Mobility has been a dilemmatic necessity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Going out using public transportation might mean risking exposure to the virus in the crowd, while using a personal vehicle might mean routine maintenance is necessary.

A prolonged quarantine, whether self-imposed or mandatory, can make people drive less and less. However, having a reliable car is more necessary than ever in times of crisis, as a medical emergency might be just around the corner. Should such a situation arise, faulty brakes or a drained battery are the last things anyone would want to discover when they turn the ignition key.

Mochamad Tofan, a 40-year-old entrepreneur from Bandung, prevents any possibility of having his beloved vehicle jammed.

"I take my car for routine maintenance to [my chosen] official authorized workshop," said Tofan, who owns a Mercedes-Benz W204. It is also common wisdom to drive each car at least two times a month to keep the battery in shape, for a minimum of 16 kilometers or 20 minutes. Merely turning on cars in an idle position will not have the same positive effect as it just depletes the battery power.

Ready to roll?: Long period of immobility can deteriorate the condition of any car and regular checkups are necessary. (Personal Collection/Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Indonesia) (Personal Collection/Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Indonesia)

Tofan, a member of Mercedes-Benz W204 Club (MBW204Cl) Bandung Chapter, chooses the Benz for its comfort and safety factors. Although Tofan has not had any concerns regarding maintenance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand did not sit still. Aiming to provide the best customer experience, Mercedes-Benz has paid special attention to all aspects of safety and efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia, the multinational division of Mercedes-Benz AG, now offers the ExpressService for its loyal customers in the Greater Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya areas so all Benz can keep their performance up during these challenging times. 

"Amid this pandemic, we understand that many customers want to check their Mercedes-Benz vehicles safely, comfortably and in a short period of time. Therefore, we present the ExpressService as a form of our commitment to provide extra services to customers," said Choi Duk Jun, president director, PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia.

The maintenance program guarantees the highest quality standards for Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle maintenance to meet the warranty criteria in just one hour by two expert technicians. These technicians are equipped with special equipment to ensure the quality and efficiency of the leading German automobile manufacturer's vehicle service.

With less time spent at authorized workshops, Mercedes-Benz expects that customers can feel more comfortable and safe in carrying out regular maintenance for their vehicles.

Necessary checkups

Mercedes-Benz recommends filling up fuel tanks to avoid the buildup of condensation and applying a gentle push to the brakes after a long period of being unused, especially if the cars are kept in wet or damp conditions that might cause oxidation on the surface of the brake disks.

Taking it to authorized workshops that offer ExpressService periodic maintenance is an easy alternative for busy owners.

"The ExpressService includes periodic services, such as oil changes, oil filter changes, AC filters and brake oil changes, and must be ordered in advance by making an appointment at an authorized Mercedes-Benz workshop," said the company through its official release.

In good hands: Two expert technicians armed with advanced toolkits will be in charge of the ExpressService. (Personal Collection/Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Indonesia) (Personal Collection/Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Indonesia)

It is recommended to prioritize tire checks, oil changes, brakes checks as well as the air conditioning system during regular vehicle maintenance.

The service is part of the three-year Integrated Service Package or five-year StarService maintenance package. However, it is also accessible for Mercedes-Benz customers who have not yet received a valid Integrated Service Package or five-year StarService, although regular maintenance fees will be applicable.

Wider reach

When first introduced in December 2018, the one-hour ExpressService locations were only available at PT Cakrawala Automotif Rabhasa and PT Panji Rama Otomotif, Gandaria, in Jakarta. In December 2019, it added PT Hartono Raya Motor in Surabaya and PT Mercindo Autorama Mampang in Jakarta to the list of providers.

Realizing the potential of higher demand for the service, the official workshops of Mercedes-Benz Citrakarya Pranata, Bandung and Panji Rama Otomotif, Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City, followed suit to inaugurate the ExpressService at their locations in November 2021. 

Mercedes-Benz also plans to introduce other official workshops that provide swift service in the near future.