What Are Your Best Tire-Buying Tips?

Tires! They're one of the most important aspects of your car, so buying the right set for the right situation is extremely important. What are your best tips for buying tires?

Obviously, we all know that Tire Rack is a good starting point, but what more could we do? Do we have to physically go to the tire store and feel the treads? Sniff them? Taste them? Wait for the stars to align before making a purchase?

For example, when I moved back from California, I discovered some dry rot on my tires, which meant a replacement was necessary. For a few days, I poked around online, read reviews and talked to friends. Finally, I bought a set of Hankook Ventus V12s from a friend's recommendation. They were in my price range, comfortable and quiet.

Jalopnik's own tire son, Mike Ballaban, also needed a set of summer tires for his Lexus. He simply went on Tire Rack and found a set of performance tires that fit his Lexus that were also comfortable and sporty.

What are some of the things we should consider when buying tires? Things to watch out for? What's your secret to buying a good set of tires?