Hyundai presents new technology. This allows chains to be integrated directly into the tires. It’s easy to use: just press a single button. If such a system raises many questions, its main advantage is immediate: we will be able to forget the heavy chore of fitting snow chains.
We regularly mention Hyundai in our columns. Sometimes to unveil the brand’s new products, like the very powerful Ioniq 6 N electric car. Sometimes to present the vehicles in its fleet, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 that we tested at the start of the year. Or to explain the brand’s work to improve the daily lives of drivers thanks to innovations around engines, batteries and even tires.
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In this last area, Hyundai has just presented an innovation that could radically transform the driving experience in winter conditions, but not only. All drivers in French mountainous regions are also affected. Remember that it is mandatory to have winter tires, chains or snow socks from November 1, 2023 and until March 31, 2024. This includes a certain number of drivers.
Hyundai invents tires with integrated snow chains
What is this innovation? This is’a wheel system including the tire and equipped with “integrated snow chains”which can be deployed or retracted at the touch of a button. The brand details how this tire works in an official video that you can watch at the end of this article. You can see the wires which are embedded in the grooves. These are made from alloys with shape memory. They can be activated and expanded when an electrical current is sent through them. So, in case of difficult road conditions or when the law requires the use of snow chains, simply to press a button. And when it’s no longer needed, a button is also enough. The alloy then returns to its original shape, pushing the wire loop above the level of the tread.
Thanks to this new system, drivers no longer need to equip themselves with snow chains. And, most importantly, it could eliminate the complicated and uncomfortable process of manual installation of snow chains. Of course, this innovation raises some questions. Is this system compatible with all rim sizes? Is there any specific electronic maintenance? What happens in the event of a puncture? How fast can you drive? And these are just a few examples. Hyundai, however, has time to think about it, since this is preliminary work and not a product ready for marketing.