2013 A4 quattro basic model. Need to take my wheels off. I have the standard 17" wheels with the 5 attachment nuts. How do I remove the 5 branch nut locking mechanism? Must be a device supplied with the spare tire? Thanks in advance for the info.

 

I think you are talking about the plastic caps Audi typically puts on their wheel lugs. Look in the toolkit of your car for a plastic U shaped piece.

Wheel Cap Removal - Click Here - if you can't find it you could try making one like this out of a loop of wire.