what is the best antifreeze tester

The Best Antifreeze Tester

• 01. Prestone AF-1420-6PK Antifreeze Tester Check Price at Amazon Prestone AF-1420-6PK Antifreeze tester is one of the best coolant or antifreeze testers for professionals and DIYers. ...
• 02. ABN Deluxe Antifreeze Tester Check Price at Amazon ...
• 03. Thexton Anti-Freeze Tester Check Price at Amazon ...
• 04. Rhino Antifreeze Refractometer Check Price at Amazon ...
• 05. AMTAST Digital Coolant Refractometer Check Price at Amazon ...

Full Answer

How do you test antifreeze?

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Detection Steps. Testing for antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in water is quick and easy. Simply add your sample to the fill line, break the three ampules in order and wait 30 seconds for color to form. If a dark blue color forms in the pouch there is ethylene glycol present in the sample.

How to test antifreeze?

^{How to Test Antifreeze}

1. Start with clean, dry hands and tools.
2. Test in a well lit area. Natural light is best.
3. Antifreeze coolant sample should be between 40° and 110° F.
4. Follow the test instructions enclosed with the strips.
5. Dip the reactive end of the test strip into the antifreeze coolant.
6. Test again if drain 1/2 or drain all maintenance is performed.
7. If the result falls between colors, select the block in between.
8. Read the color of the test strip after one but not more than after 3 minutes.
9. The pad's color will change as the pad dries.
10. Below 50° F read the color after 2 but before 5 minutes.
11. Use the test strips by the expiration date on the bottle.
12. Discoloration is caused by exposure for long periods above 100°F, direct sunlight, or leaving the bottle caps open for an extended period of time.
13. Replace cap on the test strip bottle to protect from moisture.
14. On occasion the dye in your antifreeze coolant may interfere with an exact match on the color chart. ...
15. Dip one test strip into coolant sample below 110° F for one second.
16. Remove the strip and shake once, briskly, to remove excess coolant.
17. Match the end pad (freeze point) and then the pad nearest the handle (pH) to the closest colors within one minute.
18. After one minute the pad's color may change as the pad dries.
19. Dispose of your used test strip with normal paper waste.
20. Dispose of your used antifreeze coolant in accordance with local regulations.

How to test antifreeze with a hydrometer?

Use an antifreeze hydrometer. Suck in coolant from the header tank; if there is a float, take a reading where the float breaks the liquid surface and convert to antifreeze strength on the hydrometer chart. If there are balls, the numbers and colours floating show the strength;check the instructions.

How to use an antifreeze tester to test coolant?

One of the least expensive types works like a turkey baster with small colored balls inside:

1. First, suck the antifreeze by squeezing the bulb.
2. Fill the tube with fluid and make sure to put your finger over the end and shake off any air bubbles that have collected on the balls.
3. Now you should observe how many of the balls float. ...
4. If your coolant is low the first time you check it, you need to add more coolant. ...

How accurate are antifreeze testers?

Laser Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze Tester 4293 review We also found the results were similar, with poor accuracy for 33% concentration anti-freeze and readings around nine degrees off, but better results for 50% concentration.

What is the best way to test antifreeze?

The easiest way to test antifreeze for corrosion protection is with test strips. Although strips test the freeze point of antifreeze, it can also determine if the antifreeze coolant has become corrosive or if it has anti-corrosive life left to protect the engine.

What tool do you use to check antifreeze protection level?

Refractometers: A handheld device that measures the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant. It does this by reading the amount of light shining through the coolant.

Is there an antifreeze tester?

Prestone Antifreeze/Coolant Tester is a professional do-it-yourself tester that easily tests for anti-freeze/anti-boil protection. Allows visual inspection for rust and sediment.

Should antifreeze be tested hot or cold?

Sometimes the best thing to do when you notice a change in the temperature gauge is to pull over and wait for things to cool off. Driving with a hot engine can do more harm than good, so we'd always recommend allowing things to cool down before checking the coolant/antifreeze reservoir.

How can you tell if antifreeze is bad?

5 Signs That Your Vehicle Needs An Antifreeze/Coolant ServiceThe temperature gauge reads hotter than normal when the engine is running.Antifreeze leaks and puddles beneath your vehicle (orange or green fluid)A grinding noise is coming from under the hood of your car.More items...•

How long do antifreeze testers last?

Phoenix Systems says its coolant test strips have a shelf life of three years and are compatible with virtually any type of antifreeze you can buy today. These test strips are double-ended: you can also use them to test your car's brake fluid.

How do you use a 5 ball antifreeze tester?

Antifreeze Tester Floating Ball - 66224Remove cap from radiator or overflow tank when engine is cold.Run engine to normal temperature.Insert tube in radiator or coolant overflow tank.Squeeze bulb and draw coolant until 3/4 full.Hold tube upright and count the number of floating balls.More items...

How often should you change your antifreeze?

every 30,000 milesHowever, most manufacturers recommend flushing the cooling system and changing the coolant as often as every 30,000 miles regardless to avoid serious problems such as engine failure.

How do you check antifreeze with a multimeter?

0:010:48How to Test Coolant with a Multimeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the red terminal. Into the reservoir. Now we're looking for a reading that is 0.4 volts or lessMoreAnd the red terminal. Into the reservoir. Now we're looking for a reading that is 0.4 volts or less when we see reading more than that it's time to change our cooling.

How do I test my balls with antifreeze?

0:231:14Thexton 101 ANTIFREEZE TESTER ETHYLENE GLYCOL POCKET TYPEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf five balls float you're cooling the safe to negative 34 degrees Fahrenheit and if six balls floatMoreIf five balls float you're cooling the safe to negative 34 degrees Fahrenheit and if six balls float your coolant is not safe begin by undoing the coolant reservoir cap.

How do you use a Prestone antifreeze tester?

0:403:01Prestone Anti-Freeze Tester Hydrometer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the instructions are to test the engine when it's cool draw up fluid and inspect it if it's rustyMoreSo the instructions are to test the engine when it's cool draw up fluid and inspect it if it's rusty or dirty drain flush and refill the cooling. System the pointer must be totally immersed fluid

How do you check antifreeze with a multimeter?

0:010:48How to Test Coolant with a Multimeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the red terminal. Into the reservoir. Now we're looking for a reading that is 0.4 volts or lessMoreAnd the red terminal. Into the reservoir. Now we're looking for a reading that is 0.4 volts or less when we see reading more than that it's time to change our cooling.

Can you test antifreeze hot?

You can test your coolant mixture easily with an inexpensive coolant mixture tester that can be bought at any auto parts store. Remember, never try to remove your radiator or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot. The coolant is very hot and under high pressure, which can burn you badly.

How do you use antifreeze test strips?

0:593:53How to Use Fleetguard 3-Way Coolant Test Strips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo begin the test take one test strip and submerge the end with the three chemical pads into theMoreTo begin the test take one test strip and submerge the end with the three chemical pads into the coolant for three seconds after three seconds hold the test strip horizontally.

How do you check antifreeze in the winter?

Begin by locating the coolant reservoir under the hood near the front or side of the engine. It is usually transparent, with line near the bottom labelled “cold” and a line near the top labelled “hot.” Remove the cap and check to see if levels dip below the “cold” line.

What is the best antifreeze tester?

Next on our list of the best antifreeze testers is this SMARTSMITH tool, which is an optical device that measures the freezing point of engine coolant. Because of that qualification, we recommend this tool only if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures for a significant portion of the year. SMARTSMITH’s refractometer works using the principle of refraction to gauge the condition of the antifreeze in your engine. After placing a few drops of coolant on the tool’s daylight plate, you can look through the eyepiece, in which you’ll see a measurement of the fluid’s freezing point.

How does an antifreeze tester work?

Antifreeze is composed of a specific mixture of chemicals, and an antifreeze tester reacts to those chemicals: the higher their concentration in your vehicle’s cooling system, the stronger the tester’s reaction will be .

Why is it important to periodically test your vehicle’s antifreeze?

Not only is it designed to keep your engine from overheating, it also prevents freezing in cold weather that can damage— or even destroy—the cooling system or the engine itself.

How to test antifreeze in car?

Here’s the most unique product on our list our of the best antifreeze testers: Phoenix Systems’ coolant test strips offer you a mess-free way to test the antifreeze in your car’s engine by measuring its pH level, or acidity. To use these test strips, all you have to do is dip the correct end of the strip into the coolant, which you can access by removing the radiator cap or opening the cooling system’s overflow tank, if your vehicle has one.

What does an antifreeze needle do?

A needle will show you the freezing and boiling points of your vehicle’s antifreeze, and the see-through housing lets you perform a visual inspection at the same time. The included 5.5-inch tube should be more than long enough to reach the coolant level in your car’s radiator or expansion tank. ABN says its antifreeze tester is compatible with all ethylene glycol-based coolants.

How many discs does a coolant tester have?

Once you’ve filled the tester with coolant, you’ll see the discs inside begin to float. The number of floating discs reveals the condition of the fluid: five floating discs means the coolant is in ideal condition. OEMTOOLS says that if its tester’s sixth disc also floats, you need to adjust the ratio of antifreeze to water in your vehicle. This tester’s clear glass body gives you a visual indicator of the condition of the antifreeze and your car’s cooling system and radiator.

What color is antifreeze?

When testing the efficacy of your vehicle’s antifreeze, you should also do a visual inspection of the fluid. Most fresh antifreeze is either green or orange. If both the antifreeze and your cooling system are in good shape, it should maintain its color. If the coolant you pull out of the radiator or expansion tank looks muddy, that’s a sign that your vehicle’s cooling system needs to be flushed out and filled with fresh, high-quality antifreeze.

How Do Antifreeze Testers Work?

For the one with the pointers, you need to suck in antifreeze and let the pointer show you the current condition of the liquid in the measurement of Fahrenheit or Celsius.

How to count as the top priority when grabbing a tester?

If there’s anything you want to count as the top priority while grabbing a tester, then put the accuracy in that position. For ensuring the balance of the liquid, you need to make sure the tester is giving you accurate test results. So, rather than focusing on the price, focus on the accuracy first.

Is the 24507 an analog or digital tool?

The world has become so much dependent on digital tools that they’ve kind of lost hope for analog ones. But the truth is even in this era, analog tools can nail the efficiency, and the 24507 Professional Series Antifreeze Tester from OEMTOOLS is the proof.

Is antifreeze compatible with all types of antifreeze?

Compatible Antifreeze Type. If you’re thinking that all the testers will be compatible with every type of antifreeze, then you’re simply wrong. Some of them are capable of testing certain fluids only. So, before you make the jump, check out with which fluids the tester is actually compatible.

Can a refractometer test for antifreeze?

There’s no doubt that Refractometers can be really amazing when it comes to testing antifreeze/coolants. But do you know the finest ones come with the capability to test not just one but a bunch of liquids? Thankfully, the next one on our list, the Antifreeze Refractometer from Rhino is one of them.

Does Prestone have an antifreeze tester?

Not every brand thinks equally about both professionals and DIYers. But it seems team Prestone has decided to walk a bit out of the box with their AF-1420 Antifreeze/Coolant Tester. After all, no matter what level you’re on, nothing can stop you from running an efficient test once you’ve got this one in your hand.

Does temperature affect accuracy of a test?

Has anyone ever told you that even the temperature can affect the accuracy of a tester? Well, it’s true. That’s why you need to know the temperature range that makes the tester work more accurately before you swipe the card.

How to know what kind of antifreeze to buy?

The chances are that they will instantly know which coolant you need to buy, just by looking at your car.

How to Pick an Adequate Antifreeze Type for Your Car?

Firstly, we want to stress out that you can not put any kind of coolant/antifreeze solution into your car. It might seem like a logical choice, but if you just go with “whatever” option, you risk engine misfires and potential damages.

What Are Antifreeze Types?

When it comes to dividing antifreeze types into groups, we can choose from several criteria. Dominant ingredient, color, temperature scaling, etc. These are all valid features that can be compared from brand to brand. But, if we want to cast the widest net, and cover as much as possible, the most important criterium for antifreeze types is the mix of ingredients inside the bottle, or at least the active, dominant type of ingredient. It might sound confusing at first, so let’s get into it and shed some light on this lesser-known antifreeze topic.

How to Tell if it’s the Right Time to Change the Antifreeze in Your Car?

There is no “one fits all” method when it comes to antifreeze change . It is true that coolants lose their abilities over time, including not only the temperature features but also their lubrication abilities and anti-rust properties. For the sake of keeping the engine of your car in a healthy state, it is important to avoid running the engine with a stale coolant inside.

How to tell if it's time to change coolant?

Often times, somewhere on the original coolant box, there will be a stripe of color representing fresh antifreeze color. Use this method and compare the antifreeze in your car’s cooling system to the default color. If it’s off, the chances are it is time for a change.

Why use antifreeze in car?

Another benefit of using quality antifreeze is, as the name suggests, freezing prevention. As soon as outside temperature drops and winter chill hits, the water in the cooling tank will start to solidify. By mixing an antifreeze solution with the water, you prevent it from freezing, thus enabling engine cooling at extremely low temperatures. Putting the right amount of antifreeze is a winterizing tip for cars.

How to prevent engine from freezing?

By mixing an antifreeze solution with the water, you prevent it from freezing, thus enabling engine cooling at extremely low temperatures. Putting the right amount of antifreeze is a winterizing tip for cars. Additionally, there is another benefit to freezing prevention.

Why do you use antifreeze in coolant?

The purpose of the antifreeze is also to keep away rust from the inside of the engine and lubricate the moving parts in the coolant system like the water pump and thermostat. If you have tried to run your vehicle with only water, you did probably notice that the water gets brown really fast, and all that is rust from the inside of your engine. The engine antifreeze does also raise the boiling point, which makes your vehicle to not overheat as fast as with just water.

How long does antifreeze stay fresh?

You do not have to be afraid that this coolant will hurt your engine. This antifreeze is claimed to stay fresh for as long as 5 years. It should be changed if a car hits a high mileage before the 5 year period.

How long does MaxLife coolant last?

The MaxLife coolant is holding over 5 years and that makes it a good coolant. Coolant replacement can be really difficult to do it by yourself if you do not have the required skills to do it. The bleeding process after a coolant replacement can be really difficult and with a coolant that can hold for a longer time, you do not have to do that as often as with a regular coolant.

What is Prestone coolant?

Prestone is a well-known name with quality products made for cars. One of their products is coolant and antifreeze for the engine. Undoubtedly, Prestone makes one of the best quality engine coolant which ensures you that your engine has the best coolant liquid in it and won’t let it overheat other than preventing itself from freezing. Prestone claims their fluid can stay fresh for up to 5 years of use. The compounds inside the coolant stay intact for up to 5 years before the liquid needs to be replaced.

Can you mix ethylene coolant with water?

The coolant comes 50/50 pre-mixed with water. Which means that it’s ready to use in your vehicle and you do not have to mix it with water yourself and risking any damages to your vehicle, from the wrong mixed coolant. 3.

Can you mix 50/50 coolant?

This coolant comes in a concentrated format, which means that you have to mix it with water yourself before filling up your coolant system. Always make sure that you mix it with 50/50 water and coolant, because another format may cause your car to freeze or overheat faster, and you do not want that.

Does coolant move the freezing point?

Just water in the coolant works if you live in a warmer country, but you have to know that coolant does not only move the freezing point, it prevents your engine from rust and corrosion on the inside of the engine also.