Hyundai, Kia unveil snow tire-transforming technology

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. unveiled a tire technology that can transform regular tires into snow tires with the simple push of a button, the companies announced on Monday.

Featuring shape memory alloy modules embedded within the tires, this tech allows these modules to change shape upon activation.

Normally compressed into an L shape within tire grooves, they switch to a J shape when the driver activates the snow chain function through the center display screen.

This transformation causes the modules to protrude from the tire, creating a textured surface for enhanced grip on snowy roads.

A key safety feature of this technology is its wear indicator. When the tire wears down to the height of the modules in normal driving mode, it becomes evident, alerting the driver to replace the tire for safety.

Hyundai Motor and Kia applied for patents for this technology in South Korea and the US. They are focused on further developing the technology, including conducting durability and performance tests, before considering mass production.

Write to Sungsu Bae at baebae@hankyung.com