
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The post 20 Traits of a True Petrol Head first appeared on Mechanic Insider.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
