Can AutoZone Fix Brake Lights?

AutoZone does not perform full brake-light repairs, but many locations will help you identify the correct replacement bulb and may install an easily accessible brake-light bulb as a courtesy. They generally won’t diagnose or repair wiring, switches, or sealed LED assemblies, so complex issues should go to a professional mechanic. Here’s what to expect, how to get your light working today, and when to seek a shop.

What AutoZone Can Help With

AutoZone is primarily a parts retailer, but most stores offer limited, quick-assist services for simple fixes. Here’s what they commonly can do for brake-light issues.

• Help you identify and purchase the correct bulb, fuse, or socket for your vehicle using their parts database.
• Provide basic guidance on bulb access for common models and offer printed or on-screen how-to information.
• Install an easily accessible brake-light bulb as a free courtesy at many locations, when it doesn’t require disassembly beyond a simple panel or lamp housing. Availability varies by store, staffing, weather, and vehicle design.
• Loan common tools (through their Loan-A-Tool program) like screwdrivers, sockets, or trim tools to help you replace a bulb yourself in the parking lot.
• Assist in checking related fuses and recommending the right replacement if blown.

These services are intended to get straightforward bulb issues handled quickly; however, they’re not a substitute for diagnostic work or repairs that require a technician.

What AutoZone Typically Won’t Do

Because AutoZone associates aren’t certified to perform repairs, their help is limited to simple, low-risk tasks. The items below usually fall outside their scope.

• Electrical diagnostics beyond basic fuse and bulb checks (no wiring tracing, circuit testing, or module programming).
• Repairing or replacing damaged wiring, connectors, or sockets.
• Replacing brake-light switches at the pedal or diagnosing body control module (BCM) faults.
• Servicing sealed or integrated LED tail lamps that require opening the assembly or replacing the entire unit.
• Any work that requires significant disassembly, lifting the vehicle, or removing interior trim beyond simple access panels (often restricted by liability or state law).

If your issue involves more than a straightforward bulb or fuse, expect a referral to a local repair shop or dealership.

Quick Steps to Get Your Brake Light Working Today

If your brake light is out, you can often resolve it quickly with a few checks and a trip to AutoZone. Use the steps below to narrow the problem and get back on the road legally and safely.

1. Verify which light is out: Have someone press the brake pedal while you check both sides and the center high-mount light. If you’re alone, back up to a window or use your phone’s rear camera.
2. Check the bulb type: Look up your vehicle in the owner’s manual or at AutoZone to find the correct bulb (e.g., 3157, 7443). Many newer vehicles use non-serviceable LED units instead of bulbs.
3. Inspect fuses: If multiple brake lights are out, check the brake/stop-lamp fuse in the fuse box. Replace if blown and re-test.
4. Buy the replacement: Choose a quality bulb (incandescent or LED where compatible) and consider dielectric grease for the socket to prevent corrosion.
5. Ask about courtesy installation: At the counter, confirm whether staff can install the bulb on your vehicle. If not, use Loan-A-Tool and their guidance to do it yourself.
6. Test after replacement: Confirm all brake lights work. If a new bulb and good fuse don’t fix it, suspect the brake-light switch, wiring, socket corrosion, or an LED assembly issue.
7. Seek a shop if needed: For switch, wiring, BCM faults, or sealed LED assemblies, schedule a professional repair.

Working methodically saves time and helps you determine whether a store visit will solve it or if professional diagnostics are required.

Costs and Time

Expect the following typical price and time ranges so you can plan your visit and budget appropriately.

• Incandescent brake-light bulb: about $5–$20 each.
• Compatible retrofit LED bulb: roughly $15–$40 each (only where suitable; may affect hyper-flash or dimming behavior).
• Fuses: about $2–$10.
• Tail lamp assembly (for sealed LED units): often $100–$500+ depending on vehicle.
• Brake-light switch (part only): about $15–$50; labor at a shop typically 0.3–1.0 hour.
• Time for a simple bulb swap: usually 5–15 minutes if access is easy; longer if interior trim or the lamp housing must be removed.

Most straightforward bulb replacements are quick and inexpensive; complex electrical issues or LED assemblies raise the cost and time significantly.

When to Choose a Mechanic Instead

Some symptoms point to problems that generally require a technician with diagnostic tools and repair authorization.

• New bulb and fuse didn’t solve the issue, or bulbs repeatedly fail quickly.
• Multiple lights out at once, intermittent operation, or warning messages on the dash.
• Melted sockets, visible corrosion, water inside the tail lamp, or damaged wiring/connectors.
• Vehicles with sealed or integrated LED brake lights that aren’t serviceable by bulb replacement.
• Brake lights stuck on (often a brake-light switch or pedal adjustment issue).

Addressing these early helps avoid safety risks and potential traffic citations for inoperative lighting.

Tips to Avoid Repeat Issues

A few preventative steps can extend the life of your lighting and reduce future hassles.

• Replace bulbs in pairs on the same axle so brightness and color match.
• Avoid touching the glass of halogen bulbs with bare fingers; oil can shorten bulb life.
• Use dielectric grease sparingly on socket contacts to deter corrosion.
• Inspect tail lamp seals and gaskets for moisture; replace if you see condensation.
• Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to lighting on your vehicle.

These small steps improve reliability and keep you visible to other drivers.

Summary

AutoZone can help you select the right parts and may install an easily accessible brake-light bulb as a courtesy, but they don’t perform full repairs or electrical diagnostics. If a new bulb and fuse don’t fix the problem—or your vehicle uses a sealed LED assembly—plan on visiting a professional mechanic. For many drivers, though, a quick stop at AutoZone is enough to get brake lights working again the same day.

Does AutoZone help you replace lights?

Yes, AutoZone offers headlight installation services at many of their locations. Typically, they can help you install headlights that you purchase from them.

Do autozones check brake lights?

We can help scan your vehicle for trouble codes related to your brake light and offer helpful advice. You might also need to bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic.

Is a brake light expensive to fix?

Cost to replace a tail light is on average £130, but can range from £120 to over £180.

How much is it to fix your brake lights?

A brake light bulb replacement can cost as little as $5 to $30 for the part, but if the entire assembly or a switch needs replacing, the cost could be $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on the part’s price, whether it’s an OEM or aftermarket part, and the labor rate at a repair shop or dealership. You can avoid labor costs by doing the replacement yourself by checking your car’s manual and following online guides. 
Factors influencing the cost

• Bulb vs. Assembly: Opens in new tabA burnt-out brake light is often just a blown bulb, which is cheap to replace. However, a cracked taillight housing or a problem with the entire taillight assembly will be more expensive. 
• OEM vs. Aftermarket: Opens in new tabOriginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts, but they typically offer better quality and come with a warranty. 
• DIY vs. Professional Repair: Opens in new tabYou can save money on labor costs by replacing the bulb or even the assembly yourself. 
• Labor Rates: Opens in new tabShop labor rates vary significantly by location, with independent shops often charging less per hour than dealerships. 
• Vehicle Make and Model: Opens in new tabThe cost of the part and the labor required can differ based on your specific car. 

How to save on costs

• DIY: Replacing a brake light bulb is a simple maintenance task that most people can do themselves, according to AutoZone.com. 
• Consult Your Manual: Your car’s owner’s manual will have instructions on how to locate and replace the bulb, and where to find the fuse if it’s blown. 
• Use Online Resources: You can find DIY videos on YouTube and helpful articles on auto parts websites and forums to guide you through the process.