What factor contributes to tire wear and should be monitored closely?

The factor that significantly contributes to tire wear and requires close monitoring is tire pressure and alignment. Proper tire pressure is crucial because under-inflated or over-inflated tires can lead to increased wear on the tread, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling, which can ultimately affect vehicle safety. When tires are not aligned correctly, it can cause them to wear unevenly as well, leading to decreased performance and shorter tire lifespan. Regular checks and maintenance of both tire pressure and alignment are essential to ensure tires wear evenly and function optimally, thus enhancing vehicle safety and improving fuel efficiency.

Other factors like weather patterns can affect road conditions and driving behavior but are not direct contributors to tire wear like pressure and alignment are. The type of fuel used does not influence tire wear directly, nor does the color of the tires, since these aspects do not impact the physical condition or performance of the tires.