“During normal driving, the shape memory alloy located inside the wheel is compressed into the shape of the letter ‘L’ and does not contact the road surface,” Hyundai says. “When the driver activates the function, an electric current is applied, causing the shape memory alloy to revert to its original profile: the material forms a ‘J’ shape, pushing the module out of the tire to make contact with the surface, improving grip, stability, and safety on snowy roads.”
One added feature prevents any alloy spokes from breaking ranks and protruding before their time (due to a worn-out tire). If the surface of the tire is worn out, the driver is signaled to replace it so the vehicle doesn’t start grinding like a Flintstones car with a bad tire. Hyundai says the technology is patent-pending in both South Korea and the U.S., and plans to consider mass development after further testing. While instant tire chains will be a welcome relief, clearly, it’s only a matter of time before a button causes the tires to shoot out fire and melt the ice, or just hover above it.
