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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The passenger seat of their car doubles as a table for fast food because of priorities.
8. Rev Limiter Testing

You know they’re a petrol head if they think the redline is just a starting point.
9. Weekend = Track Day

They don’t have weekends off; they have track days or auto-cross days.
10. Oil Stains

Look for the oil stains on the driveway—and on their hands, clothes, face… everywhere.
11. Tire Tread Talks

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

Rain or shine, they’re at every car show, swap meet, or auto auction within a 50-mile radius.
13. They Have a “Guy”

Need a rare part or a custom job? They always have a “guy” who can sort it out.
14. Multiple Car Syndrome

One car is never enough. Their garage looks more like a used car lot.
15. Racing Games at Home

Their gaming setup rivals some simulators used for driver training—wheel, pedals, shifter, and all.
16. They Name Their Cars

Every car has a name, and it’s usually something much more affectionate than what they call their in-laws.
17. Coffee and Cars

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

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

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

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

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.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Kei Scampa.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.