While I know it’s still winter, in a few short months, many car guys and gals will be meeting up on certain days of the week in some parking lot showing off their cars and trucks. There has always been some sort of written and unwritten rules when it comes to the meets in order for them to continue. Most spectators are, for the most part, courteous and respectful of the show; others, however, are not. Here are a few tips for you to not become “that guy” at the car meet.

1. Respect other people’s rides

Here's the thing: somebody adores that vehicle like it's a family member. They don't see the issues, the way that it looks, or even if it isn't the "typical" modified car. They see an amazing piece of machinery deserving of some good old fashioned TLC… and they shouldn’t have to deal with you trash talking it. While I admit, I am one of these people who pick the non-traditional car to modify, it doesn’t make me any less of a “car guy.”

Not for nothing, besides you, they tried to go to the show, paid the fees, got the car meet/show ready and then subject themselves to a both praise and criticism. What's that age old saying? If you can't say something nice...

2. Don’t do burnouts

I completely understand that you have a lot of testosterone and built up horsepower. I'm also sure that because of it, it makes you completely suitable towards the opposite sex. Just don't get everyone kicked out of the parking lot because you need to show off with some tire smoke. Even worse, drawing the attention of local law enforcement. In my opinion and experience, most officers are ok with car meets as long as you respect others and the rules of the road (this comes from being both the car guy and the cop). Oh and even though I'm a major Ford and Jeep guy, leave the Mustang jokes alone, they can't help themselves at times.

3. Don’t overhype

Just because you read a magazine article that stated the same car as yours made a certain amount of horsepower or a speed and time of x, does not mean your car does too. Unless you have sufficient evidence to prove your embellishments, most true car people will know you’re full of it. If you aren’t knowledgeable about the topic, don’t be afraid to ask someone or say that you don’t know. This is what keeps the culture alive and spreads it. A part of respecting others rides is to respect your own.

4. Respect others' property

You spent all those hours wrenching, washing, waxing, restoring. The last thing you want is someone you don’t know putting their dirty hands and body parts on your car. If that is the way you feel towards your car, remember that for others. I understand that you still get like a little kid inside and want to jump in every driver seat and pretend to drive it like you stole it but don’t--unless the owner gave you permission of course. This also can be applied towards theft. It’s illegal and just plain wrong.

5. Respect the organizers and the police

Let’s just say, for example, you regularly participate at the local Cars and Coffee meetups in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot. Don’t be afraid to spend the $2 on that cup of coffee and talk to the workers. Organizers put in a lot of work behind the scenes so that meets and car shows run smoothly for the people that come to them. The car community in itself is rather small so if one meet finds out you’re “that guy,” expect them all to know that and not let you in even. Lastly, don’t disrespect the police officers. A lot of them, including myself, are good people and some of us love cars and bikes. We will have conversations with you, and even become friendly. There is a mutual level of respect that goes both ways. Don’t allow a good time and place being ruined by a few moments of a lack of common sense.

So while you order those parts, apply that last layer of wax and get ready for the season, don’t forget these simple etiquette tips for your next car meet. I hope to see you and your car out there on the lot!