What Is The Best Automotive Multimeter and How To Find the Right One
It is critical for car owners to invest in a multitude of tools that can prove to be beneficial in more ways than one, specifically when it comes to diagnosing common problems. In this case, one of the most important would be the best automotive multimeter, which is able to combine three products into one – ohmmeter, ammeter, and voltmeter. This will be important in testing the different functions of your car, and consequently, this will make it easier to determine how the specific issue can be successfully resolved.
Are you looking for the best automotive multimeter that is currently available in the market? We are here to help you make the right choice. Keep on reading the rest of this guide, and for sure, making a well-informed decision will be a lot easier for you.
**Below, you’ll find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Automotive Multimeter
As you evaluate the options that you will be confronted with, make sure that the following factors will be taken into consideration:
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- Type of Multimeter: Generally speaking, the multimeters available in the market can be classified into two. The first one is analogue, which is also the traditional choice. The second one is the digital multimeter, which is the more innovative counterpart. The two will be different based on their price, how readings are displayed, and their level of accuracy.
- Accuracy: This is one of the most important things that you should keep in mind. There is no way to physically test the product and know how accurate it is. In this case, the best thing that you can do is to rely on the feedbacks of other people. Go online, read reviews, and learn from the experiences that they are sharing. This will make it easier for you to determine how accurate one product is.
- Ease of Use: You should also make sure that the multimeter is user-friendly, making it possible to have it used even without professional guidance. This is one more thing that you can learn from the opinions of other people. See to it as well that it comes with an easy to read display, which will make it easy for you to make sense of the information that will be presented.
- Safety: You should also take a look at the features that will make sure of the safe use of the tool. In some cases, they can be prone to exploding, especially if they are made from cheap materials. Aside from making sure to choose one product that is well-built, it is also important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer at all times, especially their safety precautions.
Top Picks for the Best Automotive Multimeter
Clueless about which product can make the best choice? In this section, we will take a quick look at some of the most popular options that you can find in the market.
1. Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter
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This is a feature-rich multimeter that is hard to surpass in terms of its quality and function. One of the best features of this model is that it offers hands-free testing, which is also one of the reasons why it is known for being user-friendly. It comes with a wrist strap and stand.
It is also worth noting that this is UL Certified, which can provide you with a guarantee of its safety. This will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that it is tested thoroughly to ensure its optimal safety.
Lastly, it is also a good thing that it has automatic shutoff capability. With the latter, the device will turn off on its own after some time of being idle. This will help in being able to save battery life.
The Good
Among other things, the rapid resistance auto changing is one of its best features, making it a top pick when it comes to reliability. It also takes measurements that are pretty much accurate, compared to higher end models.
The Bad
However, one of the problems with this model is that it is not specific for measuring high amp loads. Based on the specifications from the manufacturer, this specific model is good only for measuring up to 200 milliamps.
The Bottom Line
In sum, while quite limited in terms of the measurements that it can take, for most users, this will be more than enough. It is well-loved not only for its accuracy but also because of having many nice features.
2. Fluke 88 V/A Kit Automotive Multimeter Combo Kit
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As shown in the name of the product, this comes with a complete kit that will provide you with the diagnostic tools that you will need. Even the clips, probes, and pins are all included. Whether it is for a diode, continuity, or resistance testing, this is sure to be useful.
This multimeter comes with a large, easy-to-see display, even when you are in the open. Sunlight will not make it hard to read the information shown on the screen. There are also two levels of brightness, as well as a backlight, which will help to improve visibility.
The classic design of this model is also worth emphasizing. This means that you can hold it with the use of a single hand, allowing the other one to be free to do some work. More so, you can also opt to use a magnetic hanger so that both of your hands will be totally free.
The Good
One of the best things about this model is that it comes in a complete kit, providing you with everything that you will need. To add, it is also a good thing that it is powerful, making it perfect even for users with discerning preferences.
The Bad
This options is a good option that you might find in the market. For others, however, this product has a case that could be better.
The Bottom Line
In sum, this automotive multimeter can be very effective, but it will surely be worth every dollar that you will spend since it is powerful and has all of the tools that you will need in one high-end kit.
3. Innova 3340 Automotive Digital Multimeter
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This is a perfect choice if you are looking for a multimeter that can prove to be functional for a number of uses, such as when it comes to troubleshooting rays, verification of electrical continuity, and checking the output of the alternator.
The temperature probe that is included in this unit is also a good thing. You do not need to have a separate thermometer, making it easy to have an accurate measurement of the temperature of water.
To make sure that the product is going to last longer, there is also an overload protection. This will prompt the product to automatically stop functioning once you reach the maximum capacity.
The Good
Ease of use and value for money are two of the things that will make this an exceptional pick within the product category. It comes with a large LCD display so that you can easily see the information displayed.
The Bad
However, if there is one thing that we do not love about this model, it would be that achieving steady zero can be a bit difficult, but this will be largely dependent on the condition of the external environment where you will use it.
The Bottom Line
Overall, its drawback is such a small thing compared to its benefits. This will surely be an excellent choice for the best automotive multimeter if you are looking for high-quality this is hard to match.
4. Actron CP7677 Automotive Troubleshooter
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With this multimeter, you will be able to enjoy a multitude of functions without having to spend a fortune. Among others, you can use this to locate components and wirings with fault and test your fuel delivery systems.
This model comes with a generously sized screen. This will make it effortless for you to see the display. The digital screen shows accurate information, lessening the likelihood that you will commit a mistake in the diagnosis of a problem.
Lastly, it also comes with overload protection, which is one thing that will help in prolonging its functional life. With this, even through many years of use, this will prove to be a dependable tool.
The Good
This is a feature-rich multimeter that comes with a nice digital readout screen. It is also a good thing that alligator clips are already included in the package.
The Bad
There are also some drawbacks, such as not having an automatic shutoff function, which will make the battery drain quicker.
The Bottom Line
This is another option that can be ideal for those looking for a large display. You will be happy knowing that it has the most important features that you will need in a multimeter.
5. Fluke 77-4 Automotive Digital Multimeter
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This is the preferred choice amongst professionals who are searching for a product that you can use for a wide array of applications, such as testing resistance and continuity. It has 10 amps continuous and 1,000 V measurement range. A quick look at its technical specifications will make it easy for you to be convinced that this is indeed one of the top choices in the market.
The large display with backlight is also a good feature in this model. This makes it the perfect companion even when working in poorly-lit areas. In the same way, even when working outside, you can still easily see its clear display.
If you are looking for an option that is impressive when it comes to safety, make sure that this is included in your list of choices. It complies with the most common safety standards, which will give you peace of mind.
The Good
One of the most trusted brands within the product category makes this, which is why it is no longer surprising that many people consider this as the gold standard in multimeters. It is a multipurpose tool, allowing you to use it in making multiple diagnostics and providing an assurance that it will be accurate.
The Bad
Many who invest in this equipment are the pros who are not willing to settle for anything that is less in terms of quality and function.
The Bottom Line
If you do not have a problem in spending a lot of money for the best automotive multimeter, this is one option that should be on your list. This is a nice option to have with its feature-rich and reliable operation.
Why Do You Need an Automotive Multimeter?
There are many reasons why you might want to consider having an automotive multimeter, including the following:
- Checking the function of fuses and batteries
- Testing transistors, integrated circuits, light switches and bulbs
- Troubleshooting electronics and boiler electrics
- Measuring volts, circuit, and resistance
Generally speaking, you need a multimeter if you want a handy tool that will make it easy for you to determine the main cause of the problem in your car. You do not need to go to the neighborhood mechanic every time that you suspect there is a problem since you can basically have it identified with your multimeter.
Conclusion
Your search for the best automotive multimeter will not be an easy task. Given the abundance of the choices that you will have, making a decision can be a challenge, but you should not see this as an excuse to purchase one product in haste. With this, go back to the tips we have mentioned and some of the products that we have recommended to narrow down the possibilities.
