• Why We Replace Calipers With Your Brake Service

    Your brakes always get a workout, whether you’re picking up the kids from practice or heading out into the hills. Every time you press on that brake pedal or your vehicle’s traction control, stability control, or crash avoidance systems are activated, a host of hydraulics and mechanisms work in unison to bring your vehicle to a solid stop.

    Because of this, when brakes are worn out, you want to replace more than just the worn-out brake pads. Here’s why.


    Calipers Make Your Brakes Work

    Yes, there are a lot of other moving parts that go into your braking system, but the calipers provide the clamping force that make it all happen. They take the pressure from your brake pedal and apply it to your brake pads. That, in turn, causes the friction to slow down your vehicle.

    Les Schwab Tip: Learn more about brake types in our Complete Guide to Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes.

    Sure, a new set of brake pads give you a quick fix to worn brakes. But, we’ve learned over the last 30+ years and thousands of brake repairs that replacing just the pads often leads to other braking issues, such as brake pedal pulsations, brake squeaking or squealing, or worn rubber seals. All of this can cause uneven or faster wear of your brake pads over time.

    Built-up grime on your caliper pistons and slides, which become more exposed as your brake pads are wearing thin, can cause caliper malfunction if not addressed when pads are replaced. This short video demonstrates what happens when only the brake pads are replaced and the caliper pistons are forced back into the bore.


    The Important Details

    Calipers include a handful of parts, including the pistons, piston seals, caliper hardware, and dust boots. To work, all the moving parts in the caliper need to be clean and smooth. Here’s the role that each plays in stopping your vehicle.

    • Piston seals flex as the piston moves out. They pull the piston back into the caliper housing. This small part can cause a lot of big issues if they’re not replaced with the brake pads.
    • Dust boots protect the caliper from debris and other road grime and dirt. As they get older, dust boots will deteriorate, allowing this grime into the caliper, piston and seal.
    • Caliper hardware needs to allow the caliper to float and slide. If the hardware gets rusted or corroded, the pieces can’t perform as well as they should.

    An exploded view a a brake caliper


    Get Complete Brake Service at Les Schwab

    Corners aren’t something you want to cut when you’re talking about brakes. When we replace your brakes, you get complete service. This includes premium quality brake pads and remanufactured brake calipers that are as good as the those your vehicle had when it was new.

    Remanufactured calipers come with new seals and dust boots, bleeder screws, and hardware, which have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected for quality, performance, and safety.

    Bottom line, your car will stop when you hit the brakes. And that’s something we can all appreciate.

    Les Schwab Tip: Understand the ins and outs of brake repairs with our Brake Servicing 101: Advice on Making Sure It Gets Done Right.


    Schedule an Appointment

  • Winter Driving Tips: Winterize Your Vehicle

    Like unpacking your heavy winter clothes that got boxed up in the spring, winterizing your car is a quick and easy process that can make any trip or commute a lot less stressful. Here’s what you need to know.

    • Check your battery. A good battery is one of the unsung heroes of your daily commute. When it fails, everything comes to a screeching halt. Check your battery condition and ensure it’s still holding a charge before you need it this winter.
    • Winterize your ride. This guide from Consumer Reports shares all the tools you’ll need to get your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead.
    • Be ready for any weather. Winter driving conditions are rarely ideal, so it makes sense to give yourself extra time whether you’re driving across town or across the state. Also, be sure to keep the tank full, or nearly full, just in case you get stuck in a winter storm that takes hours to maneuver.


    Get More Winter Driving Tips

  • General FAQ


      Normal Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on Sunday.

      Holiday Closures: New Year’s Eve: may close at 3:00 p.m., New Year’s Day: closed, Memorial Day: closed, Independence Day: closed, Labor Day: closed, Thanksgiving Day: closed, Christmas Eve: may close at 1:00 p.m., Christmas Day: closed.

      Changeover Season: Extended hours during peak service times in the winter and spring vary by location. Please contact your neighborhood Les Schwab for details.


      Appointments are available and walk-ins are always welcome! Our stores get busy from time to time and an appointment will help cut down on any potential wait time. However, we will always work hard to provide every customer with the most timely service possible.


      To schedule a new appointment, click here. To change or cancel an existing appointment, you can do that through the link within your confirmation email or by calling the store directly. As always, walk-ins are welcome, so we’d love to see you whenever it’s most convenient for you — with or without an appointment.


      There are many factors that affect the length of service. But what we can promise you is that we will always service your vehicle in the most timely manner possible and with excellence in everything we do. Your pickup time will be confirmed when you check in.


      We do! We offer multiple credit plans to fit your needs. To find out more about financing at Les Schwab, simply visit our credit page. You can apply online or in any of our stores.


      Les Schwab carries a full line of tires for every vehicle, type of driver, and budget. Those include some of the biggest and best-rated tire brands anywhere, like Continental, Caldera, Cooper, Dean, Falken, Federal, Hankook, Maxxis, Mazama, Pirelli, Toyo, and Vredestein. We’ll show you all your options, including those that will perform at or above your vehicle’s original equipment standards. Plus, Les Schwab tires come with our Best Tire Value Promise. That warranty offers free peace of mind tire protection, free flat repairs, free rotations to help get the most life out of your tires, free air checks, and more. Looking for something specific or have a question? Give us a call or stop by.


      At Les Schwab, we strive to satisfy every single customer. Therefore, we make it a priority to carry products that can fit your budget without sacrificing any of the excellence and superior quality that we are known for. To learn more about pricing for specific items, please visit your local Les Schwab Tire Center today.



      We do! All of our more than 545 locations carry run-flat tires in a variety of sizes. Reach out to your favorite Les Schwab and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and get you the information you need. You can learn more about run-flat tires here.



      Our stores sometimes have used tires available for purchase. Please contact your local store for more information.



      Les Schwab provides tires and services for nearly all passenger and light truck vehicles and some RVs and trailers. We offer a variety of specialty tires such as ATVs, wheelbarrows, and more. Many locations offer services for commercial vehicles, fleets, and farm equipment as well. Please call your store for more information.


      Alignment prices vary depending on what is needed for your particular vehicle. To learn more about what an alignment will cost for your vehicle, be sure to visit your local Les Schwab Tire Center.


      Les Schwab typically focuses on services that extend the life of your tires and wheels. However, select Les Schwab locations do offer oil changes. Check with your local Les Schwab Tire Center for more information.



      Les Schwab does not offer emergency or after-hours services for retail customers. However, we do have dedicated 1-800 numbers for fleet customers. To get the 1-800 number for fleet customers, please contact your fleet representative.


      Some of our locations are able to send a technician out to help you with a flat tire or dead battery during business hours. For details in your area, please contact your nearest location.