Set up mechanism for car lover (8)
I believe the answer is:
automate
'set up mechanism for car lover' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'car lover' is the wordplay.
'car' becomes 'auto' (automobile).
'lover' becomes 'mate' (sexual partner).
'auto'+'mate'='AUTOMATE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for automate that I've seen before include "'Control something using machines, not people (8)'" , "Eat out ma - make it self-regulating" , "Cause to function without direct human control" , "No longer employ person" , "Make (a device) work with little human control" .)