If you had told me 15 years ago that my life would one day revolve largely around cars, I probably would have laughed and said you had the wrong girl. Unless, of course, you meant Vanessa Carlton and Josh Groban were destined to deliver a red Corvette to my house (followed by cruising around town for a day of singing and shopping) . . . but I digress.

Life’s funny, right? Sometime between taking my SATs and getting my college diploma, I met a guy who loved four-wheeled, engine-powered vehicles more than anyone I’d ever known, and now we’re married and living just outside Detroit (aka, the Motor City). Needless to say, automobiles, auto shows, and all that they encompass are everywhere and have indeed become a huge part of my life.

[Disclosure: This post is sponsored by A Girls Guide To Cars in conjunction with the Steel Market Development Institute and the North American International Auto Show. Personal stories and opinions are my own].

This year, in addition to visiting the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with my husband for the eighth consecutive year, I’ll be joining A Girls Guide To Cars (formerly She Buys Cars) and the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) for the second time during press days to bring you sneak peeks and reveals straight from the showroom floor! The tradition of visiting Detroit’s annual auto show has become so ingrained in me, I treat it as second nature and often assume that many locals do the same. Surprisingly, however, I’m always caught off guard by the number of metro Detroiters I come across who skip the show simply because they don’t know what they’re missing. If you’re on the fence about visiting the auto show this year or haven’t planned a trip in a while, check out these top reasons why I look forward to the outing every year (and why you should, too!).

1. You Get To Shop For Your Dream Car

Whether you’re ready to sign on the dotted line or daydreaming a few years into the future, nothing beats seeing a comprehensive collection of vehicles in person. Picture a mega showroom floor that has every make and model on the market, with all the latest features available for you to try out. Ever wondered whether it’s worth it to spring for a massage seat, two-tone leather, or full moonroof? See the latest and greatest features up close at the auto show and decide for yourself!

2. You’ll Learn How Cars Are Getting Better Every Year

Have questions about the future of auto manufacturing? There are plenty of brand reps on hand at NAIAS to help explain the ins and outs of what makes today’s vehicles safer, stronger, and better-performing than ever before. This year in particular, I’ll be learning and sharing more information from SMDI about how the steel industry is driving automotive innovation in all of the above and all of the following ways:

• It’s cost-effective. While aluminum is two to three times more expensive than steel, automakers who stick with steel can maintain existing infrastructures and in turn, lower overall costs (which translates to savings for you, the consumer).

• It’s sustainable. By making cars from steel, automakers encourage environmentally sound practices by using one of the most recyclable materials available. Steel also has the lowest production phase greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternative materials, making it an ideally eco-friendly choice for manufacturers.

• It increases fuel economy. New manufacturing processes allow automakers to utilize thinner pieces of advanced high-strength steel for lighter vehicles that meet better fuel economy goals without sacrificing strength.

To follow along, join me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook during the auto show for more information and don’t forget to check out the hashtags #DetroitLovesAutos and #SteelMatters!

3. Freebies Galore

I’m not ashamed to admit it: I love me some free stuff. Bags, buttons, flashlights, even Hot Wheels cars—I’ve seen it all at the Detroit Auto Show, and every year, the goodies get switched up a bit. While you can find some of this swag by visiting various manufacturers’ booths, keep a lookout for special pop-up presentations, where you can score more unique items by answering trivia questions or interacting with brand spokespeople.

It’s also common to find coupons and vouchers for various businesses around the Cobo Center during NAIAS (last year, LYFT shared free ride credits with auto show attendees). Keep your eyes open as you roam around and you could end up with some unexpected deals!

4. Interactive Exhibits