I don’t know if this is the right place, but I’m working on becoming a mechanic by going to school and doing side jobs. I always fix my parents’ car for free because they say it’s to pay them back for living with them currently, but I’m happy for the experience. I normally just do their oil changes, but today they were getting upset at me for one of their cars leaking oil, a Subaru Legacy from 2015 with 150,000 miles. I tried explaining it’s not my fault it’s slowly leaking oil, just like how it’s burning it too, but they’re blaming me, saying it’s my fault when doing oil changes and not to blame the cars. Should I just refuse to service their cars from now on? Maybe I’m being petty, but they’re just trying to blame me, and I know what I’m doing for an oil change; it’s the simplest thing.
NTA.
You could try showing them info about Subaru Legacy 2015 oil leak/consumption issues.
Let them take it to another mechanic for a second opinion. Is this a pattern in the way they treat you? Taking advantage if you hard work and good will and then blaming you when normal things happen, like wear and tear on a car? Maybe they’ll listen to someone they have to pay. NTA for sure!
NTA. Hand them the tools next time.
NTA. I’d let them pay for the service for a bit.
changing oil has NOTHING to do with a leaking head gasket. your parents suck.
NTA
NTA! Hell, they have a Subaru and are complaining it has small oil leaks and burns just a little oil? What are you, some kind of miracle worker? They seem to be the AH here, expecting a Subaru to not leak oil.
NTA If they ask for anything again, let them know you can quote them and they will need to sign saying that any issues with their car is NOT your problem.
At this point, if they wanted to they could make it really shitty for you be claiming you messed with their car.
This is why paperwork exists, to protect people from people.
If they refused the quote or to sign, sorry no work can be done.
This is really quite simple. If all you’ve done is oil changes, simply pop hood. Check oil filter, dry? Good.
Lie down on ground with flash light, check plug for drips, dry? Good.
Just tell your parents to bring it in if they don’t trust you.
I stopped working on cars more than 20 years ago but back in high school mid 70’s I (we) could do anything in auto shop cars today you can’t and this is not your fault best of luck learning automotive mechanics like any trade work at being the best then look to become better never settle on past accomplishments