'Don’t Look At Me:' Mechanic Leaves Work. Then the Car Next to Him Starts Overheating

A mechanic went viral on Facebook after joking about leaving work at the shop, no matter what car troubles he might run into after hours.

@thepovmechanic shared on Facebook what happens when someone’s car breaks down once he’s off the clock. 

“POV: On my way home in my work uniform, and the guy’s car next to me starts overheating at the red light,” he wrote in the on-screen caption of his video.

In the clip, he paired the scenario with a video of what appears to be an anxious dog, quickly noting the car’s damage but making it clear that he had no intention of helping. “Don’t look at me like I fix cars for a living or something,” he quipped in the caption.

As of this writing, the video has racked up 151,000 views, resonating with viewers who appreciated the mechanic’s humor—and boundary.

Most Mechanics Work Standard Hours

Sorry to whoever’s car happens to break down next to a mechanic’s on the road, but auto workers aren’t obligated to work outside regular business hours, even if it seems like they should. 

According to at least one shop, Kolben Auto Care, most shops operate on standard shifts of eight to ten hours a day. Whether a mechanic can receive overtime or after-hours pay ultimately depends on the shop, their contract, and local labor laws. So, if your car breaks down at night or on the weekend, you can’t just assume someone will be able—or willing—to help right away.

Many shops are open during standard business hours on weekdays—say, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.—and their policies often don’t require employees to stay late. Overtime regulations, whether you work at a dealership or an independent repair shop, can also impact availability. Some mechanics are salaried, while others are hourly, and each arrangement has different rules regarding after-hours work. Even if a mechanic wanted to help, the shop may not allow it, or the labor laws may prevent them from working without extra pay.

What Happens If My Car Breaks Down After Hours?

Some auto repair shops advertise extended hours or even 24-hour service, especially in bigger cities, such as Austin, Texas. In urgent situations, roadside assistance or a towing service can transport your vehicle to a shop, allowing it to be serviced the next day.

Ultimately, mechanics are professionals with set schedules, and while it can be frustrating when your car breaks down after hours, they are not obligated to help if they’re off the clock. Knowing which shops offer extended service and having emergency contacts lined up are the best ways to avoid a stranded-car scenario. 

Commenters Agree On Setting Boundaries 

Several viewers of @thepovmechanic’s video, including some who claim to work in the auto industry themselves, agreed that once the workday is over, they’re not rushing to help every stranded driver.

“Only when I’m on the clock or if you’ve got kids in the car,” one person wrote. “Otherwise, imma head on home. Here’s a tow company and here’s my shop, see ya tomorrow.”

“I change shirts just so I don’t have to hear it in line at the store,” another added.

“I see that happen, I inch up so they can’t see my shop’s logo on my shirt,” a third mechanic said.

Some commenters admitted they’ve even fibbed to avoid helping outside of work. 

“‘I sweep the floors,’” one quipped. “Always works.” 

Another joked that he tells drivers he’s “just the delivery driver,” while a third says he claims he’s “just a lube tech.”

Of course, not everyone takes that stance. 

“Some of my best customers have been dudes or old ladies that I’ve found broken down around town. It feels good to help them, and they usually come back with other jobs, usually pay pretty well as well,” one commenter said.

“I’d stop and help, but not because I’m some sort of awesome person, I just like being busy and having something to do,” another added.

Motor1 has reached out to @thepovmechanic via a Facebook direct message. This story will be updated should they respond.