15 Things Car People Find Completely Normal (That Absolutely Aren't)

The List of Concerns

1. Having Strong Opinions About Exhaust Notes

Normal people: "The car is loud." Car people: "Hmm, a bit raspy in the midrange, but I appreciate the cold start burble and the way it cracks on decel above 4,500 RPM." We've assigned personality traits to combustion noise.

2. Getting Excited About Engine Noises

"Listen to that turbo flutter!" "Hear that supercharger whine?" "Is that rod knock or just a weird harmonic?" Normal people call these "concerning sounds." We call it "character."

3. Walking Out of Your Way to Look at Cars

Crossing a parking lot to look at a stranger's car. Standing in traffic to photograph a rare spec. Taking the "scenic route" through the nice part of town to see what's in driveways. We are car-stalkers.

4. Knowing Exactly What Everyone on the Road Is Driving

Normal: "There's a red car." Car person: "There's a pre-facelift E92 M3 with the competition package—look at those reps though, probably a 335i badge swap." We cannot turn this off.

5. Having Multiple Car Insurance Policies

"Yes I have insurance for my daily, my project car, and my weekend car." "The trailer has its own policy." "I pay more in insurance than some people pay in rent." This is concerning.

6. Prioritizing the Car's Climate Over Yours

"I'm not running the AC because it saps too much power." "I'll just sweat a little—the engine temp is perfect." We have negotiated comfort for horsepower and that seems fine.

7. Having Parts as Decor

A turbo on the bookshelf. A piston coffee table. Framed timing belts. "No honey, this isn't junk, this is a conversation piece from a 1998 Skyline GT-R."

8. Knowing More About Your Car Than Your Health

"When was your last doctor's appointment?" "I dunno, maybe 2019?" "When was your car's last service?" "3,847 miles ago, I'm 153 miles overdue for the next one and it's making me nervous."

9. Weather-Dependent Vehicle Selection

"I can't take the Miata today—there's a 15% chance of rain." "Road salt season means the good car stays home until April." We've created a complex weather-based driving matrix.

10. Calculating Cost Per Mile

"If I drive this 10,000 miles a year and factor in depreciation, maintenance, insurance, and fuel, that's $0.87 per mile, which is actually reasonable compared to..." No one asked. The math helps us cope.

11. Having "Car Money" as a Budget Category

Food. Rent. Utilities. Car Parts. This is a normal distribution of resources. The car fund is non-negotiable.

12. Taking the Long Way Because It's More Fun

"Why did it take you 45 minutes? Google says it's 20 minutes away." "The highway is boring. The back roads have curves." Time is a suggestion.

13. Judging People by Their Wheel Choice

"They put THOSE wheels on a 911?" "Plastidipped badges? I've seen enough." We have created moral character assessments based on modification choices.

14. Having More Car Photos Than Family Photos

Camera roll: 3,000 car photos, 12 photos of children. "But look at this shot of that GT3 at sunset." We have priorities.

15. Considering "Checking on the Car" a Valid Activity

"Where are you going?" "Just going to check on the car." "It's in the garage." "I know." "It hasn't moved." "I know." We need this.

The Conclusion

None of this is normal. But normal is overrated. Being passionate about something—even something as "irrational" as cars—makes life richer. Just maybe don't explain compression ratios on a first date.

Embrace the Obsession

If you recognized yourself in this list, you're in good company. My Garage is built for people like us—track your vehicles, log every detail, and yes, check on your car digitally whenever you want. We don't judge.

Build Your Garage →