During the summer months quick-service restaurants tend to receive a heavier flow of traffic through their drive-thrus. With the increase of customers, drive-thru headsets are usually pulling double duty and have a higher likelihood of malfunctioning or breaking down due to constant usage. To minimize the amount of drive-thru repairs this summer make sure you are doing drive-thru maintenance checks on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways to save on drive-thru headset repairs is by following these simple steps below:

1. Clean Exterior of Drive-Thru Headsets

Use a damp cloth to remove particles and grease from your headset. If you use a mild soap, apply it to the cloth rather than the headset to ensure excess moisture doesn’t get into the electronic components. Stay away from spray cleaners and solvents as they can cause corrosion.

2. Clean Crevices

Use a small, soft bristled brush between the buttons and in the crevices of your drive-thru headset to remove small crumbs. This will prolong the durability of your headset and decrease the chances of component failure.

3. Check Condition of Earmuffs

The earmuffs on drive-thru headsets should be replaced every 60-90 days or more frequently if needed. This will provide better drive-thru sound quality, improve comfort, and promote better hygiene. If you have several employees, give them the option to have their own set.

4. Avoid Water

If liquid gets in to a headset or belt-pac it can cause significant electrical damage. If this happens to your drive-thru equipment, power it off, take out the battery and let all components completely dry before turning the equipment back on. If you are still experiencing issues with your communicator contact Technical Support at 877-731-0334.

5. Clean Batteries

To help prevent static, use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol to clean the contacts on each drive-thru battery, headset and charger port (make sure the battery charger is unplugged before cleaning). Not only will this reduce static, but it will also keep your batteries and drive-thru headsets functioning at peak performance.

6. Test Drive-Thru Headsets

Listen for static while adjusting the mic boom. If you hear static, try using a different drive-thru battery. If you are still experiencing static, call Technical Support.

Next, grab a partner to listen on a separate headset. Push the “B” button on yours and count from one to five. If they are able to hear each of the numbers clearly have them repeat the last step back to you. Switch out headsets and repeat. If at any point you are unable to hear all of the numbers there could be a problem with your headset. Contact Technical Support to troubleshoot further.

7. Keep Equipment Cool

To ensure you’re getting the best from your drive-thru equipment, store in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent from overheating, strengthen the life of your drive-thru batteries, and keep moisture from getting into electrical components.  

By following these seven steps you will experience less drive-thru equipment failures, better drive-thru sound quality, and happier employees and customers. What this means for you is reduced number of drive-thru repairs, better order accuracy, and improved overall customer experience.   All of these combined are sure to result in a wealthier bottom line.

For more tips or questions on how to improve your drive-thru efficiency give CE a call at 877-731-0334.