Mechanic Has To Work Outside While It's Snowing. So He Comes Up With A Creative Solution: 'My Father … Does This Too!’

"My techs laughed at me when I said I’d buy these for them. Now who’s laughing."

Mechanic Has to Work Outside

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Jan 30, at 4:00pm ET

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A Canadian mechanic has a creative solution for working during snowy conditions. It's drawing both laughter and admiration.

In a video, Michael Burnett (@lilmikyb) shares a comical yet practical accessory that is often overlooked.

The TikTok went viral, generating over 293,800 views as of this writing.

The Creative Solution For Working In The Snow

In the TikTok, Burnett puts on an umbrella hat and heads under the vehicle he’s about to service. "Y’all not gonna have me under there taking a shower," he shares.

Burnett then knocks off the snow from underneath each front wheel and checks the suspension. While maneuvering under the car, he is protected from any snow falling on him.

Are Umbrella Hats Making A Comeback?

Burnett feels strongly about working with an umbrella hat. He even mentions in his TikTok bio that viewers should get their own umbrella hats.

"Yk i had one when i was like 10 and everyone bullied me for it," one commenter wrote.

"It’s time to bring it back ! We are trend setters," Burnett replied.

Meanwhile, others chimed in approving of this accessory and sharing stories of other mechanics using it.

"This is the first effective use for this I’ve ever seen lol," one commented.

"I wear that in the backyard hot tub when its snowing or raining," another added.

"One of our mechanics has one, I laugh everytime he uses it," a third said.

"My father is a retired mechanic and he actually does this too!" another shared.

How Do You Protect Your Car in the Winter?

Regular car maintenance is expected and encouraged to maximize your vehicle's performance. It may feel appealing to skip car maintenance in the winter. However, the winter can be hard on your vehicle, so it’s essential to keep up with maintenance.

Consumer Reports shares five things to check up on during the wintertime:

Battery Check: The mercury plummets in the winter, decreasing cranking power. While battery maintenance is minimal, inspections should be part of your regular maintenance, especially before a long trip. It is also recommended to get your battery tested annually. The battery can last up to five years, but this will vary depending on the environment and usage.
Replace Wiper Blades: Any streaks and marks when using are a sign that the blades need to be replaced. It’s suggested to replace them every six months.
Clear Off Windows: Being able to see when driving is a non-negotiable. Making sure any debris, ice, snow, or any blockage is cleared must be taken care of before driving. There are different tools and hacks to do this.
Check Under the Hood: Checking on the engine and the motor oil is crucial, as winter can be tough on the engine. Also, the heater hoses and radiator should be checked for cracks, oil contamination, leaks, or grease while in the shop. Additionally, keep the coolant mixture to a 50/50 water and antifreeze mix.
Check the Tires: This includes checking tire pressure and tire depth. Tire pressure can lose up to 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) every time the temperature drops 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Tire depth can be tested with a penny, and any tire under 2/32 of an inch needs to be replaced.

Additionally, to protect the interiors of your car, Motor1 suggests getting rubber floor mats, cargo liners, car seat covers, an aftermarket car seat heater, and using upholstery and fabric cleaners.

Motor1 has contacted Michael Burnett via email and TikTok direct message. We’ll update this if he responds.

What do you think?

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*Update Feb. 10, 2026: In a message to Motor1, Burnett clarified that he does not work in the snow. Rather, he brings cars into his bay, and the snow that has accumulated on them melts rapidly. "*Within minutes, it’s literally raining under the car !" he notes.

Regarding the umbrella hat, he says, "I came up with the idea after looking for ponchos online (I was heading to a concert) and I came across the umbrella.. honestly it works great and I think it’s a must-have for any mechanic working in snowy conditions!"

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