If you're using an HDD, be careful with it, especially when it's spinning. Any type of shock, such as dropping your laptop, can destroy your hard drive. Also, ensure your PC is properly vented to prevent overheating, which can cause drives to prematurely fail.
While you can't prevent any manufacturing defects, treating your PC as if it's the only one you'll ever have can help extend your hard drive's lifespan by a year or more. If you're already noticing issues, though, it's too late and time to back up your data and either get a new hard drive or a new PC.