Some things to remember about lug nuts:
- In a pinch, if you are missing the lug nuts from one wheel, it is usually possible to take one from each of the other three wheels, and fasten the fourth wheel on with three lug nuts. Do try and get some replacements ASAP, though.
- Some cars have four lug nuts on each wheel, and some have five; either way, the nuts should be placed as evenly as possible. It's important to first loosely attach each nut to its bolt, then tighten opposing bolts, following the five-pointed star pattern, or kitty-corner if you have four-lug wheels. This ensures even distribution of torque, and prevents undue stress on any one bolt.