When shopping for nuts make sure they match the thread diameter, pitch and seat of the ones you are replacing. If these aren't the right fit, the new nut may hurt your expensive wheels. They can also ruin the mounting lugs for your vehicle, which is not a cheap proposition. And then there's the fact that improperly secured wheels make your car a potential hazard on the road. The three basic types of nuts are: conical seat (60 degrees taper "acorn" and "bulge"), mag or shank style, and spherical or ball seat. Thread diameter refers to the diameter of the stud measured across the shank at the outer edges of the threads. Thread-pitch means either the number of threads per inch or if metric, the distance in millimeters between threads. The seat means the area on the wheel where the nut will clamp down.

Manufacturers only recommend one wheel lock lug nut per wheel to keep your wheels from being stolen. The wheel lock lug nuts come with a special tool that you attach to your wrench so that only you can unlock your wheels. Custom lug nuts can have special chrome plating so they are resistant to rust and normal wear and tear. This kind of nut also comes in different color caps so that they match the color of your custom wheels. After all, if you've invested in both custom wheels and nuts, you want them to look good together.

This very small investment can add value and protection to your wheels. It seems like a logical choice when you are going to the trouble to upgrade this part of your vehicle.