Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
You must have come across two separate terms when searching for manuals. One of them is called the workshop manual, and the other one is a factory service manual. Why are there two different manuals in the market, and what are the key differences between the two? Here we will help you figure that out.
To understand them, you need to know what they stand for first.
A factory manual is provided by the manufacturer and made for a particular vehicle produced by that brand. These manuals have limited information, but you can vouch for their accuracy.
On the other hand, there is a workshop manual, which is an in-depth guide to repairing a certain car regardless of the parts used. So, it doesn't matter if you have a Toyota and you are using aftermarket parts in it. The manual will tell you how to replace and repair the vehicle, even with those parts.
Major Differentiating Factors
When you buy a vehicle, a user manual comes in the package. However, this manual has rudimentary information about your car and its operation. So, if you are looking for something more detailed, you should buy a factory service manual. This guide is compiled and published by the vehicle manufacturer, and it has all the information about your car. If you want, you can use it when something goes wrong in your vehicle, and you want to repair it yourself. It also comes in handy for mechanics when the model is new, and there is no information about the car in the market.
Alternatively, workshop manuals come from third-party companies that provide an in-depth analysis of the vehicle and its common issues. These companies find faults inside the car and look for solutions. When the answers are found, they publish them in the workshop manual, so others can take advantage. You will see most mechanics and workshops using such manuals for repairs because they have a sea of information that is not readily available in a factory manual.
The largest difference between the two manuals is related to their origin. They come from different sources but have reliable information. However, since the factory service manual comes from the manufacturer, it has more authentic knowledge. The workshop manual is general and, at times, not too much in detail.
Moreover, factory manuals are printed on high-quality paper with informative pictures and diagrams to guide you on the right path. The workshop manual might not have that, but it is readily available, which is why most people prefer it over the factory alternative.
Both of them are available in hard copy or PDF form. You can buy and use them in whichever form you like. You can download free pdf car workshop manuals and factory service manuals on many websites online. If you look hard, you will be able to find your car's manual on these dedicated websites. The good thing is that these manuals are available for free and you don't even have to spend a penny.
If you are looking for a manual right now, you can head on over to AllCarManuals.com and get the one you need.