What being a Petrolhead means?

I remember the first time I held a steering wheel and the gear stick of my brother's car. The loud noise of the exhaust and the addicting smell of burning petrol and oil were unbelievably addictive. Ever since, I found myself stepping into the "Petrolhead Community." It came about that there was a chance to prove my love for cars during my high school years. The way that the engine works with many details impressed me. I did not observe it as a mode of transportation, but rather a masterpiece that cries for modification.

A body with four wheels that moves for a limited speed was sort of ridiculous to me. Could I make that body move as if it had six wheels instead of four? Could I increase the horsepower?

My older brother was afraid because as soon as one joins this type of community, it usually means surrendering lots of time and money. I did not consider what he said; I was just a teenager who was blinded by the love of cars.

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I could not stop imagining myself as a professional engineer; using sophisticated tools.

After I graduated, my brother gave me his old car, a 2007 Nissan Patrol with a stocked engine. For the first time, it sounded dull to me, so I decided to pop the hood and ask my brother about the parts and their purpose. I listened to every word he said and explained, willing to understand the language of engineers and the Petrolheads so eagerly.

He mentioned the parts that could be modified to increase the horsepower like headers, air intake filters and exhausts.

I wondered how he learned all of this. He told me that as long as you love what you are doing; your mind will spontaneously observe it as an easy process. I did not understand what he meant back then but eventually I got his point. I started to retain most of the parts, hoping to remember all of their roles.

One thing I did not consider is what he said about wasting my time and money. As soon as I started figuring out parts and how they function, I remember the first thing that I modified was the headers. It is the most effective part of the horsepower as well as the sound and the easiest and least expensive part to modify. While modifying the headers, I sought precision and sound quality. To get the horsepower I still had to remove the extra seats in the back as well as the spare tire to reduce the weight.

For almost three days, I did not talk to any of my family members or have dinner with them. I only came home to eat or to take a shower. Eventually, I reached my milestone, hoping to receive a significant result. Unfortunately, once I turned the keys, the car stopped. I was so frustrated and disappointed; I left all my mess and tools behind.

Before long, I had to return to my brother and ask him about the mistake that stopped the engine from working. He pointed out the untightened bolts that made the gas push away the valve and disconnect from the engine. It was my fault for not asking how tight the bolts should be. The engine was not damaged, thankfully, so I didn't have to buy a new one. It was a meaningful experience because it was my first step I took independently since becoming a Petrolhead.

Being a Petrolhead does not necessarily mean being a car enthusiast. In fact, being a Petrolhead means being a stubborn person, who seeks to finish his project as soon as possible. Sometimes we make simple mistakes that have a tremendous impact, whether it is a project, or even in my own life. My passion for cars did not just make me a Petrolhead, but it also "tightened" my relationship with my older brother.