'The Parts Start Talking To You:' Man Borrows His Girlfriend’s Car to Go to the Store. Then He Checks the Dashboard

A talking tire. A suicidal check engine light. A fuel pump on life support.

That’s the crew weighing down a neglected vehicle in a viral TikTok skit where a man dares to borrow his girlfriend’s rundown ride. Comedian and musician EZ Money (@ezmo1ney)  plays all the parts, as each failing system speaks up with attitude, insults, and survival warnings.

The sketch lands because it’s funny. But it also asks: How common is this kind of deferred maintenance, and who’s really to blame?

The video taps into a long-running internet trope—the horrors of borrowing your partner’s car, only to discover it’s held together with good vibes and expired oil changes. In this sketch, he plays every character, from the checked-out check engine light to the wobbly rims that have “eaten the curb” one too many times. Each malfunctioning part has a voice, an attitude, and a clear message: This car is hanging on by a thread.

It’s not just good writing and editing that make the video funny: It’s painfully relatable. Millions of drivers, especially those with older vehicles or tight budgets, have heard some version of these complaints. And while the skit plays on gender dynamics for comedic effect, it opens the door to a broader look at who maintains their vehicles, and who doesn’t.

Do Women Neglect Their Cars? The Data Says… Maybe Not

The assumption that women are less attentive to car maintenance than men is an old stereotype, but like many generalizations, it’s not backed by strong evidence. In fact, several studies suggest that while men are more likely to perform DIY maintenance, women are often more diligent when it comes to routine service and inspections.

Some surveys suggest that men are more likely to perform tasks like oil changes themselves. A PEMCO Insurance survey showed approximately 74% of men reported doing their own oil changes, compared to about 30% of women, but both genders report frequent checking of fluid levels (91% of men vs. 79% of women). These data reflect differences in how involved drivers are with hands‑on maintenance, rather than clear evidence that one gender consistently neglects vehicle care.

Meanwhile, men were more likely to delay service or ignore warning signs, especially if they thought the issue wasn't urgent.

What fuels the myth, then? Part of it could be anecdotal, due to guys swapping stories about “disasters” found in a partner’s car. However, it may also stem from the roles people assume in relationships or households. Men may be more likely to take charge of vehicle maintenance by default, even if they’re no more informed or attentive than their partners.

Deferred Maintenance Is a Universal Issue

Regardless of gender, what’s clear is that a lot of us are driving around with ticking time bombs. According to the Car Care Council, some of the most common vehicle neglect issues include ignoring check engine lights, skipping oil changes, and failing to check tire pressure—all themes that show up in EZ Money’s skit.

A 2022 AAA report found that 35% of American drivers had skipped or delayed maintenance due to cost concerns, while another 24% admitted they simply “forgot.” The financial squeeze of inflation-era repairs doesn’t help. For instance, the average cost of a fuel pump replacement in 2024 can range from $1,100 to $1,400, depending on make and model, according to RepairPal.

These issues are especially common in aging vehicles. As the average car on the road reaches 12.5 years old, according to S&P Global, the likelihood of failing parts and missed maintenance grows.

The success of EZ Money’s video lies in its perfect blend of absurdity and truth. We laugh because we’ve all been riding in a car that feels like it’s one bump away from imploding, wondering whether the check engine light is just bluffing.

But it’s also a reminder that your vehicle is trying to talk to you. Warning lights, odd noises, sluggish starts, and shaky steering are all real signs of underlying issues that, left unchecked, can spiral into major expenses or safety risks.

Basic preventative care doesn’t require a mechanic’s certification or a massive budget. Free tire pressure checks, $20 OBD-II scanners to read codes, and maintenance reminder apps like Carfax Car Care or Drivvo can help even the most neglectful driver stay on track. And if the joke hits too close to home? It might be time to give your car the attention it deserves.

Motor1 reached out to EZ Money via email.