Will AutoZone change my tail light for me?
Yes—AutoZone can help with tail light bulb replacements at many stores, and some locations will install the bulb for you, sometimes at no charge or a small fee. For more involved repairs, such as replacing the entire tail light assembly, you’ll likely need a professional repair shop.
What AutoZone Can Help With
AutoZone stores are primarily parts retailers, but many offer hands-on assistance with quick, simple tasks. Here’s what customers typically can expect when dealing with tail lights:
- Identifying the correct replacement bulb or tail light assembly for your vehicle
- Providing the appropriate bulb (LED or incandescent) or the complete tail light housing
- Assisting with a straightforward bulb replacement on-site, sometimes installing the bulb for you
- Explaining compatibility and installation steps to ensure the correct fit
- Guiding you on safety considerations and ensuring the tail light is functioning before you leave
In most cases, the on-site help is limited to quick, simple tasks. For extended repairs or new tail light assemblies that require wiring or body work, the store will typically point you to a professional shop.
Common Tail Light Replacement Scenarios
- Bulb-only replacements for various makes and models
- Replacement of shared taillight bulbs (brake/turn signal) that can be accessed from outside the vehicle
- Guidance on determining whether a full tail light assembly is needed due to moisture, cracking, or internal damage
Availability of on-site installation and the exact scope of service vary by location, so it’s best to confirm with your local AutoZone store before visiting.
What AutoZone Typically Does Not Do
Because AutoZone focuses on parts rather than full-service auto repair, there are limits to what they offer. Here are common boundaries you should know:
- Full tail light assembly replacement that requires wiring work or panel removal is rarely performed as a labor service
- Comprehensive electrical diagnostics or bodywork are not typically offered in most stores
- Labor charges for bulb installations are not published; any installation service, if available, is at the store’s discretion and may be free or a small fee
For anything beyond basic bulb swapping, customers usually are referred to an auto shop or dealership for installation to ensure proper sealing and electrical safety.
How to Get Tail Light Help at AutoZone
If you want to pursue help at AutoZone, follow these guidelines to maximize your chances of a smooth service experience:
- Call your local AutoZone to confirm whether they offer on-site bulb replacement installation and whether there is any cost involved.
- Bring your vehicle’s information (make, model, year) and the exact tail light bulb type or the part you plan to buy, to ensure compatibility.
- Ask an associate to locate the correct bulb or tail light assembly and to advise on whether installation is included or extra.
- If the job seems straightforward, allow the staff to guide you or perform the swap; if the tail light is corroded or the assembly must be replaced, prepare to visit a body shop or mechanic.
- Test the tail light before you leave the store, verifying brake, tail, and turn functions are working properly.
After-action guidance: If installation is done, double-check the seals and ensure there are no gaps where water could enter the tail light housing.
Alternatives and Helpful Tips
If AutoZone cannot perform the task or you prefer a dedicated repair shop, consider these options:
- Visit a quick-lube or general auto shop that offers tail light replacement services
- Order the correct tail light assembly online and have it installed by a local mechanic if you’re not comfortable with DIY wiring
- Check your vehicle warranty or insurance coverage for tail light replacement if a prior incident occurred
Always consider safety: tail lights are critical for visibility and signaling. If a brake light is out, replace promptly and ensure proper function before driving at night or in poor weather.
Summary
AutoZone can assist with tail light bulb replacements at many locations and may install bulbs on-site, but they are unlikely to perform complex tail light assembly replacements or extensive electrical work. Availability varies by store, so call ahead to confirm policies, costs, and parts in stock. For more involved fixes, a professional auto shop is usually the safer option. Always test your lights after service to ensure full visibility and compliance with local laws.
Will AutoZone replace a tail light?
AutoZone will replace a tail light bulb if it's a simple, straightforward replacement and the staff at that specific location are available to help. However, AutoZone does not perform complex installations, such as replacing an entire tail light assembly, and they cannot replace tail lights in all cases. You should call your local AutoZone first to confirm if they can assist you.
What AutoZone can do
- Install bulbs: Many locations will install a new tail light bulb for free if you purchase the part from them and the replacement is simple.
- Provide advice: Staff can help you find the correct part for your vehicle and provide instructions or a video on how to do it yourself.
- Loan tools: Through their Loan-A-Tool program, they may be able to lend you the necessary tools for the job.
What AutoZone cannot do
- Complex assembly replacement: They generally do not replace the entire tail light assembly, especially if it requires removing interior panels.
- General repairs: They are not a full-service repair shop and do not perform other types of automotive work.
What to do next
- Call ahead: Before you go, call your local AutoZone to ask if they can assist with your specific tail light replacement.
- Purchase the part: You will need to purchase the correct replacement tail light bulb or assembly from AutoZone for them to consider installing it.
- Be prepared for DIY: If they cannot do the installation, AutoZone can still help you find the part, and their staff can provide guidance and instructions to help you do it yourself.
Does AutoZone change lights?
AutoZone may change simple headlight bulbs, but it depends on the store and the vehicle's model. While some employees will install bulbs purchased from AutoZone, others will not, especially if the process is difficult or time-consuming, according to sources like AutoZone.com and Quora. It is best to call your local store to ask first.
Factors that influence installation
- Complexity of the job: Employees are more likely to help with bulbs that are easy to access, such as in older vehicles. Changing a bulb in a newer car might require removing other parts, which can be too difficult.
- Store busy-ness: If the store is busy, an employee is less likely to be available to help with installation.
- Employee willingness: Some employees are willing to help, while others may not be due to company policy or lack of time.
What to do
- Call ahead: Before you go, call your local AutoZone to ask if they will install a headlight bulb and what the process entails.
- Be prepared to do it yourself: They sell bulbs and can often provide you with advice or point you to instructional videos online.
- Consider other options: If AutoZone cannot help, you can find a qualified mechanic or a preferred shop through AutoZone's network for installation.
Will O'Reilly change my tail lights?
Yes, O'Reilly Auto Parts will change your tail lights for free with the purchase of the bulbs in-store, but this service is not available for all vehicles. The installation may be excluded for vehicles where the light bulb is hard to access, requires extensive disassembly, or is part of a complete assembly that requires more work.
What to know about the O'Reilly service
- Free installation: O'Reilly offers free installation of most exterior light bulbs, including tail lights, with the purchase of the bulb in-store.
- Vehicle limitations: Due to hard-to-access bulbs or complex lighting assemblies, some vehicles are exempt from the free service. This includes vehicles where the bulb is located behind the battery, air cleaner box, or requires disassembly of body panels.
- Check availability: It is recommended to call your local O'Reilly store to confirm if they can perform the installation on your specific vehicle make and model.
- Other services: O'Reilly also offers free installation for wiper blades and battery installation, and provides other services like battery testing and Check Engine light testing.
How much does it cost to get a tail light replaced?
The price of the tail light assembly. Aftermarket tail light assemblies may range from $100 to $300 or more, whereas OEM tail light assemblies can be around $500. The labor cost. The labor fee for replacing a tail light assembly usually falls between $20 and $50.
