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‘Thank You for Being Honest:’ Kia Driver Calls Mobile Mechanic. He Recommends She Go to AutoZone Instead

"As a single woman, I have a fear."

Kia driver calls mobile mechanic. He recommends the driver go to AutoZone instead

Photo by: jeff_the_mechanic & Nils Bogdanovs

Alexandra Samuels

By: Alexandra Samuels

Nov 15, 2025 at 6:00am ET

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A San Antonio mechanic is getting attention for a story he shared online about a customer’s car troubles.

Jeff (@jeff_the_mechanic) says a woman recently reached out to him about her 2016 Kia, claiming it was making a "clicking sound" and that someone had already told her the starter was the problem.

"This is why it’s important to get a mechanic to check out your vehicle before you go and buy parts," Jeff says in his TikTok clip, which has racked up more than 34,800 views as of this writing.

What Was Wrong With the Kia?

Jeff explains that the customer had sent a video of the clicking sound, along with the information that her starter had been diagnosed as the issue. But when Jeff heard the sound himself, he knew there were multiple possibilities.

"It could’ve been a bad starter or a weak battery or a bad connection," he says.

After arriving at her home, Jeff did his own inspection and immediately noticed the battery was low. A quick jump later, and the car started with no problem.

"It was just a bad battery, that’s it," Jeff says. The starter was fine. He explained the options to her: he could replace the battery himself, which included parts and labor, or she could purchase a battery from AutoZone and have it installed.

"I always let the customer know their options," Jeff says, emphasizing that diagnosing a problem properly can save both time and money.

Gallery: 2027 Kia Telluride

2027 Kia Telluride SXP

Source: Kia

Should You Go to AutoZone Instead of a Mechanic?

AutoZone can be a more affordable option than most mechanics for battery replacement. Many stores offer free installation, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm that they can accommodate your specific car. The service isn’t guaranteed if the battery is hard to reach, if the store is busy, or if the weather is bad.

If they can install it, you’ll need to buy the battery first. A technician will then handle the installation on-site, usually at no additional cost. Afterward, it’s a good idea to ask them to test the battery to make sure it’s working properly.

To make the process smooth, call your local AutoZone before you go to confirm they can install your battery at that time.

There are times AutoZone might not be able to install a battery. Some vehicles have batteries in tricky locations that require removing other parts. Extreme weather, such as lightning storms, can make it unsafe. Busy stores may also lack staff availability. Still, for many cars, it’s a quick and affordable option compared with paying a mechanic for parts and labor.

Commenters Thank Mechanic For His Honesty

Viewers who watched Jeff’s video were quick to praise him for being upfront about the customer’s car and for saving her money by recommending that she go to AutoZone.

"Thank you for being honest," one woman wrote. "As a single woman, I have a fear of being taken advantage of because I know nothing about cars."

Another added, "We need a lot of honest mechanics like you."

A third chimed in with professional respect, saying, "From [one] mechanic to another, great job. That’s why God bless us."

Some viewers were so impressed that they wanted Jeff to work on their cars.

"I need my car checked," one commented.

"How much do you charge for a diagnostic fee?" another asked.

"Are you good with trucks, too? I have a 04 Dodge Ram," a third inquired.

What do you think?

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Comments

"How much to check a check engine on a 2011 Expedition?" asked a fourth.

Motor1 has reached out to Jeff via a direct message on TikTok. We’ll update this if he responds.

More AutoZone News

‘And Then I See This:’ Customer’s Battery Light Comes On. The Tech Is Shocked By What He Finds Under the Hood

'Prolly a Re-Man AutoZone:' Mechanic Works On Ford Fusion. Then He’s Puzzled When This Mysterious Smoke Comes Pouring Out

‘PLS Help Me Out:’ Man Buys Starter at Advance Auto Parts. He Says He’s Out $400 and a Tow Truck Bill

'The Mechanic Just Wants My Money:' Mechanic Tells California Woman It’s $30 to Check Code. So She Goes to AutoZone Instead

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