AAPEX 2010: A battery tester that predicts the future
Interstate Battery System of America Inc. introduced its third-generation ED-18 battery analyzer at the Automotive Aftermartket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nev., during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.
"Traditional battery testers identify three battery conditions: good, bad and discharged," says Tom Gray, senior marketing director. "The ED-183 can identify a marginal battery, one that is about to fail.
"What really makes it unique is it can predict a cold temperature at which the battery may fail to start the vehicle."
The hand-held tool determines the battery's state of charge by digital voltage reading and compares the battery's temperature with a conductance reading in order to identify marginality.
As with the previous incarnations of the ED-18, the new unit prints out a report for technicians and consumers that includes the data about the life expectancy of the battery and its performance. Additionally, it gives technicians the ability to evaluate on a daily basis how the "battery analyzing efforts" are impacting sales and service performance per location.
The ED-183 also is designed to scan the VIN (vehicle identification number) and store it and the vehicle's battery requirements for easy reference.
For more information, visit www.interstatebatteries.com.