Have you found yourself wondering if you’re a true car enthusiast?
You don’t have to be an automotive genius to love cars. We all have our own personal reasons for loving these machines. But if you’re looking to supercharge your enthusiasm, we’ve got a range of ideas on how you can achieve this.
Remember – there’s no strict definition of what it means to be a car enthusiast. It doesn’t matter if you’re obsessed with detailing, skilled at engine teardowns or just like driving your cherished family car every Sunday. If you love cars, you’re a car enthusiast!
Check out our suggestions on how to boost your car enthusiasm even further.
1: Visit a racetrack
There’s nothing quite like watching professional drivers race or drift their way around a track. It’s an even better experience if you’re the one driving! Driving on track can be a steep learning curve, but it’s something that every car enthusiast should experience at some point in their life.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions before going on track, and always make sure that you have the appropriate safety gear at hand. Helmets are a must!
Whether you’re spectating or driving, the electric atmosphere of the racetrack is a truly special feeling for any car lover.
2: Buy your attainable dream car
Buying that attainable dream car you’ve always wanted is a sure-fire way to boost your car enthusiasm. It doesn’t matter how it looks, or how fast it is. Nothing quite says “I love cars” like buying a car that you adore and making it your own.
Notice how we said ‘attainable’ – an important distinction in the car world. So keep it realistic, and don’t worry if you can’t afford a Lamborghini or a Ferrari just yet!
When I was younger, my attainable dream car was a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Sad, I know – and not very ambitious. But I have since become the proud owner of a beautiful NB Miata. The feeling I get when driving that car is like nothing else: and that’s a feeling we should all strive for in our daily lives.
3: Tinker with your car
Even if you’re not a master mechanic, there are loads of ways to modify your car that don’t require any special tools or expertise. Sometimes the smallest modifications can make the biggest impact!
To start, you could try changing out your steering wheel or gear knob. After that, you could install a new radio or an aftermarket air filter. Start small, take your time and build up from there. Don’t be discouraged if something goes wrong – it’s a learning experience.
Maintenance is also important, so we’d recommend learning how to change your fluids and filters. For help on this, check out our guide on how to make your car last longer.
4: Keep up to date on car news
As a car enthusiast, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest automotive news and car releases.
There are a number of ways that you can do this. You can consume car content on the go with YouTube or podcasts, or you can attend in-person exhibitions and conferences for the big scoops.
If you’re a keen reader, bookmark an automotive news website or purchase a recent car magazine edition. Keep yourself educated on the latest technologies and market trends for maximum car knowledge!
5: Read books about cars
Sure, there’s plenty of information online about cars. But there are thousands of books out there that offer detailed insights into the history of automobiles and mechanical engineering.
If you’re interested in a comprehensive visual history of classic cars, this book by Giles Chapman on Amazon is a great place to begin. It also looks great on my coffee table at home, and my guests love scanning through it.
It’s not unusual to see car enthusiasts with rows of automotive literature lining their bookshelves. Without books, so much automotive history would be lost.
6: Watch movies about cars
Every car enthusiast should have a favorite car film. Here are a few popular automotive movies that you might have seen before:
- The Fast and the Furious
- Ford v Ferrari
- The Italian Job
- Need for Speed
- Gran Torino
- Transporter
Movies like The Fast and the Furious saga have inspired an entire generation of car enthusiasts. Sure, these movies can be downright ridiculous sometimes (like Vin Diesel’s superhuman jumping abilities in Fast 6), but the impact they have on the mainstream car culture is huge.
With every movie released, a new batch of car enthusiasts is inspired to become involved in car culture.
7: Listen to podcasts about cars
Surround yourself with automotive content and you’ll soon find yourself learning new things.
There are some fantastic car-based podcasts out there – with the Car Throttle and the Driven Chat podcasts being two great examples that feature some hilarious anecdotes and helpful tips for any car lover.
Podcasts are great because they can be consumed on the go. Whether you’re commuting to work, at the gym or chilling in the park – automotive audio goodness can be accessed anywhere with a smartphone and an internet connection.
8: Join a local car club
Car clubs exist for every type and style of vehicle. From vintage cars and hot rods to lavish supercars and everything in between, there is sure to be a group of enthusiasts who enjoy what you enjoy.
Car club members can give you tons of helpful tips about taking care of your car. They can also give you advice on which modifications to do first, and which parts are best for your car.
Car clubs will host regular car events and meetups where you can meet like-minded car buffs and expand your social network.
9: Go for a drive
I have included this section at the end of the blog to remind you to go for a drive and embrace your passion for all things automotive. Trust me, your car will thank you for it. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
