ASE stands for "Automotive Service Excellence". ASE was established as a way for our industry to gauge and create a kind of "quality control" for technicians, parts suppliers and service managers. Testing, training classes and educating standards were put in place. Not all Technicians are certified.
Those who are have taken their time and expense to be tested on their skills, they also need to maintain their certifications on a regular basis. ASE is not always the answer, but it sure is a good indicator of quality.

No! You have your choice of where you want your vehicle serviced. It is a law that the dealership cannot require you to return to them for routine service and maintenance. They will imply you must come back to keep your warranty in force. As long as you have proof that your automotive center completed the required services, you are covered.

In most cases the auto parts store has a scanner that cost around $49.99, while a technician's scanner can cost an average of $4000.00.
The parts store clerk sells air fresheners and car wax, the technician does not. The clerk will read the code and sell you a part that may or may not be needed or even fix the problem, while the technician will (for a cost) tell you what the light is indicating to him and why the condition is there.

There are very few warranties out there that require you to return to the place where the warranty was purchased. These warranties limit you. Avoid them if possible. We are approved and authorized by many warranty companies to perform all covered repairs.