Headlights are like a lot of other parts on vehicles that run so much, in that they’re going to need to be replaced eventually. Therefore, you may wonder how much it will cost to have them replaced, and if there’s a way around paying this cost.
If so, continue reading this article to learn more about how much replacement headlights cost and other related topics!
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Headlights?
Headlight bulbs will usually cost anywhere between $15 – $20 and maybe somewhere around $50 for labor, but that’s just for your average, run of the mill headlight. As you move up in quality, type, and brand, the prices go up as well. For some cars a replacement can cost between $250 – $700.
Keep reading to learn more about how long it takes a mechanic to replace a headlight, how much it costs to fix a headlight, which headlights you should purchase for replacement and more!
How Long Does it Take a Mechanic to Replace a Headlight?
How long it takes a mechanic to replace a headlight will depend on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, as well as the mechanic’s level of experience.
For some vehicles, you just open the hood, find the back of the headlight, detach the wiring clip with a screwdriver, perform a half-turn, and the headlight comes right out. Afterward, the headlight goes back in the same way it came out.
This should take ten minutes tops, meaning your car wouldn’t even have to go back to a mechanics stall.
For other vehicles, however, especially higher trim models and more expensive brands, you may have to take out the whole headlight assembly. If this is the case, you might be looking at a job that could take an hour or two.
How Much Does it Cost for a Broken Headlight Assembly to Be Fixed?
The length of time for fixing a broken headlight assembly will be determined by the year, make, and model of your car, but it’s not as inexpensive as fixing a blown-out headlight. In fact, you could be looking at anywhere between $200 – $700 per headlight.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a warranty, paying out of pocket can be quite expensive. Also, having the local neighborhood mechanic put one in for you isn’t recommended, unless you’re sure they know what they’re doing.
Headlight adjustments are important for how you see the road at night and also how other vehicles see your vehicle.
Why are Headlight Assemblies So Expensive Now?
You can easily blame the expense of headlight assemblies being set up for Xenon headlights. Not only are the headlights themselves more expensive, but so are the assemblies.
While Xenon headlights give you at least a third more brightness and distance, and even light up the sides of the road, they burn out just like any other light.
Are LED Headlights More Expensive to Replace?
LED headlights fall in between halogen headlights and Xenon headlights when it comes to replacement cost. Front LED headlights can cost you around $100.
However, you can always look on the bright side, as they’ve been known to last up to 30,000 hours. Halogen bulbs are usually good for 500-1,000 hours and HID headlights will last you about 2,000-3,000 hours.
Are Expensive Headlights Worth It?
It’s more of a personal preference whether you feel like the benefits of buying more expensive headlights outweighs the cost. If you feel like you need better light at night when you drive and the price doesn’t bother you, then expensive headlights are worth it.
However, if you have no problem seeing with just regular $20 halogen bulbs and you’re on a budget, you won’t only be saving yourself some money, but you will also help other drivers out by not blinding them with your more expensive headlights.
Do Expensive Headlights Last Longer?
While expensive headlights may last longer than others, there are some that don’t. Sometimes you’re paying for how long a light can last, and other times you’re paying for how much a headlight can illuminate light.
For instance, Xenon headlights are among the most expensive headlights on the market, but they do illuminate about a 3rd more of light than an LED light. However, an LED light can outlive a halogen and Xenon headlight by 10-times+.
How Much Does a Plastic Headlight Cost?
To have the lens changed on your vehicle is a pretty easy project, and should cost somewhere between $60 – $195 depending on the year, make, and model.
As well, since there is no leveling done during the installation of this part, you shouldn’t be charged more than $50 in labor or even nothing if the vehicle is under warranty.
How Much Does Walmart Charge to Replace a Headlight?
If you buy your headlight at a Walmart that has a service center, they usually charge about $7.50 per bulb. That is, of course, if it’s an easy fix, but if you’ve had your headlight assembly taken out, then you will have to pay a lot more.
Plus, a project like removing the headlight assembly will require a work order, and your vehicle will have to wait in line with the rest of the vehicles.
Will AutoZone Change My Headlight?
If an experienced AutoZone employee is on hand, they can help you change your headlight for free as long as you purchased the product from them.
However, it’s important to remember that AutoZone employees are not certified mechanics.
So, if your vehicle needs more work than just a twist of a light bulb and the removal of a few connections, they won’t be able to help, and you should be happy they don’t try.
Does O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Change Headlights?
O’Reilly’s headlight and wiper change policy is just about the same as AutoZone. If you purchase the headlights at O’Reilly’s, they will do their best to assist you with changing your headlights for free.
To know more about headlights, you can also see our posts on how long do headlights last, what headlights to use in fog, and if toothpaste cleans headlights.
Conclusion
If you still have halogen headlights, you’ll be saving some money because they only cost around $20-$25 for the bulb and about the same for installation.
If you have LED or HID headlights, you might want to be prepared to open up your wallet, as some headlight assemblies can cost you a total of $1,000 plus after labor is added in.