Robins generally kick off before their second spring.

Crocus and daffodils hang around for a couple weeks before keeling over.

Longer daylight gives mosquitoes better visibility to spot their next victim.

For me the real, consistent signs of spring are right here on Interstate 93: bass boats, inboard/outboards, RVs and all the glorious muscle cars, classics and hot rods chugging north and south to lucky lakes, camp sites and early season car shows.

It’s always uplifting to watch and listen to the cars that were tucked away in hibernation for the past six months. This surge in endorphins has occurred annually since my Matchbox, Hot Wheels and the underdog Johnny Lightning days.

With few exceptions, my circle of friends shares the same DNA that leans into things with four wheels and gnarly exhaust. It’s a lifelong affliction, we’ve learned.

Do you think you also have that chromosome? Here’s a guide to help you decide.

* If you’ve memorized the cubic inches, horsepower and torque ratings and cam lift and duration of every Ford and Chevy engine built from the 1950s to present, but you can’t or won’t pay a lick of attention to the expiration date on the milk jug. Thus, you re-purpose lumpy, fragrant milk as cottage cheese. Just as you’d re-purpose the Northstar V-8 as a $10 yacht anchor.

* You bought an oversized garage and attached barn for your cars and trucks — and were pleasantly surprised to learn they came with a house. That would explain where the rest of the family has been.

* If you name your child after legendary race-car developer Carrol Shelby, portrayed nicely by Matt Damon in “Ford vs. Ferrari.” That’s what Whip’s Wheels writer Mike Bradford and his wife Sylvia did. Don’t believe me? Ask their daughter Shelby.

* If, during your nightly slow crawl through Facebook Marketplace’s vehicle pages, you can rationalize why you need a 2014 Tahoe, a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix, a bucket truck and any year Shelby (not Mike’s daughter). The following night there’s a new wish list. Rinse. Repeat.

* If you randomly discuss with strangers the Vert-a-Pac system GM used from 1971 to 1977 to transport Chevy Vegas by rail. The $2,000 disposable cars were drained of fluids and shipped vertically on Southern Pacific Railway flatbeds. Some folks yack about their dogs’ cuteness. But this Vega business is far more fascinating.

* If you spend hours Googling flux capacitors and sirens for the family SUV.

* If you frequently schedule appointments with Dr. Dante Santone, not necessarily for adjustments, but because his office shelves feature groovy die-cast steel cars that include the V12-powered “Mach 5” from the Speed Racer cartoon.

* If you are nine miles into a 10-mile trip and it begins to sprinkle on the car that just received its 11th coat of wax in 11 weeks prompting you to bang a U-ey and race back home to the shelter of your garage. Once baby is safe from the elements, you return to your trip in a less cherished vehicle.

* If you train your kids to identify each car brand by their grill logo … before their 6th birthday.

* If you find the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile hideous, the 1966 Batmobile absurd, the “General Lee” Dodge Charger excessively airborne, the faux wood-paneled Wagon Queen Family Truckster from “Christmas Vacation” to be double-hideous … but you’d sell your grandma to buy any one of these.

* If you watched ZZ Top MTV music videos in the 1980s and can’t remember the lyrics to any of the songs, but you remember everything about the band’s co-star — the bright-red 1933 Ford coupe that appeared in several videos.

* If you missed the birth of at least one of your children because the “Bullitt” “American Graffiti” double-feature was on TV that night.

* If you document your personal history by the car you’re driving during that period. Bonus points if your roster continues to the second page.

* If you begin way too many conversations with, “Oh, God, I miss my (insert make/model/year here) …”

* If you scold your spouse for cabinets of skin, hair and nails products … when you have twice as many cabinets for car wash, water-spot removal, upholstery cleaner and glistener, tire and wheel shine potions, Rain-X, detailer sprays, air fresheners, carpet cleaner, fuel additives, etc.

There you have it: a simple guide to determine if you’re as car-crazy as you suspected you might be. If a handful of these apply, then welcome to spring! And if possible, drop that top.

If you are, in fact, a car nut, be sure to pick up Whip’s Wheels – a free, seasonal paper focused on hot rods and area car shows. The first issue of their 35th year came out April 15. Visit www.whipswheels.com.