Every year, from 15 November to 15 April, the Italian winter regulations They force millions of motorists to mount winter tires or bring snow chains on board. It is an essential measure to ensure safety on snow -covered or frozen roads, particularly in some mountain regions or on highways subject to local ordinances.
But if it is no longer necessary to manually install the chains? This is the idea behind the new tire with integrated retractable chainspresented by Hyundai-Kia. A technological solution that aims to simplify the life of motorists, especially in the rigid winter months.
This innovative system involves the integration of League modules by form of form directly in the grooves of the tread. When the vehicle detects low grip conditions on snow or ice, the driver can activate chains with a simple touch on the car touchscreen display. The mechanical system will take care of automatically deploying them, guaranteeing adherence and safety in real time.
Thanks to this technology, the problems related to the assembly of traditional chains – often complicated and carried out in adverse weather conditions – could soon belong to the past.
Italian regulations and approval
Despite its potential, this invention is not yet available on the market. Before marketing, the tire with integrated chains He will have to pass rigorous tests to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
In Italy, tires must comply with specific regulations to be approved. The legislation currently provides that, in the winter months, the vehicles circulate:
At the moment, Hyundai-Kia has launched the recording of patents in South Korea and the United States, but has not yet requested homologation in Europe. This means that, if the product arrives in Italy without adapting to local regulations, Italian motorists could not consider it a substitute for the mandatory equipment provided for by law.
Failure to adapt to European regulations could curb the adoption of this technology, especially in a context in which approval is essential to respect regional ordinances and guarantee road safety.
Mandatory winter equipment in Italy: what the law says
The Italian legislation establishes that, during the winter, the vehicles must be equipped with suitable tools for dealing with snow and ice conditions. Here’s what is required:
- Winter tires (or four seasons): must report the symbol 3pmsfwhich guarantees compliance with the European regulations for adherence on snow.
- Snow chains: must be compatible with the size of the vehicle wheels and approved according to the standard UNI 11313 or equivalent standard.
- Alternative anti -crushing devices: like the so -called “snow socks”, provided they are approved.
Starting from the winter season 2024-2025, the tires marked only with the abbreviation M+s (Mud and Snow) will no longer be sufficient. Only 3pmsf certification tires will be mandatory.
If Hyundai-Kia intends to bring its innovative tires to the Italian market, it will have to guarantee that the system respects these regulations and is approved for use on the streets of our country.
A promising innovation, but still far from the Italian reality
The Integrated retractable chains tire It represents a great opportunity to revolutionize the way we face the winter roads. The possibility of activating the chains directly from inside the vehicle, without any physical effort and without stopping, could solve many of the difficulties related to driving in adverse weather conditions.
However, so that this technology becomes a reality in Italy, Hyundai-Kia will have to face regulatory challenges and obtain the homologation necessary to meet Italian and European laws.
Until then, Italian motorists will have to continue to rely on traditional systems to face winter safely.
