Ask any car-dude how he became interested in cars and the answer is usually one of two answers; Either he was born with a wrench in his hand and his first act after breathing was to grease the axles on the hospital gurney, or he credits a father/brother/uncle/neighbor who was in to cars, and acted as a mentor.

At Spectre, we want to see more car guys (and car girls) and so we put together this list of tips to help you win over your friends and family to automotive activities.

1. Be sure you want it. A car buddy, whether it’s your kid or your wife or your nephew isn’t just someone to pump the pedal when you’re bleeding brakes and bring you beers. A real car person will say things like “The stance is wrong on the Cougar, it’s those stupid air shocks” or “Which cam are you putting in? Seriously? No way, that will kill the bottom end.” In public. If you just want a cheerleader, hire one.

2. First Impressions Matter. If you invite someone to a car activity, start with something likely to impress. Things like dirt track, drag racing and evening car cruises are fun for almost everyone. Save the 5am swap meet set up for a little later.

3. Be Prepared. At least, make sure they are prepared. If you’re taking someone to an evening event, make sure they bring a sweater. If you’re going to the races, warn them that it will be hot and there will be no shade, and there will be no place to sit because you really want to hang out in the pits and probably all you will eat all day is corndogs. Put sunscreen on your kids. It will make their memories of the event much more favorable.

4. Explain. If you’re standing over the engine bay of a Plymouth Cricket that someone has somehow wedged a 360 4-bbl in and you really need to take notes because you’ve got similar plans for a Dodge Colt and you think the engine bay is about the same size…explain why the car is unusual. Point out how they had to cut out the firewall and how it’s really cool to put a big engine in a small car and how if it was your project you probably wouldn’t have the headers running underneath the passenger seat like that. If you don’t explain, all they see is you staring like a dope for hours at a really, really dorky car.

5. Don’t Make Fun. As your protege gains confidence, they’ll want to chime in occasionally in conversations with you and the other car folks. This makes the likelihood of “dumb comments” very high. If your son blurts out something about low deck Chrysler 383s when the topic is actually stroker 350s, don’t be a dick about it. If you make someone feel ashamed about trying to learn more, they’ll just associate the whole automotive experience with feeling lousy.

6. Teach the Tricks: As you walk through a show or race field, point out some of the easy ways of telling cars apart. Things like side marker lights, wing windows and tail panels make identifying years and models much easier, and also more fun. Don’t forget that you once had to learn the difference between a ‘67 and a ‘68 Camaro too.

7. Let ‘em Drive. Seriously, this is a big one. Get people behind the wheel. If you won’t let them drive your car, then build them one of their own. If you’re working with someone under 16, take them karting or dirt biking, preferably something where they have to shift.

8. Help ‘em Wrench. If it wasn’t for the whole “hook one open end wrench to the box end of the other for additional leverage” trick, the only people who could be mechanics would be Estonian body builders. If you’re trying to encourage someone smallish to get in to wrenching, help them make the most of the tools and what upper body strength they have.

9. Take Turns. It may seem obvious, but if you’re getting support for your hobby, make sure you do the same, even if it (gasp) doesn’t involve cars.

10. Teach Your Kids. If you don’t have kids of your own, teach someone else’s. In another generation, maybe this whole list can be a moot point.