KUALA LUMPUR: Cycle & Carriage (C&C) shares five of the most common mistakes that the company's technicians see and how to avoid them with practical, preventive steps.
Mistake 1: Skipping regular servicing
Many drivers delay servicing, thinking that missing one or two visits won’t make a difference.
But postponing oil changes, brake checks, or filter replacements accelerates wear and tear and risks hidden issues going unnoticed.
Regular servicing isn’t just maintenance, it is preventive care that keeps your car safe, efficient, and reliable especially before a long road trip and with Malaysia’s harsh weather conditions.
Not to mention, preventing further damage that can be costly in the long run.
Practical steps: Mark your next service based on mileage or months, and stick to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to avoid unnecessary damage.
Mistake 2: Ignoring dashboard warning lights
Those glowing icons are not optional, dashboard lights are your car’s way of telling you something is wrong.
Still, many drivers keep going, hoping the issue will “fix itself” or that they will handle it when they are free.
According to experts, the three main dashboard lights you should never ignore are engine temperature warning lights which means your car is overheating, engine oil pressure warning lights which means engine oil level is critically low or there's an issue with the oil pressure system and handbrake warning lights which means either your handbrake isn't fully released or your brake fluid level is running low.
Ignoring any warning lights puts you at risk of turning a minor fix into a major breakdown.
Practical steps: Learn what the key dashboard symbols mean and treat every light as urgent.
Bringing your car in immediately for a diagnostic check at an authorised service centre to resolve issues before they escalate and save you from a tow truck tomorrow.
Mistake 3: Neglecting tyre care
Underinflated or worn tyres affect braking, fuel efficiency, and handling yet drivers frequently push aside tyre checks or would opt for a routine tyre pump and call it a day.
There are many aspects such as the tyre tread depth and assessments of cracks, bulges and even uneven wear which may go unchecked without a professional eye.
This is especially crucial in Malaysia’s rainy weather, tyre neglect can be especially risky.
Practical steps: Inspect tyre pressure monthly, rotate tyres every 10,000 km, and replace them when tread depth below 1.6mm.
Cycle & Carriage technicians can help spot issues drivers often miss during routine checks.
Mistake 4: Using the wrong fluids
Not all fluids are the same, yet many drivers assume “any oil or coolant will do.”
Using the wrong grade compromises your car’s performance and can cause long-term damage to key systems like the engine or transmission.
Possible consequences include system malfunctions, overheating and damages to different parts of your vehicle.
Practical steps: Always refer to your car’s manual for the right specifications.
Whenever in doubt, always consult your technician before topping up any fluids or best yet have them administer and recommend the best grade fluids for your car.
Mistake 5: Overlooking battery health
Batteries are often forgotten until the car won’t start.
Frequent short trips, extreme weather, or simply age can shorten battery life, yet most drivers delay checks until it is too late.
A sudden breakdown from a weak battery is one of the most common and most avoidable driver headaches.
Practical steps: Watch for signs such as dim headlights or slow engine cranking and battery warning indicators.
Cycle & Carriage provides battery diagnostics during routine servicing to prevent roadside surprises.
Role of professional after-sales service
Authorised service centres like Cycle & Carriage offer expert after-sales care, combining genuine parts, certified technicians, and advanced diagnostic systems to maintain your car to the highest standards.
Professional servicing does not just fix problems; it prevents them, helping your car last longer and perform better.
If you’re looking to give your Mercedes-Benz car the care it deserves, head to any Cycle & Carriage Autohaus across West Malaysia.
For Leapmotor and Peugeot cars, you can head on over to Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves in Klang Valley or George Town in Penang for your routine servicing.
To make an appointment, call 1800-22-8000 or visit Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz or Cycle & Carriage Leapmotor or Cycle & Carriage Peugeot to learn more about our after-sales services.
