Many repair shops (both independents and franchised dealers working on vehicles outside of their franchise) throw this phrase around quite a bit. What exactly does "Full service" actually mean?
To "fully" service a vehicle, means to be able to perform ALL aspects of auto repair, something that can usually be found at your selling dealer. The dealer can offer this, because part of the dealer franchising process, they must also subscribe to the factory service information, programming network and be equipped with the factory tools. This isn't an option for them. If they want to sell the cars, they need all the factory equipment and software to repair them.What most people don't understand, is that even the best technician can't fix some issues, without the proper equipment and factory software. The reason for this is because some customer complaints can be rectified with updated software. For example, some E46 BMWs may experience Oxygen Sensor codes. Many shops and DIYers have replaced Oxygen sensors trying to fix this, only to have the code return repeatedly. A simple software update to the DME (engine module) solves this problem. The software update costs less then the replacement of just one sensor.Some replacement parts come without software installed, and need to be programmed after installation. Engine Control Modules (ECM, PCM&DME) are like this. They come blank to fit a variety of cars and need Vehicle Specific software installed before it will function. Your franchised dealer can do all of this since its required by the manufacturer to perform warranty repairs.So, if a shop cannot perform software updates or other initializations or new or existing parts, they really are NOT "full service". Full service really implies that no matter what the repair entails, it can be done "in house". Some shops like to claim they are full service to get you in the door. Some dealers will also make this claim on cars they are not franchised to sell in order to increase revenue. Once you are in the door, they will sell you whatever items they can fix, and send you to the dealer for the items they cannot do.Don't be alarmed though, this doesn't mean you have to go to the dealer for all of your repairs, there are independent shops that really are "full service". For vehicles like Toyota, Volvo, BMW, GM, Saab and a select few others, Auto Specialties of Lake Norman offers 100% Full Service. We have factory tools (Tech2, Toyota Techstream, Volvo VIDA, BMW ISTA, etc...) including access to factory software which means on these vehicles, we can perform ALL repairs "in house", similar to the level of service found at the dealer. One advantage to us over the dealer is cost. Since we are not a franchised dealer, we do not incur many of the costs the dealers incur and therefore our overhead is much lower. This in turn means lower average repair costs for the consumer. Another advantage, since we are a small shop, the person who checks your car in is probably the technician working on your car. Thats means you get to establish a friendly profession relationship with your technician and you get knowledgeable answers to your car related questions.Come in and check us out in person or visit us on the web at www.autolkn.com and see how we are able to keep up with technology without loosing touch with the customers needs.