Frequently Asked Questions
General Auto Repair FAQs
How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.
Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.
What does it mean if my "check engine" or "service engine soon" light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle's engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the "check engine" light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.
What should I do if my car starts to overheat?
This is a very serious problem - if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to the nearest, trusted auto repair facility.
When should I get my oil changed?
You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Why is engine oil milky brown?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.
How do I make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?
Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.
Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates.
When should I replace my car's fuel filter?
To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car's fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
When should I change my spark plugs?
For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.
I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?
Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to "blow," you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.
How do I know if I need new brake pads?
Squealing or grinding noises when braking, a vibration in the brake pedal, or longer stopping distances can mean your brake pads need replacing. Inspect most brake pads every 10,000–12,000 miles.
Why is my air conditioning not blowing cold air?
This is often caused by low refrigerant from a small leak, a failing compressor, or an electrical issue. Inspect A/C systems periodically, since low refrigerant can damage the compressor over time.
How often should I replace my cabin air filter?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 15,000–30,000 miles, or roughly once a year, to keep cabin air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently.
What does the tire pressure warning light mean?
This light means one or more tires are significantly under- or over-inflated. Driving on improperly inflated tires reduces fuel economy, increases wear, and raises the risk of a blowout.
How often should I get a wheel alignment?
Most vehicles benefit from an alignment check once a year, or any time you notice uneven tire wear or the car pulling to one side. Hitting a pothole or curb can throw off alignment sooner.
Shop FAQs
Does Discovery Automotive work on Land Rover, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Yes. We specialize in British and European luxury vehicles, with a Land Rover Master Certified Technician on staff and dealer-level diagnostic equipment for Land Rover, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. We also service all other makes and models.
Are your technicians certified?
Yes. Our team includes an ASE Certified Master Technician and a factory-trained Land Rover Master Certified Technician, so we service your vehicle to manufacturer standards, no matter what you drive.
Will having my car serviced here void my manufacturer or extended warranty?
No. Discovery Automotive honors extended warranties and uses OEM parts and fluids, and federal law protects your right to have maintenance and repairs performed at an independent shop without voiding your manufacturer's warranty.
Do you offer loaner or courtesy vehicles?
Yes. We provide loaner cars for all major service work, with courtesy cars also available, so you're never stuck without a way to get where you need to go.
Can I drop my car off outside of business hours?
Yes. We offer 24/7 drop-off. Fill out our night drop form and leave your keys in the drop box, and we'll begin working on your vehicle as soon as we open.
How long will my repair take?
We complete many repairs, including oil changes and routine maintenance, the same day. More involved repairs may take longer, and our team will give you a time estimate when you schedule or drop off your vehicle.
What can I expect while I wait?
Our comfortable lobby offers complimentary WiFi, and you may be greeted by one of our shop dogs! We also keep an in-house electronic history of your vehicle, so we can easily pull up your records on future visits.
Is Discovery Automotive locally owned?
Yes. We're a locally owned, family-run shop serving Cary and the greater Raleigh area since 2005, with more than 45 years of combined technician experience.
Is Discovery Automotive an eco-friendly shop?
Yes. Our Cary auto repair shop is solar-powered as part of our commitment to clean energy and sustainable auto repair.
We're at 1400 SE Maynard Road in Cary, NC, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. Call us or schedule service online anytime.