Everyone who's worked in customer service knows the sinking feeling of a customer coming in minutes before close. Sometimes they want something simple; other times they expect the full service experience when there are seconds left in your shift.
That's what a recent post by an AutoZone worker dramatizes.
TikTok creator Miley (@miley_wears_crocs13) is an AutoZone employee. In the video, a customer comes into the store. “Hey, I know you guys close like in two minutes, but can y’all change my battery?” he asks.
Miley stands at the counter with a pleasant smile. A coworker hiding among the inventory shelves behind her is less subtle. He erupts in profanity and throws a couple of empty boxes in frustration.
Will AutoZone Workers Change My Battery?
According to the AutoZone website, customers can visit a store to get a free battery test. If that test shows that the battery is bad, the employee can help charge and in some cases install a new one. However, the website does note that restrictions do apply.
A Reddit user posted a thread to r/AutoZone a couple of years ago asking about the policy. One person wrote, “Yes, indeed, but several factors can come into play. If it’s really busy in the store, your battery may take some time.”
The commenter said weather and the condition of the battery terminals is another factor. “If it’s pouring, or stormy, or too cold or too hot, we will probably delay or not do it [at that time],” they wrote. “If your battery has extremely bad corrosion, we will not touch it.”
And, finally, the commenter wrote, “It depends on the store. Some won’t install batteries at all.”
So Does This Resemble Anything Close to Real Life?
In the comments, many viewers seemed in on the joke, which appears to be about what inevitably walks through the door a few minutes before closing time. That’s relatable to anyone who’s worked in the retail space.
“And then there’s a golf ball of corrosion and the terminal is welded to the battery,” joked one person.
“Or you can be completely dead all day long and then in the last 30 minutes 900 people gonna wanna come in,” a second person said.
“It’s a Dodge Durango and it’s under the passenger seat,” a third person said.
What Batteries Will AutoZone Workers Decline to Change?
In addition to an issue like corrosion, there are a few other factors that could prevent an AutoZone worker from installing a new battery on your vehicle. In another Reddit thread posted to r/AutoZone, several workers said they avoid certain vehicle models due to time constraints or the complexity.
“If I agree to do one, it’s a five-minute job,” one person wrote. “I don’t get paid enough to do car work. I’m not doing anything under the owl, in the wheel well, your trunk, or your back seat. Easy access under the hood [only]. If you’re nice, I’ll remove the Honda air duct or a Chevy cross bar.”
A second person said, “You learn to figure out which batteries are a nightmare, and can turn them down if you don’t have coverage.”
Motor1 contacted Miley via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We also contacted AutoZone via press email for comment. We'll update this article if either responds.
Warning: The below video contains explicit language.
