Why This Peugeot 208 Has Four Skinny Wheels

Spotting a car with one skinny tire is not unusual, as it is often a space-saving spare wheel. However, seeing all four wheels looking like that is quite rare. Recently, in Marseille, a Peugeot 208 was seen parked with what looked like four spare wheels. In reality, the car was fitted with a product called the “universal wheel,” manufactured by the French company Enovcar.

Purpose of the Universal Wheel

The universal wheel is designed for repair shops to move cars that cannot be driven normally. This includes situations where the brakes are stuck, the transmission is damaged, or the vehicle’s battery is completely dead. It is also used when a car owner wants to refurbish the original wheels. While the Peugeot 208 is also available as an electric vehicle, this particular model had Stellantis’ three-cylinder petrol engine.

How the Universal Wheel Works

The universal wheel attaches via an interchangeable hub with 10 bolts. It is compatible with vehicles that have either four or five lug nuts. Enovcar recommends not exceeding a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) when using these wheels. There is also a “spinner mode” that allows the wheel to rotate freely in any direction, making it easier to park, turn, or rotate the car in place. However, spinner mode is limited to 2 mph (3 km/h). Switching between roller and spinner modes takes about 30 seconds.

Limitations of the Universal Wheel

The maximum load per wheel is 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms), and each wheel weighs 22 pounds (10 kilograms). These wheels are not intended for regular driving but are highly effective for workshop use.

FAQs About the Peugeot 208’s Four Skinny Wheels

1. Are these skinny wheels spare tires?

No, they are called universal wheels, designed for moving cars in repair shops or when normal wheels are unavailable.

2. Can these universal wheels be used for long drives?

No, they are not meant for driving at high speeds or on public roads. They are intended only for slow movement in controlled spaces.

3. What is the maximum speed with these wheels?

In normal roller mode, the maximum recommended speed is 5 mph (8 km/h). In spinner mode, it is 2 mph (3 km/h).

4. Are they compatible with all vehicles?

They work with cars having four or five lug nuts, making them suitable for most common vehicles.

5. Who manufactures these wheels?

They are produced by Enovcar, a French company that specializes in automotive workshop equipment.