Changing headlight bulbs isn’t something most motorists do regularly. However, old headlight bulbs can significantly impair visibility at night when drivers’ visual acuity is already diminished by as much as 70% due to ambient lighting conditions.
According to Philips Automotive, a market leader in automotive lighting components, headlight bulbs begin to produce significantly less light after two to three years of use, resulting in weaker light outputs that put the safety of drivers and passengers at risk. For instance, new headlight bulbs may have their beam distance decrease from 240 feet in the first year to 160 feet in the second or third year.
Has your headlights’ beam distance decreased? Do you feel it’s time to have them changed? The decision will pay off when it comes to better driving experience and your safety on the road.
But where can you get them changed? AutoZone? Keep reading to find the answer!
Will AutoZone Change My Headlight Bulb?
Since AutoZone is neither a dealership nor a repair shop, customers may wonder if their just purchased replacement headlight will be installed. So, let us take you there and dive into the matter.
Headlight replacement services are available at AutoZone under specific conditions. It all depends on the headlight, the car, and the current volume of business at AutoZone. Headlight replacements that need the removal of visible components may not be allowed.
Does AutoZone Install Headlights?
Yes, it does. You can go to AutoZone and walk out with a new set of headlights or taillights. All you need is the vehicle’s make, model, year, and sometimes even trim, and dealerships and repair shops typically charge for installing new headlights in addition to the cost of the lights themselves.
However, AutoZone will install your headlight in most situations if the headlight is readily accessible to the installer.
When Will AutoZone Not Replace Your Headlights?
AutoZone is a retail store, and as such, they do not have skilled mechanics or staff. AutoZone may refuse to install your headlights. It is because even though they are concerned about assisting you with your auto parts needs, it is possible that disassembling a vehicle is beyond the scope of their expertise.
If replacing your headlight requires significant removal of parts of your car, then the headlight replacement for that vehicle is generally not something that can be done at the AutoZone store.
When putting together a vehicle, automakers frequently need to demonstrate a certain level of expertise and dexterity. Because it must house not only the engine but also oil, fluids, and everything else necessary for the vehicle to function properly, the engine compartment has the potential to become somewhat cluttered.
This indicates that parts may need to be removed and reinstalled to replace a headlight in certain circumstances. Now picture a kind employee at AutoZone trying to take off components of your vehicle that they are unfamiliar with, like the bumper, and either breaking it or being unable to figure out how to put it back together again when they are done.
Why Are Some Headlights Difficult To Remove?
Poor design often makes it difficult to access vital components like batteries without special training and equipment. On the other hand, there is some intent behind it. Manufacturers like it when customers bring their cars for maintenance and repairs to their service centers. They want your business, making it inconvenient for the ordinary auto technician or AutoZone worker to quickly remove and install headlights.
Headlights AutoZone Can Help You With
There are still certain headlights that can be replaced with relative ease. If an individual can reach into the vehicle’s hood and grab the headlight without moving anything else, there is a strong possibility that the representative from AutoZone will be able to assist you with replacing and installing new headlights.
How Can You Ensure That AutoZone Will Install It Right?
Although AutoZone does not use real mechanics, there is a possibility that you will face some minor problems when they install your headlights. To be honest, this may happen after you replaced the headlights in your driveway; it could also happen if a dealership or repair center neglected to pay attention to some specifics.
When you are installing a headlight on some vehicles, the “Level” system that is contained within the headlamp will indicate whether or not the headlight is pointing in the correct direction. There is a strong possibility that without expertise you or an AutoZone worker might install a headlight so that the light doesn’t shine exactly where it should be.
The best way is to make sure that your vehicle’s headlights are turned on before you leave, as well as before you reinstall anything that needs to be removed. After that, the headlights can be repositioned, tightened, or loosened to achieve the desired level of seating accuracy.
When Will AutoZone Change My Headlights?
The peculiar thing about AutoZone is that their website discusses do-it-yourself projects and auto parts – and even renting their tools – but they don’t openly reveal whether headlights purchased from AutoZone will be installed for customers.
They don’t want to promise customers free installation when it’s quite labor-intensive, and they can’t predict which vehicles will require a quick and easy install because they can’t predict which vehicles will need it.
This also provides an opportunity for you to phone your neighborhood AutoZone and inquire about whether or not they install headlights in vehicles. The staff there may know which vehicles cannot have the lights installed.
Want to learn more about AutoZone? Click here to learn if AutoZone takes Apple Pay, does AutoZone price match, and does AutoZone put air in tires?
Conclusion…
Can AutoZone install headlights for you? It depends. Consider the free installation of headlights an additional service that AutoZone can provide for its clients. In many instances, all it takes is a little expertise and a couple of minutes for an employee to provide a memorable and straightforward experience for the consumer. But you should get your headlights replaced by an experienced mechanic so that your safety on the road is ensured.