Did you know that some wheels require a special lug nut key in order to remove tires from a vehicle? Your spare tire could also require a special key to unlock it.

Having locking lug nuts on each wheel and a lock on your spare tire holder provides an added layer of safety–and a certain level of peace of mind–by safeguarding tires from tampering and even theft. However, these locking devices require special tools for removal and replacement procedures.

Replacing a tire is never an enjoyable task. But it will be undoubtedly more frustrating if you cannot find the lug nut key or spare tire key.

"Without these special tools, a simple tire change can become a major event if you are on the side of the highway–this is especially true if you are towing a horse trailer," said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians