A striking image of a Peugeot 208 hatchback in a Marseille parking area, unusually fitted with four narrow wheels, has recently surfaced. This unconventional setup, far from being a collection of typical spare tires, features specialized “universal wheels” manufactured by the French firm Enovcar, designed for practical applications in vehicle servicing.
\nThese unique wheels serve a crucial purpose within automotive workshops and garages. They provide an efficient method for repositioning cars that are otherwise immobile due to issues like seized brakes, transmission failures, or even fully depleted electric vehicle batteries. Beyond handling breakdowns, they are also invaluable when a car's original wheels are removed for reconditioning or extended storage, ensuring the vehicle can still be easily maneuvered within a repair facility. The “universal wheel” system boasts an adaptable hub that can securely attach to vehicles with either four or five lug nuts, highlighting its versatility. While highly functional, these specialized wheels are intended for low-speed movement, with a maximum recommended speed of 5 mph (8 km/h). They also offer a "spinner" mode, enabling a vehicle to be rotated in place at speeds below 2 mph (3 km/h), a feature particularly useful for tight spaces or precise positioning. Switching between standard roller and spinner modes is quick, taking only about 30 seconds.
\nIt’s important to note the practical limitations of these universal wheels: each wheel can support a maximum load of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) and weighs 22 pounds (10 kilograms) itself. Enovcar is not the sole innovator in this niche market; competitors like Guni Wheel X also offer similar "universal automotive repositioning" solutions, further underscoring the growing demand for efficient tools to manage and move disabled or maintenance-bound vehicles.
\nThe ingenuity behind these universal wheels underscores a proactive approach to problem-solving in the automotive service industry. Such innovations streamline operations, enhance safety for mechanics, and ultimately contribute to more efficient vehicle maintenance and repair processes. It highlights how creativity and practicality can converge to address seemingly niche challenges, benefiting both service providers and vehicle owners by simplifying complex logistical tasks.