No need for heated storage

Q: I have a deep-cycle battery for my camper that I keep in my unheated garage. I have it on a maintenance charger. Should I look for a heated garage during the winter, or will the charger keep it ready (and undamaged) for next season?

A: The charger will be all you need. Maintaining the charge also will cause the battery to stay warm internally.

Q: I drive a 2021 Kia Sorento that needs new tires. The security key to unlock the wheels is missing. The tire shop says they can replace the tires and put normal lug nuts on. Or, they said, I can contact Kia and order a new security key for $80. I’m planning to tell the tire shop to change the tires and put the old-fashioned lug nuts on. Any thoughts?

A: There are readily available tools for removing locking lug nuts, so I’m not sure what sort of safety benefit they offer. Go for regular nuts and save yourself some money.

Q: I have a 2011 Hyundai Genesis that has been a very good car for me. One issue I’ve been dealing with since last winter is that the right front tire loses air over time, causing the dashboard low-tire warning light to come on. I find it to especially be a nuisance when the weather turns cold. I recently visited my mechanic for an oil change and mentioned the tire issue. They reported back to me that they could not locate or determine where or what was causing the leak. Would you recommend that I take it to a tire store for their opinion?

A: Yes, tire stores have seen all sorts of tire issues and are more likely to find the problem.

Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.