The Belshina Bel-118 truck tire has a somewhat specific application area. It was created for intercity tourist buses produced by the Minsk Automobile Plant. However, the manufacturer allows year-round operation of this model on any other truck equipment using tires with a similar mounting diameter. Another limitation is the adaptation of this model to asphalt-concrete pavements, where it demonstrates all its strong features, from a high level of ride comfort to a long service life.
Features of the tread pattern
Belarusian tire makers took into account the specific operating conditions of tires on intercity buses, using a number of simple but effective solutions. First of all, all tread elements of the Belshina Bel-118 are grouped into five longitudinal ribs, three of which form the central part. At the same time, the shoulder zones also have an open design. This structure provides the tire with significant traction properties, both on summer and winter types of coverage, as well as a number of other advantages, which will be discussed below.
S-shaped blocks of the central part of the tread
The central part of the tread is occupied by a multitude of individual blocks, which form three longitudinal ribs. A distinctive feature of these tread elements is a shape that vaguely resembles the letter S. This configuration allowed us to significantly reduce the number of blocks, while providing the contact patch with a sufficient number of traction edges. In turn, this led to an increase in their size and, as a consequence, an improvement in a number of important tire characteristics. First of all, traction on a dry road, rolling resistance, and directional stability.
Main features of Belshina Bel-118
- the tire was created specifically for intercity tourist buses produced by the Minsk Automobile Plant;
- S-shaped blocks of the central part of the tread provide the tire with excellent traction on dry and wet roads, directional stability at high speeds, and reduced rolling resistance;
- high resistance to aquaplaning, thanks to the excellent performance of the drainage system, which consists of numerous longitudinal and transverse channels capable of quickly and efficiently diverting not only water but also more heavy snow masses from the contact patch.
Enlarge 
BELARUS
Enlarge