Would it be cheeky to use loan car more than agreed?

[Rewis]

Okay, so I don't have a car. This week I have a day with a tight schedule and in order to do everything I would need to drive.

I live on the same street with my brother and they're on holiday. He has previously mentioned that I can use their car if I need it. I have taken advantage of this once 3 years ago when he separately offered. I know we all hate carless cheeky fuckers so I try not to be one. But anyway, I asked (he knows he can say no) and he dropped me the key.

I was just walking to the bus stop and passed the car and it got me thinking. Can I use the car only to the one agreed timetable conflict or can I use it more than once? I was about to book my taxis for Christmas (limited service with public transportation) and made me wonder if it would be cheeky to use it when not agreed? If he was not on holiday, he would drive to our family gathering and I would drive back.

I'm leaning towards only using it to the agreed thing but I'm wondering if it would be ok. I don't want to bother him on his holiday with this type of trivial stuff.

For background, I've used his car pick him up with his request. We've driven togehter to an event and I drive back so he can have a drink etc. In return I've driven the work van for his stuff and he uses my spare room for work sometimes so we are not too precious about our things.

You clearly think it's cheeky, or you wouldn't be asking the question.

Can you not send him a quick text message? "Hope it's OK, am also going to use your car all the time over Christmas".

Eh?
He gave upu thekey.
He happy for you to use car.
Use car.
Put petrol in to make it up To full tank
Get it cleaned inside and out before brother comes back.

Has he covered you on the insurance?
Why don’t you just ask him if he minds ?

Yes, the insurance will be the biggie here. Remember, you've probably only got minimal coverage, for occasional use.

just message him to ask if he minds!!
and if he says yes, make sure you top it up with petrol before returning it.

Insurance is a non-issue in this case so no need to worry about that.

I could text and ask but I'd rather leave him be for his holiday and I dunno, keeping asking about the car somehow feels weird. I'll see if he contacts and there is an opportunity.

Yes, petrol top up is given and chocolate and wine.

If it were my brother's car I would just use it. I have also leant my brother a car when he is back in the country for a couple of weeks. Make sure you return it with a full tank of petrol or a full charge.

If he’s given you the key whilst he’s away just use it and fill with fuel before returning?

The brother said she could use it for the one day she has a tight schedule. That’s not the same as giving permission to use it when and however she wants.

if you are going away and let your neighbours use your sitting room and TV to watch a scheduled match that doesn’t mean they have had permission to bring all their friends over whenever you want to watch movies and have parties.
Permission for something specific isn’t the same as anything goes

OP just ask him.

I think if it was my car I'd appreciate the heads up but would say yes. So just send a quick text saying "Am planning to also use car a couple of days over Xmas as it will make getting around so much easier, please tell me if you're not happy with this. Will take good care and replace petrol."

Thank you for the repsosnes. So the concensus is to either ask him or not do it. His wife made comments about how she is looking to be off grid and enjoy nature etc. So I am hesitant to contact him over something not important unless he contacts first. So if he contacts in the next few days, I'll ask. If not, I'll book my taxis or carshare.

It is important if you have an accident on a different day to when he agreed you could use it. Technically you don’t have his consent. Just ask him. It’s a quick text then the issue is resolved.

You are really over-thinking this. Sending him a quick text to check he’s ok with you using the car more frequently won’t disrupt his holiday.

He’s your brother, not a stranger.