Your tires play a vital role in your vehicle’s safety, performance, and fuel efficiency—especially with Florida’s heat, rain, and ever-changing road conditions. Whether you're commuting through Leesburg, heading to The Villages, or making weekend trips around Fruitland Park, it’s important to recognize when your tires are no longer road-ready.

At Villages Subaru, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle running safely. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your tires, here are five warning signs to look out for.

1. Tread Depth Is Worn Down
Your tire tread is essential for maintaining traction—especially on wet Florida roads. Over time, tread naturally wears out, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and reducing braking performance. The simplest way to check tread depth is with the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too shallow and your tires need replacing.

•Less than 2/32 of an inch of tread
•Uneven tread wear across the tire
•Tires that feel slippery in wet conditions

2. Cracks or Bulges in the Sidewall

Florida’s sun and heat can accelerate aging in tires, leading to sidewall cracking, dry rot, or bulging. Cracks can appear due to age or prolonged exposure to UV rays, while bulges typically result from internal damage or impact with curbs or potholes. Both are signs that the structural integrity of the tire is compromised.

Why it matters:

•Cracked or bulging sidewalls can lead to sudden blowouts •Indicates the tire is no longer safe for the road •Replacement is necessary even if tread looks fine

3. Excessive Vibration or Thumping While Driving

If your ride feels unusually rough or you’re noticing vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, it could be a tire problem. Uneven wear, internal damage, or out-of-balance tires may all contribute to poor ride quality. In some cases, a tire may have developed a flat spot or belt separation, both of which are serious issues.

Common causes:

•Tires are out of alignment or balance
•Tire has structural damage
•Worn suspension affecting tire contact

4. Tire Age Exceeds Manufacturer Recommendations Even if your tires appear to have decent tread, they may still need replacing based on age. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacement every six years, regardless of use. Heat and humidity in Florida can accelerate rubber deterioration, so checking your tire’s DOT date code (on the sidewall) is essential.

Pro tip:

•Tires older than 6 years should be inspected regularly
•Rubber hardens with age, reducing grip and flexibility
•Replacement ensures continued safety

5. Frequent Air Pressure Loss

If you find yourself refilling your tires more often than usual, it might indicate a slow leak, damaged valve stem, or a compromised bead seal. Over time, older tires lose their ability to hold air effectively. Driving with underinflated tires increases wear, decreases fuel efficiency, and raises the risk of a blowout.

•One or more tires consistently low on pressure
•Visible nails, punctures, or leaks
•Tires losing air despite no obvious damage

Trust Villages Subaru for Expert Tire Replacement in Leesburg

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait until it’s too late. At Villages Subaru, we offer comprehensive tire inspections, top-quality replacements, and expert service to keep you driving confidently through Leesburg, The Villages, and Fruitland Park.

Schedule your tire inspection or replacement appointment today at Villages Subaru. Stay safe, stay prepared—and let our experts keep your vehicle rolling smoothly.