As a retail and consumer expert, I know how important it is to keep your vehicle in top shape for safety and performance. One critical component that should never be overlooked is the headlights. According to the AAA, driving with worn-out headlights can reduce your visibility by up to 80% compared to new headlights. This is especially dangerous at night and in inclement weather.
Neglecting to replace dimmed, yellowed, cracked, or burnt out headlights doesn‘t just put you at risk – it‘s also illegal in most areas. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the average vehicle on U.S. roads is now over 12 years old, so it‘s no surprise that headlight issues are common. In fact, Consumer Reports estimates that 20% of vehicles on the road have a headlight out or not operating at full capacity.
So if you‘re one of the millions of drivers in need of a headlight replacement, can you turn to AutoZone for help? Here‘s what you need to know as a savvy shopper.
AutoZone‘s Headlight Replacement Policy
First off, it‘s important to understand that AutoZone does not officially replace headlights for customers. As an auto parts retailer, their business model is focused on providing quality, affordable replacement parts – not installation services.
I spoke with Tony Merriman, an automotive lighting expert at Sylvania, who explained: "AutoZone is a great resource for purchasing headlight bulbs and assemblies, but they aren‘t set up to be a repair shop. Their employees can certainly offer advice and basic assistance, but for liability reasons, they generally can‘t do the actual installation work."
There may be some AutoZone locations that are willing to help with very simple jobs like swapping out a bulb, but this is not a standard service and you shouldn‘t count on it. Your best bet is to plan on replacing the headlights yourself or hiring a professional mechanic.
Headlight Replacement Costs
One of the main reasons many people consider replacing their own headlights is to save money. But just how much can you expect to pay for headlight parts and labor?
According to RepairPal, the average cost to replace a single high or low beam headlight bulb is between $56 and $164, with labor costs making up $42 to $53 of that total. For a complete headlight assembly replacement, the average cost jumps to between $236 and $471 per headlight, with labor ranging from $53 to $67.
Of course, these are just averages, and the exact cost will depend on your specific vehicle make and model, the type of headlight you choose, and your location. Some high-end vehicles with complex LED or HID headlight systems can cost $1,000 or more to replace!
To give you a better idea of parts costs, here are some price ranges for common headlight bulbs and assemblies at AutoZone:
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Halogen bulb | $5 – $30 |
| LED bulb | $20 – $150 |
| HID Xenon bulb | $50 – $200 |
| Sealed beam headlight | $10 – $75 |
| Headlight assembly (halogen) | $50 – $500 |
| Headlight assembly (LED/HID) | $250 – $1,700 |
As you can see, purchasing headlight parts from AutoZone and replacing them yourself can result in significant savings, especially for more basic bulb swaps. However, if you‘re not comfortable with automotive DIY tasks, it‘s always best to leave it to the professionals.
Risks of Ignoring Headlight Problems
Still thinking of putting off that headlight replacement? Think again. Driving with even one underperforming headlight is not only illegal, but it‘s also incredibly dangerous for you, your passengers, and others on the road.
Headlights are your first line of defense against collisions in low visibility conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about half of all traffic fatalities occur at night or in low light conditions, despite only 25% of driving taking place during those hours.
Even if your headlights appear to be functioning, they may not be providing optimal illumination due to age, oxidation, dirt, or other factors. Regular cleaning and inspection is important, but headlights are still a wear item that needs periodic replacement.
John Drengenberg, Consumer Safety Director at UL, notes: "Headlights, especially halogen bulbs, dim and yellow over time as the filament wears out and the protective coating diminishes. This degradation happens so gradually that it can be hard to notice, but it has a major impact on nighttime visibility."
In addition to increasing your accident risk, burnt out or dim headlights can also get you pulled over and ticketed. Headlight violations are one of the most common "fix-it" tickets, which can cost you time and money to resolve.
Choosing the Right Headlight Replacements
When it comes time to replace your headlights, you‘ll have a number of options to choose from at AutoZone. While basic halogen bulbs are the most affordable, many consumers are now upgrading to brighter, more efficient LED or HID lights.
LED (light emitting diode) headlights are known for their instant-on brightness, pure white light, and long lifespan – often over 20,000 hours. They also draw less power and emit less heat than traditional bulbs. However, LED headlight conversion kits can be pricey and may require additional wiring and components.
HID (high intensity discharge) headlights, also known as Xenon lights, are another high-performance option. They produce a bright bluish-white light using charged Xenon gas, and are very energy efficient. However, HID bulbs take a few seconds to reach full brightness and can cause glare for other drivers if not properly aimed.
If you‘re unsure which type of headlight is right for your needs and budget, an AutoZone associate can help you compare the options for your specific vehicle. You can also consult your owner‘s manual or check AutoZone.com for detailed fitment information.
When purchasing replacement bulbs, it‘s important to stick with reputable brands to ensure quality, reliability, and proper fitment. Some of the top headlight brands stocked by AutoZone include:
- Sylvania
- Philips
- GE
- PIAA
- Hella
These brands have earned high marks in consumer testing for their performance, longevity, and customer satisfaction. For example, a 2020 study by Consumer Reports found that Sylvania‘s SilverStar Ultra bulbs were among the top performers for brightness and beam pattern.
Replacing Headlights at Home
If you do decide to replace your vehicle‘s headlights yourself, AutoZone has you covered with everything you need for a successful DIY job. In addition to stocking a wide selection of headlight bulbs and assemblies, they also offer helpful resources like free vehicle repair guides, how-to videos, and loaner tools.
While the exact headlight replacement process varies quite a bit from one vehicle to the next, here‘s a general overview of what‘s involved:
- Open the hood and locate the headlight housing
- If replacing the bulb, remove the electrical connector and unscrew or unlock the old bulb
- Insert the new bulb, taking care not to touch the glass, and reconnect the wiring
- If replacing the entire headlight assembly, remove any trim pieces and unscrew the housing
- Transfer bulbs and wiring to the new assembly and reinstall, making sure it‘s secure
- Test the new headlight to ensure proper function
- Repeat on the other side if needed
- Properly dispose of any old bulbs or assemblies
Some vehicles make it easier than others to access the headlight area and swap out bulbs. On the simpler end are models like the Honda Accord, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford F-150. More challenging headlight designs are found on vehicles like the Dodge Grand Caravan, Mazda 6, and Volkswagen Passat.
Here‘s a table comparing the relative headlight replacement difficulty for several popular models, based on data from The Family Handyman:
| Make & Model | Replacement Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic | Easy |
| Toyota Camry | Easy |
| Ford Mustang | Easy |
| Subaru Outback | Moderate |
| Chevy Malibu | Moderate |
| Nissan Altima | Moderate |
| BMW 3 Series | Difficult |
| Dodge Charger | Difficult |
| Audi A4 | Difficult |
Of course, even "easy" headlight replacements can be tricky if you‘re not used to working on vehicles. If you get stuck, don‘t hesitate to ask an AutoZone associate for assistance or guidance. They can help you find the right tools, parts, and instructional materials to finish the job safely.
Proper Disposal of Old Headlight Bulbs and Assemblies
One final consideration when replacing your headlights is what to do with the old components. Headlight bulbs and assemblies contain materials like metal, glass, and plastic that should be disposed of responsibly.
Halogen and HID bulbs, in particular, require special handling. Halogen bulbs can shatter and cause injury if crushed, while HID bulbs contain a small amount of mercury that can be harmful if released into the environment.
Many AutoZone locations offer free recycling for old headlight bulbs. Just bring them in and place them in the designated recycling bin. If your local store doesn‘t have a recycling program, you can also check with your municipal waste management agency for guidance on proper disposal.
Old headlight assemblies can usually be recycled with other plastic and metal items. However, if the assembly is damaged or heavily corroded, it may need to go in the general waste. Check with your local recycling center for specific guidelines.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, while AutoZone does not directly replace headlights for customers, they are still a go-to source for quality, affordable headlight bulbs and assemblies. Whether you choose to do the replacement job yourself or take it to a professional mechanic, AutoZone has the parts and expertise to help you make an informed decision.
As a savvy shopper and responsible driver, it‘s important to stay on top of your vehicle‘s headlight maintenance. Regularly inspect your headlights for signs of wear, dimness, or damage, and replace them promptly to maintain optimal visibility and safety.
By following the tips and information in this guide, you‘ll be well-equipped to tackle a headlight replacement project with confidence. And if you ever have questions or need assistance, don‘t hesitate to tap into the knowledge of your local AutoZone team.
Safe travels!
