After only 2 years, one of the rear brakelights in my 2003 RX 300 burnt out. According to the manual it's Bulb # 7443, a 21/5 watt Wedge Base Bulb. The manual also says to make an appointment with my Lexus dealer to replace the bulb. I have some questions
Do I really need to make an appointment with the Lexus dealer and drive 70 miles roundtrip, a waste of 4 gallons of fuel and two hours of driving just to replace a simple light bulb?
Is this bulb available in local auto parts stores (eg Pep Boys, Strauss, Auto Zone etc) and is it possible to replace the bulb myself?
Would my local Toyota dealer (about 1 mile away) have the bulb and could they replace if it is not user replaceable?
I'm a little frustrated because the first bulb to burn out in my last vehicle, a 96 Infiniti, burned out after 7 years! Also, Infiniti covered the lightbulbs under their 4 year 60,000 warranty. If I have to take my RX300 to Lexus to replace this bulb, will it at least be covered under warranty?
Thanks,
J