Answer
Apr 05, 2022 - 06:50 AM
The primary difference between the manuals is where they are coming from and the extent of information they contain. However, it’s important to keep in mind that terms such as "repair manuals" and "workshop manuals" are often used interchangeably in the industry — and in some cases, might be used to describe the exact same thing.
Still, as a general rule, “service and repair” manuals would refer to OEM or ‘manufacturer-sourced” manuals (the same ones that dealer technicians use to “service and repair” your vehicle), while “workshop” manuals would be aftermarket ones. Technically, OEM service manuals should be more detailed and may contain more "variant-specific" data, while aftermarket manuals are more "general."
Nonetheless, as said before, several publishers tend to use both terms without discrimination — I have seen factory repair manuals identified as “workshop” manuals before and vice-versa.
Unsurprisingly, manuals published by the manufacturer tend to have better quality content and may contain more detailed information.
Still, in most cases, it’s really nothing more than an editorial choice from the publisher’s side and both types usually represent the same thing (a repair manual) but from different publishers.
Still, as a general rule, “service and repair” manuals would refer to OEM or ‘manufacturer-sourced” manuals (the same ones that dealer technicians use to “service and repair” your vehicle), while “workshop” manuals would be aftermarket ones. Technically, OEM service manuals should be more detailed and may contain more "variant-specific" data, while aftermarket manuals are more "general."
Nonetheless, as said before, several publishers tend to use both terms without discrimination — I have seen factory repair manuals identified as “workshop” manuals before and vice-versa.
Unsurprisingly, manuals published by the manufacturer tend to have better quality content and may contain more detailed information.
Still, in most cases, it’s really nothing more than an editorial choice from the publisher’s side and both types usually represent the same thing (a repair manual) but from different publishers.
