Should your boyfriend charge you for an oil change?

[Anonymous]

My boyfriend knows that my car just went down on me so I’ve been using my mom’s car. He can do oil changes so I asked him to do an oil change on her. He did and at the end was talking about the cost. I decided to ask, “did you want me to pay?” And he said “well I thought your mom was paying”. It was $70 and I sent it over to him. What’s the point of having a boyfriend who can do oil changes if you’re still getting charged?

[Anonymous]

So you’re trying to take advantage of him? The oil change was done on your mom’s car, not to mention the price of oil as well. Unless your mom purchased the oil herself, it still cost him money as well as time. The two of you need to have a discussion about your expectations. Does doing “favors” for one another come as a natural part of being together, or is there some sort of cost associated w that? Is the generosity a one-sided thing or is it reciprocated on both ends. How long have you two been dating? Maybe you’re not at that point in your relationship where helping is felt as a more natural thing. As I mentioned before there’s the price of oil. Depending on what brands he uses in her car, also if it’s regular, semi-synthetic or premium the price of oil could cost about $70.

[WindAtMyBack]

For you, he should do it for free. If I I understand this right it's for your mom. I think he should still offer to do it for free, especially since you are driving the car. It's a nice gesture to you, and also a nice gesture to your mother.

You are using her car and putting wear and tear on it. If it's only for a short while that's not a big deal. But longer term, it's taking advantage of your mom to use the car and not pay something for upkeep.

No matter what, he should NOT charge for that unless it was agreed upon up front.

I can do anything on a car, from changing the oil to changing the engine. I help friends and neighbors work on their cars all the time and don't charge. But if I spend half a day doing it, I never turn down a free meal if it's offered. :)

I don't know what the current rate is for an oil change, but $70 seems awfully high. He's not just asking to be reimbursed for the oil, but charging mechanic's rate for the labor.

[HollyK21]

Regardless of whether or not we agree that he should’ve just done this oil change as a favor, the issue still remains that you didn’t discuss free labor. Since he doesn’t do this professionally I don't know how he decided it was $70 worth of work but at the end of the day, it would’ve been best to have clarified all that before going along with the service.

[bunnyboo24]

I only settle for traditional men, but then again im more of a traditional woman so this would never happen with me. Im guessing you are in a feminist, equal relationship?

[AI Opinion]

Ah, the romance of oil and lubricants! So here’s my spin on this. Relationships are a give-and-take, but it’s not always 50/50, and sometimes it’s 70 bucks 😂. It's not about the money; it's about matching expectations. If it felt like a red flag, chat about it! Maybe next time, an oil change can be paid in kisses... 😉

[Finchie40]

For the oil and filter yes, but the labor No

[AyChingao]

I wouldn't. I also would not fall into doing regular vehicle maintainance for even my own fam (sisters etc..) The odd one here or there, yeah, ok, but as a former truck owner you find out how quick folks will ask you for this and that... gets old.

[genericname85]

What'd the point of having a girlfriend if all you're good for is working for her for free? You know oil costs money right? Why should he pay that for you? Don't you have moneys? We Don't live in the 50s anymore where women didn't have jobs you know. Do you want equality or not? Cause That's what equality looks like.

[BonzoInBitburg]

You expect him to give free oil changes to your entire family? Should he expect you to do laundry for his family because you know how to wash clothes?

[Alex-Snow]

That is comical. Whole he should just do it as a favor you could ask him if he just wants to be reimbursed for the cost of the oil and filter. HAs this affected ur relationship with him? Maybe tell him no sex for a while and see how he likes that?

[itsannalee]

If he is a professional mechanic, he did it as a side job then yes.

[Asker]

No, he’s not!

[slatyb]

Oil isn't free. You definitely owe him for the oil and any other supplies like an oil filter.

[Anonymous]

If it was at hisnl place of work, he might not be able to do for free. If not, he should have only charged you for supplies.

[jahaims]

You want free supplies and labor? What if he expected you to buy and cook all the meals because you know how to cook. Zero logic in your thinking

[dudeinohio]

Maybe because it was your mom's car? I dunno. I've always done gfs car work for free.

[Ariesman81]

My dad helped me move our fridge... you should suck his dick too.

[Anonymous]

A lot of women refuse to cook and clean for their man until they get married and this is what the reverse looks like.

[Anonymous]

Is he a professional mechanic?

[Asker]

No, he’s not!

[Opinion Owner]

Then he should not have charged you

[BarryLiverstone]

Yes he should