What is a petrolhead, you may ask. To us, a petrolhead isn't just someone who likes cars. Instead, a petrolhead is someone who lives and breathes all things cars. Petrolheads typically like their cars fast, loud and with a little bit of attitude. Usually, the car of choice is something iconic, like the MINI John Cooper Works you see here that remains to be one of the best hot hatches we've ever driven.
If you are someone who is uninterested in cars, then you may want to read this before making the decision to date a petrolhead. And if you are already dating one, well, smile and relate to this list of quirks that you may already be familiar with.
1. If you think that you are the loves of their lives, think again
More often than not, petrolheads actually love their cars more. If you're wondering why they haven't given you any cute pet names, that may be because they have already reserved it for their cars.
A petrolhead may moan and groan if you ask them out on a mid-afternoon hike but their enthusiasm levels will definitely be different if their friends ask them out for a drive. Wondering why they're not cuddling you to sleep? That's because they're probably too busy talking to other petrolheads on car forums to remember that you're next to them.
2. Weekends will probably involve at least one car meet
They may forget that dinner you've arranged two months in advance with your parents but a petrolhead will definitely remember the time and place of this weekend's car meet. Heck, they'll even be early!
They'll look forward to seeing their friend's new exhaust system the way others fawn over their friend's shimmering engagement ring over dinner and drinks. But look on the bright side, there are worse ways they could be spending their weekends than with a bunch of car nuts in the middle of a carpark.
3. Five minutes of underneath the bonnet is never five minutes
Does waiting idly in the passenger seat while the car warms up sound familiar? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Even if you're in a rush, a petrolhead probably has other priorities in mind.
For example, you'll have to get used to potentially waiting under the sun while they check their cars' tyre pressure or fluid levels. AÂ petrolhead's car always has to be in tip-top shape and they'll spend any amount of time to ensure that. But think of it this way, they probably wait for you to pick an outfit or decide on a meal, too.
4. Get used to parking paranoia and parking far away
One of the things our significant others get most fed up with is when we park far and away from everyone else because that also means a much further walk to the lift lobby.
But it's all done to reduce the chances of dings and dents on the car, given how irresponsible some people can be when opening their doors. Petrolheads will also get upset if you slam their cars' door, or worse, if you're the one opening their doors haphazardly. This may result in a ruined date. You've been warned.
5. Eating or drinking in the car is punishable by death
To petrolheads, at least to most of them, there is nothing worse than a filthy car. While snacking in the car may seem fine and dandy to you, it's something that makes them want to put you in an electric chair.
That's because, using ourselves as an example, keeping a car clean is no easy feat. We take at least three hours to wash the exterior, scrub the wheels, and vacuum and wipe the interior of our cars. So there will be absolutely no eating or drinking inside the car. Dust your shoes before getting in, too.
6. You may occasionally be fearful of the way they drive
We're not saying they constantly drive irresponsibly or over the speed limit but there will be times when a road will be too clear or too curvy to ignore. A road like that is like being offered an Oxford scholarship - they go for it.
It's worse when they decide to take a trip up north. A romantic drive can turn into hours of borderline-terrifying backroads. And they can never hold your hand, because they need to shift. That said, reckless driving on public roads is, of course, frowned upon and should be avoided at all costs.
7. Fortunately or unfortunately, you'll always be able to hear their arrival
Whether it's a turbocharged four-cylinder or a naturally aspirated V12, petrolheads will always find a way to make their cars sound better. It's a bonus when the car comes factory-fitted with an exhaust system that sounds better than Pavarotti, like the popping and crackling MINI John Cooper Works, for example.
While it may seem like noise pollution to outsiders and it may induce a headache if you're not accustomed to the drone of the exhaust on longer drives, think of it this way - you'll always know when they're arriving.
8. Their finances will always be planned around and for the car
When dating a petrolhead, spending on holidays or on lavish meals will never be a priority. Instead, they will rather head to Bali instead of Maldives and settle for hawker fare instead of Michelin-starred cuisine if that means they can feed their cars the best fuel and buy the best parts.
No matter what, they will always be thinking of the next few mods to put on their cars, or some new part that they absolutely 'need' to make their cars perform or look better. But hey, it's better than spending their money getting wasted on weekends, right?
