A mechanic has the internet talking after venting about the lack of knowledge of AutoZone and O’Reilly workers — especially if you’re trying to find a specific part. 

In his video, mechanic and TikTok user @mr.bubba760 shares his frustration when trying to interact with auto retailer workers — and how they rely so heavily on their computer programs. His video has generated over 3,200 views as of this writing.

Typically, at the service counter of one of these major auto retailers, an employee will ask for your vehicle details. This will include make, model, and year. However, sometimes they will ask for trim level and other unnecessary details in service of, supposedly, helping you find the right part.

“Four wheel drive, two wheel drive, windshield wiper, right one, left one, whatever,” he imitates. 

The TikToker is annoyed with all these questions.

“They are trying to look for the part that you are looking for,” he vents. “You’ve gotta tell them, ‘Sir. This isn’t even going on the vehicle. This is just something I’m trying to figure out right now.” 

What Went Wrong On This Trip To The Parts Store?

In this case, the mechanic had a specific issue. He wanted to use a five-gallon jug and an 11 psi pickup pump to diagnose an issue with his truck.

“For example, I was just trying to put a doggone fuel pump onto something. I was just trying to make something work,” he shares.

The mechanic then recounted his interaction with an employee.

“What’s it on?” the employee asks. 

“I just need around 11 psi pump. I’m just trying to do something,” he reemphasizes.

“Well, I don’t know what to look up,” the employee replies.

Clearly bothered by the situation, the mechanic realized this was not going to work out.

“I just wrapped up as they didn’t have it. I just went ahead and ordered one,” he concludes.  

He’s Not The Only One Annoyed With The Employees 

Viewers chimed in with similar frustrations from their experience dealing with AutoZone and O’Reilly employees. 

“Yeah because for some reason to tell you the windshield wiper size they need to know the trim level,” one TikTok commenter added. 

“Problem is they hire anyone who can push buttons and answer phones. BUT I do know a few guys that actually knew what they were doing,” another added. 

Although, not all employees are totally out of the loop. Instead, they simply weren’t trained to do custom requests. 

“I hated working at AutoZone. Guys coming in asking for stuff. I knew what it was and I knew we could get it on an outside order but nobody ever showed me that system or how to do it,” one shared. “It was a totally different program than what we trained on. Another thing is the employees that had to know the year, make, and model just to look up gasket sets for a sbc or something similar.”

“I managed to find a good parts store employee and now only go when that person is working. They helped me figure out what motor was in a car I bought that was swapped just based off the starter,” another commented. 

How Much Experience Do You Need To Work at AutoZone?

When workers apply for work at a specialty retailer like AutoZone or O’Reilly, one would assume they have automotive mechanical experience. As many car drivers have limited knowledge with car parts, it’s expected the people behind the counter know a thing or two. 

However, is it required for AutoZone and O’Reilly employees to have past automotive experience? 

For AutoZone, no prior car experience is required, according to Indeed. The training will be provided for anybody that is interested in working at AutoZone. While they will prefer people with prior car experience and knowledge, at the end of the day, they need to fill positions. 

While it may seem intimidating to apply to with limited knowledge, many have thrived after the training. In a Reddit thread asking whether applicants needed auto knowledge, current and former workers offered their views.

“I wasn’t very knowledgeable on car parts, but I knew how to change oil, etc. I’m doing pretty good,” one Reddit user shared. 

“[Expletive] no. There were three people at my store that actually knew anything about cars out of 12 people Myself, the assistant manager, and the CSM. And I was just a part time driver,” another added. 

“I’m not even sure you need to know what a car is to work at AutoZone,” one joked. 

Considering you only have to be 16 years old to work at AutoZone, it would be unrealistic for a teenager to have significant automotive experience and certification. 

How Much Experience Do You Need To Work at O’Reilly?

It’s the same story with O’Reilly. O’Reilly does not require any prior automotive experience for applicants, Indeed reports. While it’s ideal to have, it’s not necessary to get hired. 

“Some of the best guys I’ve worked with entered my stores with absolutely zero automotive knowledge. It’s not a requirement, it’s a plus. Most good managers are just looking for good people, automotive can be taught. Work ethic and social skills can’t,” one O’Reilly manager shared. 

With this knowledge of the hiring process, customers may experience issues with newer employees. Being a gearhead like the TikToker, their lack of knowledge can be frustrating. However, these employees are trying their best with the knowledge they were presented with and trained on. 

@mr.bubba760 Anybody else? #relateable #mechanic ♬ original sound – Mr.Bubba760

MotorBiscuit has contacted @mr.bubba760 via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. We’ve also contacted AutoZone and O’Reilly via email. We’ll update if either party responds.