Best Practices

The ED-18 has been specifically designed to enable the automotive service center to implement preventive-maintenance battery and electrical-system test programs. By spotting potential battery and electrical-system problems before they lead to a no-start situation, you can improve your level of customer service.

If used properly and conscientiously, the ED-18 can also generate battery, alternator, starter and other electrical-component service dollars for your business.

Certain practices can optimize effectiveness, maximize results and help you make the most of the ED-18 program within your business.

Best Practice #1 - Perform the Test, Inform the Customer
Getting results with the ED-18 depends upon effective implementation of these two fundamental aspects of the program. This requires integrating the test process within your business.

Best Practice #2 - Obtain the Maximum Number of Tests
To ensure that you're obtaining the maximum number of tests:

Use the ED-18's "Reports" function to track the number of tests performed in a given month and by each technician. (See the section entitled "Tracking ED-18 Use and Test Results" under "Operation.")
Use incentives to reward employees who perform the most tests in a given month.
Make sure that the ED-18 test is set up as part of your regular vehicle service inspection routine. (See the section entitled "Perform the Test" under "Operation.")
Keep the ED-18 in an accessible and visible location within your shop. Check out the ED-18 Wall Caddy in the "Accessories" section, and talk to your Interstate Route Sales Manager or Distributor if you're interested in getting one.

Best Practice #3 - After Replacing a Battery, Perform the Test Again
If you've performed the test, presented the results to the customer, made the sale and replaced the battery, we strongly recommend one more thing. If possible, perform one more full system test with the new battery in place and show the test result to the customer. This will graphically demonstrate the greater CCA power of the new battery as compared to the old one. It will also give you one more chance to make sure that there are no other electrical system issues that need to be addressed. It's one more opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and leave a lasting impression on your customer.