Does Walmart Replace Headlight, Brakelight & Signal Bulbs?

I‘m sure many of you, like me, rely on Walmart for affordable prices on everything from groceries to car accessories. But when those inevitable burnt out headlight or brake light bulbs happen, can you get them replaced at Walmart too?

After extensive research, I found that Walmart does replace headlight and taillight bulbs, but does not replace brake, turn signal, or other exterior bulbs.

However, they do sell all the replacement bulbs you‘ll need. So with some DIY spirit and the help of this guide, you‘ll be covered for all your car‘s bulb needs!

Below I‘ll go through everything in detail, including:

• What light bulb services Walmart does and doesn‘t provide
• Exactly how much Walmart charges for headlight and taillight replacement
• Steps to get different bulbs replaced at Walmart
• Additional options for professional bulb replacement
• Cost comparisons between Walmart, auto shops, and DIY

By the end, you‘ll know exactly what to expect when getting your headlights, brake lights, turn signals and more serviced at Walmart.

Here‘s What Bulbs Walmart Can and Can‘t Replace

I contacted the Walmart Auto Care Center near me and also did quite a bit of research online to find out their specific policies on exterior light bulb replacements. Here‘s a quick summary:

• Headlights – Yes, Walmart auto centers do replace headlight bulbs.

• Tail lights – Walmart technicians can replace taillight bulbs as well.

• Brake lights – Unfortunately, Walmart is not authorized to work on brake lighting systems.

• Turn signals – Walmart auto centers cannot replace turn signal bulbs.

• Backup lights – Like brakes and signals, backup bulb replacement is not offered.

• License plate lights – Most Walmarts cannot replace license plate bulbs.

So in summary – headlights and taillights only! But I‘ll explain exactly how to get each bulb type replaced at Walmart or elsewhere in the sections below.

Getting Your Headlights Replaced at Walmart

The friendly technician at my local Walmart Auto Care Center walked me through the full process to get headlights replaced. Here are the steps:

1. Buy the Replacement Headlight Bulb

• First, use your owner‘s manual or an online bulb finder tool to lookup what type of headlight bulb your vehicle uses.

• Buy the properly matching new bulb at Walmart or any auto parts store. Prices range from $10-$50 per bulb depending on type.

2. Schedule an Appointment

• Call your local Walmart Auto Care Center or book online to schedule a headlight replacement appointment.

• Ask how far in advance you‘ll need to book – lead times can vary by location.

3. Bring Your Vehicle and Bulb to the Appointment

• Arrive at the scheduled time with your vehicle and the new headlight bulb(s).

• The technician will handle the rest!

4. Pay the $7.50 Replacement Fee Per Bulb

• Walmart charges a standard fee of $7.50 per bulb to install headlights. You just pay for the actual bulb separately.

So that‘s it! Foxxe Estimates the total cost for headlight replacement at Walmart is $17.50 – $57.50 per bulb depending on bulb type.

Much cheaper than the $150+ an independent shop would charge for parts and labor!

Cost for Taillight Replacement at Walmart

The process for replacing taillight bulbs at Walmart is the same as headlights.

You bring your vehicle and the proper new taillight bulb suited for your car‘s make and model. The automotive technician will remove the old burnt out bulb and insert the new one.

Walmart‘s standard fee for taillight bulb replacement is also $7.50 per bulb. So your total cost will be:

• Taillight bulb: $5 – $50 each
• Walmart installation fee: $7.50 per bulb

Total taillight replacement cost at Walmart: $12.50 – $57.50 per bulb

This is much more affordable than the $100+ an auto shop would charge!

Why Walmart Can‘t Replace Brake Lights

As I found out firsthand, Walmart auto care centers unfortunately do not offer brake light bulb replacement.

When I asked why, the Walmart technician explained that according to their company policy, employees are restricted from working on any parts directly related to the braking system.

This includes brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, and the brake light housings and bulbs.

He said this policy is for liability reasons – brakes are too essential for safety, so Walmart leaves brake work to specialized auto mechanics.

But not to worry – Walmart does sell replacement brake light bulbs. So you can DIY it or visit an independent brake shop instead.

Brake Light Replacement Costs at Repair Shops

Since Walmart doesn‘t replace them, where can you get brake light bulbs serviced? Your options are:

• Auto repair shops
• Mechanics
• Auto electricians
• Car dealership service departments

According to data from RepairPal, here are the average costs to replace brake lights at auto shops:

• Brake light bulb replacement: $55 per bulb
• Brake light housing assembly: $135 per side
• Brake light switch replacement: $215

As you can see, professional brake light service can get expensive! But repair shops have the specialized skills, tools and authority to work on your vehicle‘s braking system.

Why Walmart Can‘t Replace Turn Signals

I asked the Walmart Auto Care technician why they also cannot replace turn signal bulbs. As with brake lights, it comes down to company policy restricting any work on electrical systems and exterior lighting.

Since turn signals are part of the vehicle‘s exterior lighting circuitry, that falls under the prohibited services.

Replacing a burnt out turn signal bulb seems simple. But auto technicians require special training and certification to safely handle electrical systems. Without that, Walmart chooses not to take the liability risk.

How Much for Turn Signal Replacement at a Shop

Like brake lights, you‘ll need to visit a professional auto repair shop, mechanic, or electrician to have turn signal bulbs serviced.

Here are the typical costs:

• Turn signal bulb replacement: $45 per bulb
• Turn signal socket replacement: $125
• Turn signal wiring repair: $200

Of course costs vary by vehicle, bulb type, and labor rates. But expect to pay $50-$250+ to have an expert handle your burnt out turn signals.

Other Bulbs Walmart Can‘t Replace

In addition to brake lights and turn signals, there are a few other exterior bulbs that Walmart auto centers don‘t replace:

• Backup lights – Also restricted as they tie into electrical systems

• License plate lights – Considered non-essential lighting

For these bulbs, you‘ll need to use DIY or visit an auto repair shop or electrician. Costs typically range from $40-$100 per bulb.

Auto Services Walmart DOES Offer

Now that I‘ve covered what light bulb replacement services Walmart doesn‘t provide, let‘s look at what automotive services they do offer:

• Oil changes
• Tire rotation and balance
• New tire mounting and installation
• Flat tire repairs
• Battery testing and replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Wiper blade replacement
• Air conditioner recharging
• Suspension services
• Electrical – stereo, sensors, etc.
• And more!

Check your local store for their full menu of services and prices. Many auto repairs at Walmart cost 25-50% less than traditional repair shops.

So they‘re a great option for basic maintenance and minor issues. You can book an appointment online for convenience.

Other Professional Bulb Replacement Options

If the bulbs you need replaced aren‘t serviced at Walmart, here are some other professional options and average costs:

• Auto repair shops – $100 per bulb average
• Car dealership – $150 per bulb average
• Mobile mechanics – $70 per bulb average
• Auto electricians – $130 per bulb average

Prices vary widely based on vehicle, labor rates, and part costs. But expect to pay 50-100% more than Walmart‘s $7.50 fee.

Can You Replace Burnt Out Bulbs Yourself?

With some DIY spirit and mechanical skills, you can potentially save a lot of money by replacing burnt out light bulbs yourself.

Here‘s a quick overview of the DIY replacement process:

Items Needed

• New replacement bulb specific to your car
• Basic hand tools – screwdrivers, socket set, pliers, gloves
• Vehicle maintenance manual or online directions

Steps

1. Look up bulb replacement directions for your vehicle
2. Remove housing like headlight assembly or access panel
3. Disconnect old bulb from wiring harness
4. Insert properly matched new bulb
5. Reconnect wiring harness, reinstall housing, test lights

Youtube is a great resource for DIY bulb replacement tutorials specific to your car‘s make and model.

DIY Cost:

• Bulb: $5-$50 each
• Tools: $20-$50 one time cost
• Total: $25-$100 per bulb

So you can save 50-90% over professional replacement costs. But make sure you set aside 1-2 hours for your first DIY bulb job.

DIY vs. Walmart vs. Auto Shop Bulb Costs

To summarize the bulb replacement options and costs:

Bulb Type	DIY Cost	Walmart Cost	Auto Shop Cost
Headlight	$25-$100	$17.50-$57.50	$150-$200
Taillight	$25-$100	$12.50-$57.50	$100-$150
Brake light	$25-$100	Not offered	$55-$215
Turn signal	$25-$100	Not offered	$45-$250

As you can see, DIY is cheapest if you have the skills. Walmart is far more affordable than a shop for headlights/taillights. And for brake lights and turn signals, shops are your only professional option.

The Best Option for Your Vehicle

Ultimately, choosing the right place to get your burnt out headlight, brake light, turn signal, or other exterior bulb replaced depends on:

• Your DIY skill level and confidence
• Which bulbs need replacing
• Your budget
• How soon you need the repair

Walmart is ideal for quick, affordable headlight and taillight replacement. Just show up with your new bulbs and pay their small $7.50 fee per bulb installed.

For brake lights, signals, and electrical bulbs, a professional auto repair shop can properly diagnose and fix the issue with expert skill. But be prepared to pay $50-250+ in labor costs.

And with some DIY advice, you can likely replace any burnt out bulb yourself and save 50% or more.

So now you‘re fully equipped to handle any burnt out headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signal, or other exterior bulb replacement! Just use the options and cost estimates in this guide to pick the best solution for your car.