My Mom just started mowing this year after my Stepdad passed away. She asked me to go thru the whole bit, checking oil, adding gas and how the mower runs. She's mowed without issue since the grass started growing in the spring. She added oil once to keep between the marks on the dipstick.
My sister, however, has been mowing since before her divorce. Her ex must have been an idiot, as she called me cause the mower quit late in the spring. I took a look, and found zero oil. Dry dipstick. The magic smoke had been let out. She tells me she didn't know it could even be added. I felt bad, but I'm not loaning her my sort of spare mower. My Wife was shocked, even as a someone who doesn't use outdoor power equipment much. She tells me 'of course it needs oil, but I'd ask you to check it'.
At least she'd ask, and not wreck something. I know my boys both know maintenance is required, but I think only one would check things regularly to avoid a problem.