Will AutoZone replace a tail light?
AutoZone generally does not replace tail lights as a service, but you can purchase the replacement tail light assembly or bulbs at AutoZone, and staff can help you verify fit and offer basic DIY guidance. For full installation, you’ll typically need to use a mechanic or do it yourself.
Tail lights are essential for safety and legal compliance. The replacement process varies depending on whether you need a simple bulb swap or a full housing replacement, and whether you prefer DIY work or professional installation. Here is how AutoZone fits into the situation and what you should expect when you need a tail-light replacement.
What AutoZone Can Help With
Here are the typical options you can expect when you visit AutoZone for tail-light issues.
- Part compatibility and selection: AutoZone associates can help you confirm the correct tail-light assembly or bulb for your vehicle based on year, make, and model.
- Parts availability: AutoZone stocks a range of tail-light assemblies, bulbs, and related components for many cars and trucks, including LED and incandescent options.
- In-store guidance and DIY tips: Staff can explain the general steps to replace a bulb or housing and point you to the right tools and online resources.
- Installation service availability: Professional installation of tail-light assemblies is not guaranteed at all locations and depends on local store policies and staffing; some stores may offer basic bulb installation, while others may not provide installation as a paid service.
In practice, AutoZone serves as a parts supplier and guide. If you need the actual installation done, you’ll likely need to arrange it with a mechanic, an auto shop, or a store that explicitly offers installation services in your area.
DIY considerations
If you choose to tackle the replacement yourself, start by identifying whether you need a full tail-light assembly or just a bulb. Many bulb replacements are straightforward, often accessible from inside the trunk. Replacing a full assembly can require removing screws, disconnecting the wiring harness, and aligning the new unit correctly to seal and function properly. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual or reputable online repair guides and use the correct part number to ensure compatibility.
Professional installation options
If you prefer to have the work done by a pro, you have a few routes: local independent auto shops, dealership service departments, or body shops. The cost and turnaround time will vary depending on the part (bulb vs. full housing, OEM vs aftermarket, LED vs incandescent) and the vehicle’s design. Bring the replacement part and your vehicle details to get an accurate estimate. Remember to confirm whether the shop will install a part you supply, as some shops charge a fee for installing customer-supplied parts.
What to Bring and Check Before You Buy
Before purchasing a tail-light replacement at AutoZone, gather key details about your vehicle and the desired part to avoid mismatches.
- Vehicle information: year, make, model, and trim level to ensure correct fitment.
- Part type: determine if you need a full tail-light housing or just a bulb(s).
- Part choice: decide between OEM-equivalent, aftermarket, or LED options, and consider bundled wiring harnesses or seals if needed.
- Local installation options: check with your nearest AutoZone about in-store installation capabilities or if they can refer you to a nearby service provider.
By confirming these details in advance, you’ll save time and reduce the chance of ordering the wrong part or facing installation delays.
How to Proceed If Your Tail Light Is Out
Begin with a quick assessment: is the issue a burnt-out bulb or a damaged housing? If it’s a bulb, you can often replace it yourself after gaining access to the tail-light socket. If the housing is cracked or water has entered the assembly, you’ll likely need a replacement housing. In either case, AutoZone can point you to the right part and provide guidance on installation options, but the actual installation may require a separate service.
Summary: AutoZone can supply the right tail-light parts and offer guidance, but installation is not universally provided as a standard service and depends on local store policies. For simple bulb changes, DIY is common; for full housing replacements, plan for a professional installation or a DIY approach with the right tools and instructions.
In the end, the best course is to verify part compatibility at your local AutoZone, decide between DIY or a professional install, and then proceed with the part purchase and installation plan accordingly.
Will AutoZone fix my tail light?
No, AutoZone does not typically provide professional repair services to fix a tail light, but employees may offer guidance or a quick hand with a simple bulb replacement if they are not busy. They do sell the necessary parts, such as bulbs, lenses, and repair kits, which are intended for DIY installation. You can also buy a bulb from them and ask for assistance, as many customers report receiving help with simple fixes like this, say Reddit users.
What AutoZone can do
- Sell you the parts: They have tail light bulbs, complete tail light assemblies, and lens repair kits with tapes and films for minor crack repairs.
- Provide guidance: Employees can help you identify the correct part and offer advice on how to replace it yourself.
- Assist with simple jobs: Depending on the store's policy and how busy they are, an employee may be willing to help you with a quick bulb replacement or demonstrate the process.
What AutoZone does not do
- Perform repairs: They do not offer a full-service repair for your tail light.
- Install complex parts: They are generally not equipped to handle more complex issues like wiring problems or replacing a full tail light assembly.
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.
Does AutoZone help replace 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.
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.
