Tires are an essential part of any vehicle, which is why it's important that you know how to take proper care of them. Many things can have an effect on how tires hold up over time, but the most important things to keep in mind are how often you're driving, the kinds of roads you're driving on, and whether you're getting proper maintenance done.
Inflation
Ever wonder why everyone makes such a big deal of inflating their tires properly? Well, there's a pretty good reason for this. Tires have very specific measurements when it comes to how much air you need to give them. If your tires are over-inflated or not inflated enough, then it will have negative effects on the rubber. Soft, under-inflated tires see more friction on the road and will grind down easier over time, becoming bald much more prematurely than a properly inflated tires. Over-inflated tires might not last very long at all, since they're much easier to pop. If you accidentally hit the curb in an over-inflated tire then kiss your wheel goodbye.
Aligning Your Tires Correctly
As you drive your car, your wheels go through tens of thousands of rotations constantly. This constant movement can gradually cause your wheels to become misaligned with one another. Even if they're not lined up within a fraction of a centimeter, this can cause parts of your tire to undergo more friction and lose tread more quickly. Anyone who has ever driven in a region with ice on the ground knows how dangerous a partially bald tire can be when you hit a slick patch of precipitation, so make sure you're getting your tires aligned as often as your vehicle manufacturer recommends.
Bent Struts
Spindles and struts make up an important part of your car's undercarriage, and when they get bent out of whack you'll start to see signs in your tires. The most obvious symptom of this problem is premature wear on the outside of your tires. If this happens, you'll need to have your vehicle taken in and repaired by a professional.