More than 75,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are serviced annually, supported by over 160 certified technicians across three service centres island-wide.

Scale is nothing without standards, of course, so every procedure is benchmarked to what the marque expects at its most advanced facilities worldwide.

On top of servicing regular models, this facility houses a Mercedes-AMG workshop, a Mercedes-Maybach workshop and a Body & Paint Centre of Competence, Singapore’s only facility certified at the highest level by Mercedes-Benz for full-scale body restoration and factory-grade refinishing.

The stand-out here is the Daisy Wheel, the first of its kind in Asia, automating paint mixing to 0.1-gram accuracy.

In the diagnostic bays, technicians demonstrated Xentry, the global platform that communicates directly with a vehicle’s electronic systems to run guided tests, configure components and install manufacturer-approved software.

The result is straightforward: repairs that are not just quick, but correct the first time, and updates that leave the car feeling fresher rather than simply fixed.

For all the theatre of tools and telemetrics, the thread running through the day was human.

“Having spent the past 12 years with Mercedes-Benz Operations across key markets like China and Malaysia, I have experienced first-hand how a strong focus on aftersales service shapes the customer journey. My ambition is to build on my overseas experience to further enhance our strong capabilities here in Singapore through our extensive Aftersales network, including the Mercedes-Benz Centre, Pandan Loop, and Eunos, and investing in our people by deepening our technical capabilities, and ensuring that every customer’s experience with Cycle & Carriage remains seamless, premium, and world-class.”

Thomas Tok, Chief Operating Officer, Mercedes-Benz Operations at Cycle & Carriage

So what does all this mean for an owner? Beyond routine servicing, you get a holistic, manufacturer-aligned experience, with genuine parts, factory-trained technicians, and a all-round great service culture.

Peace of mind, preserved value, and a car that feels as poised on year five as it did on week one. Isn’t that the quiet luxury we’re all really paying for?

“Through rigorous diagnostics, we perform preventive maintenance that keeps every system running at its best, while tapping into Mercedes-Benz’s global network of technical specialists. Witnessing these processes in action shows how our people, our tools, and Cycle & Carriage expertise work together exactly as the manufacturer intended to meet customer expectations.”

Gary Chan, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Aftersales

“Aftersales” sounds transactional after going through the tour; what we saw was anything but. It was people who treat your car as if it carries their name on the boot lid.

So, next time you birng your car in for a service, rest assured it is greatly taken care of.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Modern cars are generally well-built and durable, thanks to improvements in manufacturing technology. However, your car is only as good as its weakest link, or part in this case. Over time, wear and tear can cause various parts of a car to fail, and this can introduce strange noises while operating your vehicle.

Unusual sounds typically signal the need to replace a part. Should the issue persist, it might snowball into more severe problems. Here are some common sounds you might hear:

Engine having knocking or tapping noises

If your car’s engine is making weird knocking or pinging sounds, it could mean that the wrong fuel was used in your car. Pumping in incorrect octane levels for your car is the most common cause of this.

Thankfully, this isn’t a serious issue. Just make sure you give your car the right fuel next time you hit the pumps.

On the flip side, if you hear distinct tapping sounds coming from your engine, this could mean that your engine oil levels are low. Continue running without sufficient oil, and your engine will self-destruct down the line, so make sure it’s topped up at all times. 

It’s good practice to periodically check your oil levels too, as this can help spot potential oil leaks in your car.

Loud noises from the exhaust

Unlike the ever-annoying pop-and-bang engine tunes, a loud “boom” noise produced from your car’s exhaust could be due to a faulty catalytic converter. 

Best to get this one checked as soon as possible, as faulty catalytic converters can even cause fires if not addressed.

Metal grinding noises when braking

This is usually a tell-tale sign that your brake pads are wearing out. Ignore this, and the grinding sound can translate into more serious problems down the line.

If bare metal rubs against your rotors, this could be a costly repair bill to replace, so get those pads checked!

Metal grinding noises in general

This is different from braking, as metal-on-metal grinding sounds can mean something on your car is out of alignment. Each and every component of a car should work in unison, and two components rubbing against each other is obviously not good.

This isn’t isolated to a particular area of a car too, and the severity of the issue is all down to what component is causing the issue.

Screech or Squeal each time you turn the wheel

If each time you turn the wheel and you hear a weird squealing or screeching sound, it may indicate that your power steering fluid is low, thus causing a lot of friction.

Alternatively, if you hear this noise but the wheel turns easily, then it could be a loose or worn power steering belt instead.

Sizzling noises

Similar to that hot plate dish you just ordered from a restaurant, sizzling sounds coming from the engine bay can mean excess fluid is coming into contact with the car’s hot engine. This fluid could be oil, transmission fluid, or coolant. 

The sound can also be attributed to an overheating engine, which is caused by the lack of sufficient coolant fluid. If you hear this sound, quickly pull over at a safe spot and turn off your engine.

DO NOT attempt to open your bonnet or any component until your car has cooled down. Some fluids can easily reach extremely high temperatures, and can easily scald you if you’re not careful. 

Flowing water

Each time you apply the brakes, you might hear the sound of rushing water or fluid running through your car’s systems.

This sound might indicate that your car’s brake fluid is leaking, and without enough fluid in your system, this could lead to issues like brake loss, so it’s best to get this checked out.

Subdued cracking noises when idling

This typically means your water pump might be kicking the bucket soon.

Water pump bearings with weakened seals, in conjunction with the belt rubbing against it, may cause strange cranking sounds to emanate from the car.

Peace of mind with AutoApp

Unusual sounds should be addressed immediately, as persistent problems can result in costly repair bills down the line.

If you notice a strange sound coming from your car but do not know how to diagnose it, why not give AutoApp a try?

Best of all, AutoApp is now running a promotion for basic servicing for new customers! Score $20 off your first servicing with us with the promo code – FOMO20. Better yet, all first-time customers also receive free concierge services (Collection & Delivery only) for your first booking with us!

Limited to the first 50 customers, so get started on AutoApp’s mobile app today, and claim your discount now!

Terms & Conditions

1. Valid for first 50 New Customers only.
2. Promo code must be mentioned during booking.
3. Promo code is only valid for servicing packages.
4. Booking must be received before 31st July 2023.
5. Free Collection & Delivery (U.P. $68) will also apply for all first-time customers.
6. Prevailing $5 booking fee & GST will apply.
7. Not valid with any other offers.

Have no fear, AutoApp has you covered on that. This article breaks down the common aspects you can look out for when shopping for that next set of wheels. Make an informed decision, and you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank with your new ride.

Engine

The engine is the very heart of the car and is obviously a key component. Over time, stresses induced when driving will invite huge amounts of wear and tear, particularly if an engine hasn’t been regularly serviced.

When dealing with a used car, it is a good practice to turn the engine over and let it idle for a short duration. This enables you to hear for any potential defects that might exist. Odd sounds are not something that would come from a prim and proper engine.

As an additional safety net, when possible you can also have a mechanic look over the engine bay, to ensure that all is in good order before committing to that big purchase.

Leaks

One of the easiest things to spot on a used car are fluid leaks. There are numerous fluids that run in, around and under the engine, and a well-maintained car shouldn’t spring a leak. 

When you view a used car, check underneath for signs of any fluid leak. If there’s oil on the ground under the car or lots of sludge under the car, chances are an oil leak has occurred.

It’s good practice to open the bonnet too and check all around the engine for other leaks. Oil leaks are usually brown or black in nature. Coolant, also known as antifreeze in some countries, is usually green, pink or yellow, often denoted by their almost fluorescent-like appearance. Gearbox and power steering fluid are both reddish brown in colour. How to tell them apart? Well, gearbox fluid is usually thicker in consistency, while power steering fluid is more viscous.

If you see any such leak on the car, it’s worth getting it seen by an expert so you know the exact problem, and what it’ll cost to fix. Fluids may seem like a trivial matter, but can sometimes cost a bomb to repair.

Oil

Apart from leaks, checking the oil in an engine is an extremely easy task that shouldn’t be forgotten during the buying process. Pop out the dipstick, and check if the reading is at the correct level. The oil shouldn’t be discoloured or has the wrong consistency too.

If it’s possible, check to see if the oil filter has been properly serviced, and not something that has been left there since the car left the showroom.

Head gasket

This one is a little more advanced, but it’s worth a read if you want to make sure an engine is in proper working order. The head gasket is a thin engine component that sits between the lower and upper parts of the engine. Its purpose is to prevent coolant or engine oil from entering the engine’s cylinders, much like a seal.

A blown head gasket is never a good sign, as this can cause a variety of problems. Cars suffering from this may experience a smoky exhaust, loss of power, a rough-sounding engine, or even total engine failure.

So how do you go about examining this? Make sure the engine is cool, then proceed to remove the oil cap from the top of the engine. If you see white or light brown sludge with a sauce-like consistency, you’re probably looking at the aftermath of a blown head gasket. At that juncture, it’s probably worth walking away from the deal. A blown head gasket may conceal a lot more problems underneath, and it’s hard to know what other damage the problem has caused.

Exhaust smoke colours 

Turn over the engine and walk to the exhausts of the car. A little puff of smoke when cold starting an engine is usually nothing serious, but watch the exhaust for a few minutes as it’s a telltale sign of a problem if it remains. 

Blue smoke means the engine is burning oil, which could indicate a blown head gasket or problems with the internal engine seals. 

White smoke can be harder to spot as it is hard to distinguish from steam, but excessive white smoke can also point to a head gasket failure. Unlike blue smoke, it is now coolant entering the cylinders and being burned with fuel.

Black smoke, the least concerning of the three, is usually caused by the engine burning too much fuel. It’s usually easier to rectify than the other two, but should be addressed too regardless in order to get a healthy running engine.

Bodywork

Examining the exterior of a car is one of the easiest visual inspections you can do. What you’re looking out for are any signs of repainting or replacement panels that might suggest the car has previously been in an accident.

For older cars, it is also a good practice to check for rust on all metal body panels. An early indication is bubbling under the paint but it can lead to visible rust if untreated. 

Wheels and tyres

Check all four wheels, plus the spare wheel if the car has one, and look for signs of damage to each wheel. Kerb rash is a common sight and isn’t usually a serious problem, but wheels that are bent or have large dents in the rims will need repairing or replacing.

Check all of the threads of the tyres too. They should be free from cuts, splits, gouges or bulges. Tyres are the only thing in contact with the road, so keeping them in good condition is essential for safety. If you see any of these signs, they’ll need replacing. 

Interior

One good tip we can give is to inspect the condition of a car’s interior. This is a good indication of whether the car’s mileage and odometer are genuine. A car with 20,000 kilometres on the clock should have an interior that looks almost like new. If the car looks tired and worn, you know something is up.

Of course, checking for rips or tears in the upholstery and cabin is good. But, what’s more, important is to check that all of the equipment works, from the lights to the HVAC system. All electrical features should be in working order. Budget for repairs if you spot anything amiss. 

Mileage and warning lights

While performing the other engine checks listed above, it is also good to check if there are any visible warning lights on the car.

Cars that have dashboards that light up like Christmas trees are definitely a sign you should probably stay away.

Take a test drive

You can only know so much when the car is static and parked. Whenever possible, request to take a test drive. Some buyers may not entertain this option, but be firm with them. Any reputable dealer will be happy to accompany you on a drive.

Try the car at a variety of speeds, and listen out for engine noise and any irritating rattles. Make sure the brakes and clutch are responsive and in full working order, too.

Used car documentation

The holy grail of used car purchases is a folder with all of the car’s documentation. This enables you to check the car’s history for any work carried out and all parts fitted. Plus it allows you to check the mileage against what’s displayed on the dashboard.

A service book is a valuable document too, as you can see who has serviced the car, and when.

If you are still not sure, fret not! AutoApp is here to help. Our team of experts can help assess your car, and determine any faults that may be present. Our trusted service translates to peace of mind for you!

AutoApp has always been an ambitious project, with the main challenge of providing quality service whilst making it convenient and as fuss-free as possible for busy owners who are looking to service their vehicles but simply do not have the time.

Two years on, AutoApp has surpassed over a thousand registered users and is continuously expanding to offer more automotive services for both you and your vehicle.

How it started

The idea of AutoApp came to be when one of its founders, Sheldon Trollope, felt frustrated when he had to spend precious time waiting in line for his vehicle’s road tax renewal inspection. Time which could have been better spent pursuing other endeavours, while someone else handles this mundane vehicular chore for him. 

“Joel (Tam) and I commiserated about this one day and he also noted that when it comes to car advice, we were the go-to guys in our respective circles. So we decided there and then, that we could turn our expertise into a business and that’s how AutoApp was born.” 

To get the service off the ground, the pair roped in co-founder Alvin Tan, who had more than a decade of operational experience in the car after-sales industry. As a team, they had the perfect combination of skill sets to launch AutoApp. 

How has it grown thus far

What started out as after-office-hours meetings and scribbles on pizza boxes has now grown into a full-fledged mobile application, with over a thousand registered users in two years. To date, the AutoApp Singapore team has serviced more than 250 vehicles and received the satisfaction of more than 200 happy customers. The app has also received glowing reviews consistently, a testament to something that the team is doing right. 

“By the time we celebrated our second anniversary in August, we’ve garnered a database of over 1,500 car owners and served close to 600 jobs. Our 100 percent 5-star rating across Google, Facebook, and our app speaks volumes about our customer service levels. I’m also proud to share that the metric that keeps our team going strong is the increasing repeat-customer rate which is climbing every week, despite us acquiring new customers at an equally encouraging pace.” added Joel Tam.

This growth has been incredible to the team, and now we have set new goals on taking this service overseas too, starting a brand new chapter in AutoApp’s history books!

Thank you for the support you’ve given to us

From the team here at AutoApp, we want to thank each and every cars-tomers (as we affectionately call them) and all our partners for supporting and putting their trust in us.

Aside from the convenience we bring, we continue to prioritise the roadworthiness of every car we serve, and we strive to continue serving you and your vehicle with the utmost highest quality service.

If you like to learn more about AutoApp and its services, check out our website or download the app today!