We have all experienced the smell of burning rubber. Some like it, most don't. 

Soon you’ll be able to get a tyre which almost comes up smelling like roses. Well, actually, lavender to be exact.

Korean company Kumho has developed what it calls Aroma Technology tyres which give off a perfumed scent when the rubber compound is warmed up by road friction.

Kumho says the perfume, predominantly lavender with hints of mint, iris and white musk, can be smelt within a 10m radius of the vehicle.

Kumho says the Aroma Technology tyre, in addition to smelling more pleasant than conventional tyre rubber, has distinct practical advantages.

The molecules in aromatic oils are more stable than conventional petrochemical oils when heated, reinforcing the bonding of the rubber compound and improving the visco-elasticity of the tyre.

The result is that the Aroma tyre has above-average traction and braking performance, improved ride comfort and very low noise characteristics.

Kumho says comparison tests against a conventional compound tyre with the same tread pattern show that the Aroma compound reduces braking distances by 7.5 per cent, improves ride comfort by 7.0 per cent and lowers noise by 7.0 per cent.

Kumho has further reduced noise levels by using a supercomputer to design the tread pattern, applying Chaos Random Technology (CRT) to minimise low-pitched tyre hum.

The company says the Aroma tyre’s lavender scent will last for about one year of average use, but that even after that time the tyre will continue to exhibit superior performance characteristics.

Kumho chose lavender oil as the base for the Aroma Technology because of its therapeutic qualities.

The essential oil of the lavender flower has long been used in herbal remedies as an anti-inflammatory and as an infusion for soothing coughs and colds.

Kumho says the idea to develop the Aroma tyre was the result of an intra-company staff competition for the best new idea.

The company has recently been making a name for itself with a series of technological innovations, including a drift racing tyre that gives off either red, blue or yellow-coloured smoke and an over-sized 32in low profile tyre for the latest generation of high performance four-wheel-drive wagons.

The Kumho Aroma Technology tyre is now available in a range of sizes for 15, 16 and 17in wheels.

For details of sizes and to find your nearest Kumho dealer, go to www.kumho.com.au

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