Wheel locking nuts are fitted to most modern vehicles as an anti-theft measure to help protect alloy wheels from removal without the correct key. They are used across a wide range of makes and models, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and many others.

While designs vary between manufacturers, all locking wheel nuts operate on the same principle: a unique key pattern is required to remove and refit the bolt. This improves security but can create issues if the locking key is lost, damaged, or does not match the original set.

Common problems include seized wheel bolts caused by corrosion, worn or rounded locking patterns, or damage from previous incorrect removal attempts. Road salt and environmental exposure can also cause bolts to bind to the wheel hub over time, making them difficult to remove without specialist equipment.

Many locking systems also include anti-tamper features such as spinning collars or complex patterned heads. These are designed to prevent forced removal methods and require professional tools for safe extraction.