Final answer:
The author uses personification to ascribe human traits to a car named Fred, by narrating Fred's preferences, emotional responses, and behaviors to make Fred appear life-like and to create a deeper connection between the owner and the car.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author uses personification to describe Fred, which is a car, by attributing human characteristics and behaviors to it. Terms like feisty and grouchy depict Fred with a temperamental personality, especially in the mornings or on cold days. Furthermore, Fred's ability to find parking spaces is likened to an animal sniffing out something, which is a distinctly human or animal trait, not something associated with cars.
The author also implies that Fred has preferences, such as enjoying hip-hop music and loving when the radio is played loud - something that would be a characteristic of a person rather than an inanimate object. This personification creates a bond between the vehicle and the owner, adding depth to Fred's character as more than just a machine.
Fred's shyness due to his bald tires and rust spot is another form of personification, suggesting self-consciousness. Lastly, the author indicates that Fred loves being praised for his fuel efficiency and plans to celebrate Fred's birthday, which gives the car emotional responses and a sense of time similar to a living being. All of these personifications help paint Fred as a life-like character with his own personality and emotions.