As Brake & Front End magazine, which writes about car tech for repair shops, notes, a vehicle working in a hot, humid environment could see its brake fluid age much quicker than other vehicles. The probe is inserted about 2cm deep then switched on to read the calibrations as follows, two green lights = quality of the brake oil is good, yellow LED light = quality of the brake oil is terrible.
These tools run really cheap. The universal probe provides flexibility on detection and has LED lights to indicate the color of the brake fluid when necessary. The need for brake fluid testers is vital for a mechanic, but also getting a personal tester helps save the trips and costs incurred in visiting the mechanic, as regular checking is required. Also, it covers the ACDelco DOT 3, Motorcraft, Toyota DOT3, Preston, and Pennzoil types and has markings on the side of the tool to show which kind of brake fluid you are testing; therefore, no guesswork. The professional mini hydraulic pen is a good assistant for your garage that will help improve work efficiency and increase your safety. He even demonstrated testing brand new brake fluid vs. a random shop car. Something went wrong.
There is one potential downside to this tool. The maintenance and care of a car are critical as cars rely on proper care to run smoothly and operate well. All these factors will determine for how long your brake fluid tester will be functional and optimal..
The accuracy of information on this website is not guaranteed. Get as high as 7 percent and the boiling temperature can get near the boiling point of water. The red lights indicate the brake fluid is more than 3%, and it should be changed immediately. Disclaimer: The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute professional advice on any subject matter. If the tester has not been used for a while, remove the batteries and store them in a dry place; otherwise, it will give you unreliable results. The Powerbuilt 647626 LED brake fluid tester works for all vehicles that use Department of Transportation (DOT) 4 brake fluid, which is found in many modern cars and trucks.
Click here to see more pictures, read more reviews, and see prices. This topic contains 5 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by Trent Teddy Martin 9 years, 3 months ago. The tester sports a small housing that is roughly the size of a ball point pen.
The tester can be used on all car types and is portable, making it reliable and convenient for either a repair shop or your home garage. Many auto manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid every two years to ensure good braking performance and longevity of braking parts. The tester uses the AC pulse testing method, which significantly reduces polarization during testing.
The device takes seconds to calibrate the water percentage and have in-built LED light indicators with three colors (green, yellow and red) to show no water level and up to 4% of water levels.
The boiling point of the fluid drop rapidly with just a small amount of moisture. Moisture changes the resistance of the fluid, resulting in a different reading on the tester. Working on vehicles is inherently dangerous; precautions must always be taken to avoid the many safety hazards present including but not limited to fire hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, and a large variety of physical hazards. It is, however, essential to clean the tester before use to avoid contamination. Lets see how that fluid aged in the 12,000 miles since then.
As Brake & Front End notes, some contaminants in the brake fluid can also change the electrical resistance of the fluid and thus make the tester give a false reading. Always wear appropriate protective gear, always use common sense, always completely understand the task at hand, always understand your equipment and its limitations, and stay ever vigilant.
You can trust the green KYZEE brake fluid tester to accurately and quickly enable you to determine the status of your brake fluid.
Rubber Vs. Silicone Radiator Hoses: Which Are Better? Contaminated brake fluid can also boil under heavy braking. Do You Need To Bleed Your Brakes When Replacing Pads? This compact, lightweight (2.4 ounces), state-of-the-art device is designed specifically to detect the percentage of moisture in brake fluid. 2022 Floorjacked, Amazons attractive pricing makes their price tough to beat, Difference Between Solid, Vented, Slotted, and Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors, The Best Brake Line Brands For Efficient Stopping Power. Most common brake fluids are composed of a glycol-ether base combined with additives to protect and maintain the integrity of the individual brake system parts. If it shows 3%, then the brake fluid should be changed soon, and 4% of the brake fluid must be changed immediately. 2% copper or less in the fluid is good.
I used to love to see that gallon can at the local service station with the vent hole in it so it would pour without chugging.
My brakes instructor told showed us this brake fluid tester last class and gave a pretty good demonstration. The following review is meant to help mechanics scour the best tester in the market and help you make a wise decision if you are buying a brake fluid tester for the first time. After exposing, cleaning, and removing the brake fluid reservoir cover, one has only to remove the protective cap from the device, dip the probes into the brake fluid, and read the instant results. There is no need to acquire separate testers for different fluid types; the OEMTOOLS fluid tester is all you need. They make one for copper? This pens-shaped brake fluid tester is used to determine whether it is time to change the brake fluid by checking the moisture percentage(0-3%). Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that provides a medium to transmit the force applied at your brake pedal to the calipers of your anti-lock brake system (ABS). This brake fluid tester pen works by measuring the electrical resistance of brake fluid. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_brake-fluid-test-strips-%28100tube%29-phoenix-systems_22981645-p. Has a single button for multi-functional purposes, It shows clearly the water percentage level, Alerts you when you need the brake fluid changed, Straightforward interpretation of the results, Has a buzzing alarm system for precise results, The tester features green LED lights that show the moisture percentage, The gadget automatically shuts off after 12 seconds of inactivity, It beats having to check the brake oil manually, saving time and costs, The tester has an automatic shut down after 5 minutes of standby, It has 3 LED lights to show elected brake fluid types and 6 LED lights to show water percentage in brake fluids, Requires 2-1.5V AAA batteries which are not included, The tester shuts off automatically after 20 seconds to conserve energy, Cleaning the test head is easy, and instructions are given, The brake tester has a warranty but only for one year, The tester uses batteries that are included in the package, The tester should be stored properly to avoid mishaps, The tester has a sound and light alarm, combined with LED lights to give a precise diagnosis of your car, The brake fluid tester uses 9V batteries, which are not included, The pen is operated by an LR03 AAA 1.5V battery, which is included, The material used in making the pen is high-quality and environmental-friendly, The brake fluid is highly hygroscopic therefore should not be exposed for a long time, The tool conserves battery life thanks to the auto-off function, Easy to clean and maintain the gadget, should be wiped clean and dry after every use, The tool does not have a lifetime warranty, You cannot use it to test two fluids simultaneously, It has a single button that has multi-functional purposes and is easy to control, It shows clearly the water percentage level and alerts you when you need the brake fluid changed, The tester uses 2x AAA batteries That are not included: thus, you have to purchase them separately, The tester automatically switches off after 12 seconds of inactivity, To clean the tester, gently wash with tap water after every use, The tester uses 1x 1.5V AAA batteries, which are not included in the package, The tester has a high-resolution LCD with a backlit that provides an intuitive interface for a straightforward interpretation of the results, The testers fuselage has a good texture and has a buzzing alarm system for precise results.
The above review insists on good quality products and reliable sources to ensure you get the best premium care.
A9 Gen 4 AI Processor 4KWatch your content come to life in over 8 million pixels. Our team of talented writers, through the guidance of experienced shoppers, puts together thorough reviews of products of a wide range that you use either at home or outdoors.
Considering how easy the device is to use, brake fluid checks can become a routine monthly check along with your engine oil. Operating the tool is easy as switching the button, and when the green light does not blink after switching on, it is time to change the batteries., The grey gooseneck probe of the OBDRESOURCE brake fluid tester is highly sensitive, thus taking seconds to calibrate the results of water percentage levels.
A: The above review will give you a list of the best brake fluid testers in the market, which are pocket-friendly, good quality, and reliable. Thus it is recommended to flush and replace brake fluid about every 2 years or 24,000 miles on average (you should check your owners manual for the specific interval recommended by the manufacturer of your car).
The digital fluid tester is fitted with a digital tube display to ensure accurate and fast results.
This weeks cool tool is a brake fluid tester pen that can help you maintain your cars braking system. I popped the cap off of the tester pen then inserted it into the HHRs brake fluid reservoir. Click here to see examples of brake fluid testers.Current automobile braking technology protects us from harm to a large degree.
How Long Can You Wait Before Fixing An Oil Leak? It is important to utilize a high quality brake fluid tester, as moisture content may vary depending on brake fluid type, performance design of the car, and driving environment. By showing the customer that you are actually not BSing them and that they actually need a brake flush, a technician or shop could greatly increase profit by selling more brake fluid flushes. When this additive starts to break down, brake systems can be subjected to increased corrosion.
Dip the probes into the fluid and the tool should quickly produce a result. the main effects of copper in the brake fluid are: lower boiling point and higher freezing point essentially turning your DOT3 into DOT1.
The brake fluid will inevitably collect water, hence the need to keep checking the moisture level to prevent poor brake performance, which may cause accidents, and help purge horrible stuff in the fluid to restore proper brake function.
The KINGBOLEN brake fluid tester has an in-built 9 LED light indicator that is easy to translate (directions are given on the calibrations and color) and ensures your safety is not taken for granted. Too much moisture and youre looking at corroded parts and reduced braking performance.
Also, different testers have different features that affect the pricing..
A graph printed on the tool tells you what it means when a certain LED is illuminated.
In light of that (dont mind our pun), our pick for the best brake fluid tester is none other than the Powerbuilt 647626 LED brake fluid tester. This is in-line with research that shows that the boiling temperature of DOT 3 brake fluid drops by 100 degrees with only 3 percent of moisture content. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved.
To test how this cheap unit from Amazon works, I decided to test the brake fluid in a Chevrolet HHR.
If ever in doubt, stop immediately and contact a professional mechanic.
Overall, the Powerbuilt 647626 LED brake fluid tester is a great investment, and we think youll be very satisfied. The most notable additives are the ones that work to prevent rust formation within the braking system. The ability to spot check brake fluid moisture levels is a great way to stay ahead of the maintenance curve (and potentially save you some money over the long term) when it comes to car care. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}. I thought it measured the moisture content of the brake fluid and 3% or greater means the fluid should be flushed.
Each pixel turns on and off independently so you'll see your content with perfect black, over a billion rich colors and infinite contrast for a viewing experience like no other. You are solely responsible for your own safety.
The brake fluid tester has a nickel-plated probe, oil-proof and oxidation-proof, that helps with the high precision sensor to allow calibration of accurate results., Every causation taken to prevent accidents or malfunction of your car is imminent, which is why the ITEQ fluid tester was engineered. Penrite Super DOT4 all the way ! One of the most important things to check is brake fluid, as it is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. If moisture content is at three percent, it should be changed.
The OTC is a great companion to have as it helps catch the lousy fluid before it penetrates and destroys expensive brake slippers and other brake systems components. Just to make sure that this actually works and doesnt give entirely wacky readings, I also tested a cup of water. The device is convenient to carry and has an automatic shutdown function to save on power and be carried around anywhere. Or is this one of those asteroid hitting the earth mights that people hawking stuff use?
Visits to the mechanic should be regular to check everything is in perfect condition and is operating normally. The results are indisputable and instant. Without inherent rust prevention, a braking system would be at the mercy of water exposure, and its life span may quickly deteriorate if corrosion forms in the brake lines.
Maintaining excellent brake fluid condition is important for all vehicles on the road, especially for performance automobiles with high end braking systems. Your cars health and safety concerns should be the number one priority, and the ALLOSUN tester is the perfect tool to ensure you are healthy and safe; its type is universal.
Shoot me an email or drop it down in the comments!
I have a fluid tester and when cars come in with brake fluid Im not a custom to such as blue or green fluid and I want to check if its still good then I use my tester best $14 I ever spent. View cart for details.
The Best Clutch Master Cylinders For A Responsive Clutch, The Best Steering Rack Brands For Laser Sharp Handling. Moisture can enter from the master cylinder reservoir lid or anywhere that your brake system isnt perfectly sealed. In addition, the strips must be disposed of after they have come into contact with highly corrosive brake fluid (which by the way you should not let drip onto your cars paint!).
Other than that, it determines the quality of brake fluid and then measures the moisture from 0-4%. Can You Reuse Engine Coolant After Draining It? It has a gooseneck, nickel-plated metal universal probe that provides flexibility on detection.
He gave a really good argument about this tool paying for itself after selling just one brake fluid flush. This presents an inherent quandary: while glycol-ether does not generally decompose to a significant degree over time, the additives in brake fluid do tend to break down more quickly. You can use it to check the health status of the following brake fluids DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1, and most synthetic brake fluids, making it reliable. Choose your pick from the review as per your taste and purchase power. The ITEQ model that I purchased from Amazon was $13 and you can get one for under $20 on just about any site. Would seem to me moisture would be the most worrisome. Maintaining a car is not easy, but it has to be done as the locomotives help us in our day-to-day activities, and you need it to have a good health report to extend its lifespan and ensure it serves you well.
Can You Reuse Engine Oil After Draining It?
Someone explain how the copper might/will damage the ABS.
It came back at a safe 1 percent or less.
Home Forums Stay Dirty Lounge Tool Talk Brake Fluid Tester. Setting up the tool is easy: It needs a single AAA battery and it operates with the push of a button. The materials used are resistant to oils and oxidation and not readily corroded. The pen has 5 LED lights to indicate the percentage of water in the brake fluid up to 4%. This suggestion comes from our Deputy Editor, Norman, and I thought the idea was so cool that I bought one to test out: It works by testing the moisture content of your brake fluid. We earn on qualifying purchases from this website throughAmazonAssociatesand other Affiliate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, ProTheBest earns from qualifying purchases. This car works hard, adding hundreds of miles to its odometer almost daily. Brake fluid is also hydrophilic, meaning that it is attracted to water.
Brake fluids should be checked regularly to ensure that the safety of your car is in top-notch condition and the ALLOSUN brake fluid tester is the perfect one for you. However, test strips can be expensive for initial investment, ranging from $80 $100 per case. Why should you care about how much moisture is in your brake fluid? It measures the percentage of copper in the brake fluid with just a click of a button. When it was purchased back in November, the previous owner stated that he recently changed the brake fluid.