How Advanced Battery Service Equipment Supports Modern Vehicle Diagnostics
In this installment of In the Driver’s Seat, host Erik Screeden, technical and multimedia content director for Motor Age, sits down with Kimberly Cottle, president and CEO of Associated Equipment, to discuss one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of modern automotive service: vehicle power management. With decades of leadership in designing battery service equipment and shop solutions, Cottle shares how the evolution of vehicle technology, from advanced electronics to ADAS calibration support, has reshaped what technicians need in their bays today.
As vehicles become more complex, the stakes during reprogramming and diagnostic procedures have never been higher. A momentary drop in voltage can corrupt data transfers, damage modules, or cause failed calibrations. Cottle and Screeden discuss how tools like programmable power supply systems ensure stable current and voltage, protecting sensitive electronics and preventing costly mistakes. They also highlight how shop diagnostic tools are evolving to meet OEM requirements while remaining practical, durable, and technician-friendly.
From standard lead-acid to AGM and start-stop batteries, maintaining power is no longer optional — it’s essential. Cottle emphasizes how Associated Equipment builds solutions that support technicians across all vehicle types, helping them stay ahead of industry changes.
Watch the full conversation to learn how stable power solutions safeguard both repairs and profits.
About the Author
Erik Screeden
Technical and Multimedia Content Director
Erik Screeden is the Technical and Multimedia Content Director for the Vehicle Service & Repair Group. He has been in the automotive industry for over 25 years. During that time, Screeden was a technician. He started out at a Ford dealership and continued to several independent repair facilities as well as spent time in the specialty aftermarket where he had the opportunity to work at a GM-specific performance shop. After his time as a technician came to an end, Screeden transitioned into a role providing scan diagnostic and J2534 tool support. He was then able to parlay his experience as a technician and a support specialist and use that in several technical sales roles.
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