For me, it boils down to safety yet the translation is a bit more complicated. I do think we all have our 'list' of things important and try to side on the advantages our choice brings with a realization it's all about what we are willing to compromise on.
Climate and environment ring highest on my strategy so narrowing really depends on where I live and drive. I simply won't settle for a modest performing tire in snow, cold or slushy conditions. I want the better or best but compromise you say ? Yes, I limit my choice to the all season variety. Somewhat aggressive with sipes , yet a good performing tire in other categories important to me.
Luxury or comfort ride, quiet and mediocre tread life. Winter visits us with nasty roads or conditions but maybe a handful of times per season here in lower 7000- 6800. I can live with A/S since we get 20 or 25 + days a month of dry roads or not dicey snow-covered anyways.
That compromise offers me tires I can manage fine in the wintery stuff without going full dedicated winter tires. Yes, that would mean I'm too lazy , cheap or both to bother with extra sets of wheels/tires and the related mounting, storage etc.... I've driven snow and icy stuff though the seasons all my driving days coming up on 40-some years of my near 60. A dozen of those years were route/territory-based travel of 30,000 + miles per year.
*Confidence , experience and assertiveness can thread the needle with respect to driving conditions and ability, yet too much can get you into trouble. Knowing the limits and not testing them too often can make driving a bit fun or somewhat of a sport.
Tires listed here with links are;
-Conti DWS I ran a few of these for years on a sport coupe and a bit pricy. Arguably one of the better or best All season high perf tires easily available. They did superb on a rwd in Colorado.
-Pirelli Scorpion Verde, also liked enough to buy more than once, well suited for our 3 row SUV, luxury ride and quiet, good in the city area- snow and slush, likely not up to the traction if required as the DWS but a good all-rounder. ie; DWS could do well in the high country conditions better.
-Lastly is a tire I'm thinking of trying; Quatrac 5. Seems to be rated well, reasonable price if not 'cheap' and def aggressive looking tread.
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