How to Know When Your Tires Need Replacing – Straight from Hanania Subaru’s Service Advisor

Hi, I’m Joshua Stodel, your Service Advisor here at Hanania Subaru with six years of experience helping folks around Jacksonville and nearby communities like Neptune Beach and Middleburg keep their vehicles in top shape. One of the most frequent questions I hear is about how to tell if it’s time for new tires. It might seem simple at first, but there’s a lot more to it than just looking at tread depth or noticing a rough ride. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about tracking your tires’ health, spotting signs that replacement is necessary, and making the best decisions to keep you safe on roads stretching from Orange Park to Ponte Vedra Beach.

If you want to chat about your tires or any other vehicle care needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (904) 906-1235, or better yet, stop by our dealership at 6400 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244. We’re here to help you keep rolling smoothly and safely.

Now, let’s get into the heart of this topic, starting with the most straightforward and reliable way to check your tires.

One quick and practical method I recommend to customers from Kingsland to Atlantic Beach is the classic quarter test. Here’s what you do: Take a quarter and insert it into your tire’s tread groove with George Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of George’s head clearly, it means your tread depth is below 4/32 inches, signaling it’s time to consider new tires. This test is an easy in-the-moment check that many drivers overlook until it’s almost too late.

But that’s just the beginning. There are other signs you need new tires that go beyond tread depth and can tell you a lot about your tire’s safety and performance.

For instance, if you live in areas like Jacksonville Beach or Yulee where road conditions can vary, you might notice vibration or shaking while driving, which often points to uneven tire wear or alignment issues. If you feel your vehicle pulling to one side or struggling to maintain traction on wet or sandy roads, that’s another red flag. Cracks or bulges on the tire sidewall are also serious indicators that the tire structure has weakened, posing a safety risk.

Timing your tire replacement isn’t just about what you see on the surface. I tell our customers in St. Marys and Middleburg to also consider the age of their tires. Even if the tread looks okay, tires generally need replacing after about six years because the rubber compounds degrade over time, especially in Florida’s humid climate. That’s why it’s good to keep an eye on the manufacturing date stamped on the tire sidewall.

One thing I always stress is following industry standards and best practices. Most experts agree that tires should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches, as this is the minimum allowed by law in many states. However, for the kind of weather and driving conditions we have around Ponte Vedra Beach or Neptune Beach, I recommend replacing your tires a bit earlier to maintain optimal traction and safety.

When you’re ready to replace your tires, it’s a good idea to have a trusted dealership or service center like our Subaru Service Center take a close look. We use Genuine Subaru Parts to ensure quality and compatibility, and our team can help you pick the right tires to match your Subaru’s specifications and your driving needs, whether you’re commuting around Jacksonville or heading out to more rugged areas near Kingsland.

Speaking of choosing tires, it’s also important to consider the type of driving you do. If you spend a lot of time on highways or coastal roads near Atlantic Beach, tires designed for durability and wet traction might be a priority. For drivers who love outdoor adventures in Middleburg or Neptune Beach, all-terrain options can offer better grip and longevity.

In my experience, regular tire inspections can save our customers a lot of trouble and money down the road. Checking for uneven wear, tire rotation schedules, and proper inflation are all part of a good maintenance routine. If you’re unsure about your current tires or want to explore new options, we’re ready to help you evaluate your vehicle’s needs and even help you Get Trade Value for your current car if you’re thinking about an upgrade.

And if you’re in the market for a new or certified pre-owned Subaru equipped with fresh tires and backed by industry-leading warranties, you can browse our New Subaru Inventory or explore our Certified Pre-Owned Inventory. Don’t forget, every new Subaru purchase at Hanania Subaru includes a complimentary Lifetime Warranty and two years of maintenance, so you’re covered not just for the tires but for many other essential services.

For performance enthusiasts around Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra, we also offer a selection of Subaru’s performance models, like the WRX and BRZ. You can check out our New Subaru Performance Inventory to find the right fit for your driving style.

Beyond tires, keeping your Subaru in excellent shape means paying attention to routine maintenance. Scheduling service appointments with us at Hanania Subaru is easy through our online tool: Schedule your service appointment. Regular checks help spot tire and vehicle issues early, especially for drivers in areas like Orange Park or Yulee where weather and road conditions can change quickly.

Finally, I want to remind you that Subaru’s roadside assistance program is an exclusive resource available with your vehicle, offering expert help for tire-related emergencies and more. If you ever face a flat tire or breakdown anywhere from Jacksonville to St. Marys, calling Subaru Roadside Assistance: 800-264-4084 connects you with manufacturer-backed service and genuine parts from authorized centers like ours.

With all these points in mind, you can feel confident knowing exactly when to replace your car tires and how to keep your Subaru running safely and smoothly wherever your travels take you around Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. © 2026 Hanania Subaru

Tags: Genuine Subaru Parts, Hanania Subaru, Subaru Reliability
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