Hyundai, Kia develop ‘snow-chain-integrated’ tire technology

Seoul – Korean automotive majors Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. have unveiled a new tire technology to make driving in winter conditions safer and easier in the winter.

Unlike traditional snow chains, which are complicated to install and remove, the technology automatically deploys the snow chains “at the push of a button”.

The 'snow chain-integrated' system uses shape-memory-alloy modules located inside the wheel and tire, explained Hyundai's 10 Dec announcement.

The technology consists of a wheel & tire assembly that feature radial grooves at regular intervals, continued the vehicle maker.

The design, it said, is “like a pizza, with modules made of shape-memory-alloy inserted into these channels.” 

During normal driving, the modules located inside the wheel are compressed into the shape of the letter ‘L’ and do not contact the road surface.

When the driver activates the function, an electric current is applied, causing the shape memory alloy to revert to its original profile forming a ‘J’ shape.

The modules, thereby, protrude to act as a ‘snow chain’ that improves grip, stability and safety on snowy roads.

Drivers can also recognise tire wear, if the surface is worn down to the height of the module in normal driving mode.

The technology is patent-pending in both South Korea and the US, with the two car makers ready “to consider mass production” following further technological development.