Best Automotive Multimeters
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Good for
Automotive multimeters are among the most versatile devices in existence – they allow one to easily check things like capacitance, resistance, voltage, current, and other factors. These tools are capable of showing multiple readings that are easy to see and interpret thanks to their big digital displays. Unlike with their analog cousins, one doesn’t have to take a really close look to see the numbers, which makes them great for the people with poor eyesight.
An automotive multimeter shows actual values and is capable of providing an output of up to 5 decimal places. This makes these devices highly accurate. Another thing worth mentioning is that they can also read negative values, particularly if we’re talking about voltage. When a person places the probes into an opposite polarity, he’ll get a negative output. It’s yet another advantage of these devices and something that makes them invaluable to all serious handymen.
Not Good for
Unfortunately, the automotive models also sport some disadvantages. The most important one of them is the fact that they don’t do particularly well with the measurement fluctuations. This means that when a variation takes place, an automotive multimeter won’t be capable of representing it, and it will instead calculate a single reading or record an error.
Another disadvantage is that they can be somewhat expensive. As far as we’re concerned, these tools are now far more affordable (especially when compared to analog models) than they once were, but they still might cost too much for some people. Also, with so many different sets of capabilities and with different prices, it can be very tough to select just one that will fit your individual needs the best. There is a plethora of options out there, so make sure to take a look at our informative and comprehensive reviews first.
TOP RATED AUTOMOTIVE MULTIMETERS
If you’re looking for a good multimeter, you’re in the right place. Purchasing the right one isn’t an easy task, but that’s why we’re here. We offer a complete insight into some of the best automotive multimeters available on the market at the moment. You don’t have to conduct a research and wonder around the Internet to find the best suiting one for yourself. Instead, take a moment and read our reviews, you’ll certainly find useful information.
We have made a list of five automotive multimeters that we think are currently the best. If you decide to choose either one of these, you won’t make a mistake. Every single one has a ton of additional features and useful functions. They are very easy to use and suitable for both professionals and beginners. People often think that the price determines quality. However, that’s completely wrong, because all of these units come with an affordable price and yet are well-made.
Whether you’d like to measure voltage, current, capacitance, or even resistance, check out some of these units because most of them can offer everything you’ll ever need. All of these meters have one thing in common – versatility.
Our Rating: 4.3
The great thing about the Innova 3320 is the battery load test function. It’s used for checking whether your car battery (or any battery) is performing well. It may sound like it’s not a big deal, but if you take a moment and think about it, you’ll see that it’s great because you don’t have to buy separate instruments for checking the batteries, but instead use the Innova 3320 for diagnosing the battery condition.
It also has an auto-ranging function which will help you to save some time and effort. It selects the proper range automatically, so you don’t have to do it yourself. This feature is especially useful for people who aren’t experts when it comes to dealing with electricity, batteries, and multimeters in general. The large digital display is also one of the important things about this unit because most of nowadays multimeters have a small and illegible screen which can be a burden most of the time.
The Innova 3320 also has a single-setting resistance function for both DC and AC. The overall design is neat; it has a built-in stand and wrist wraps which guarantee a firm grip. Because of the sturdiness of this unit, it can also withstand bumps and drops. It comes with a safety certification issued by the UL, and while it doesn’t seem impressive, it offers contentment and peace of mind. Although some doubt its reliability, you can rest assured that you’re going to get precise and accurate readings.
One thing that makes this company stand out is their customer support. A lot of manufacturers neglect their customers and provide poor support. However, Innova has a team of people who are ready to answer your questions and help you with potential issues. They are available Monday-Saturday in English and Spanish.
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Our Rating: 4.8
This product has a pretty nice list of features and functions. You can test capacitance, continuity, frequency, and efficiency with high precision. The True RMS function is what makes this multimeter worth checking out. It allows the meter to offer precise data by eliminating electrical noise in the environment. If you’re familiar with the True RMS concept, you know how useful it is, especially with older electrical devices and gadgets which emit a lot of electrical noise.
The large display and a bright LED backlight offer crystal-clear readings. One thing worth mentioning is that you can read the results from any angle, even from 45 degrees, while it’s not possible with a lot of other similar models. The design is neat, sturdy, and durable, which is a characteristic of almost every product made by Fluke. As far as the precision and accuracy go, the Fluke 115 is near the top.
It’s great for field interventions because of its light weight. It weighs only 1.3 pounds, and the dimensions are 6.6 x 1.8 x 3.3 inches. As you can see, it’s portable, and it fits your pocket. For the best experience, the Fluke 115 also offers auto ranging to facilitate the use further. You don’t have to set the values manually; the unit will do that for you. It saves a lot of time and effort. A set of test leads is included with the unit. It’s also CAT III 600-volt safety rated, which means that even beginners can use it without exposing themselves to risks.
If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight tool for quick jobs of measuring and testing various current-related values, make sure to check the Fluke 115 out. It has everything you need in a multimeter and, most importantly, the price is great.
Our Rating: 4.8
This product has a pretty nice list of features and functions. You can test capacitance, continuity, frequency, and efficiency with high precision. The True RMS function is what makes this multimeter worth checking out. It allows the meter to offer precise data by eliminating electrical noise in the environment. If you’re familiar with the True RMS concept, you know how useful it is, especially with older electrical devices and gadgets which emit a lot of electrical noise.
The large display and a bright LED backlight offer crystal-clear readings. One thing worth mentioning is that you can read the results from any angle, even from 45 degrees, while it’s not possible with a lot of other similar models. The design is neat, sturdy, and durable, which is a characteristic of almost every product made by Fluke. As far as the precision and accuracy go, the Fluke 115 is near the top.
It’s great for field interventions because of its light weight. It weighs only 1.3 pounds, and the dimensions are 6.6 x 1.8 x 3.3 inches. As you can see, it’s portable, and it fits your pocket. For the best experience, the Fluke 115 also offers auto ranging to facilitate the use further. You don’t have to set the values manually; the unit will do that for you. It saves a lot of time and effort. A set of test leads is included with the unit. It’s also CAT III 600-volt safety rated, which means that even beginners can use it without exposing themselves to risks.
If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight tool for quick jobs of measuring and testing various current-related values, make sure to check the Fluke 115 out. It has everything you need in a multimeter and, most importantly, the price is great.
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Our Rating: 4.5
This multimeter provides a variety of functions and is easy to use for anyone, from those who have not previously dealt with a digital multimeter before, to experts in the world of automotive repair. Should your engine act uncooperative, the Innova 3340’s sophisticated design will work to determine what exactly is wrong with it. Its temperature probe feature provides accurate temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius data. The multimeter also comes with an inductive clamp which measures the RPM (or revolutions per minute) of your vehicle. Just about everything under your vehicle’s hood can be tested by this device, from the alternator diodes to the breaker points and wiring. Best of all, you can transport it easily. The Innova 3340 is a handheld modestly sized digital multimeter with its own carrying case (which can be fit easily inside your own personal toolkit) and comes from a long line of quality products in the Innova family.
What’s more, the Innova 3340 works for more than just your vehicle, it can also provide great service to you around your house. For instance, its ability to act as an electric multimeter/voltage meter means that it can determine whether or not an electric wall outlet is properly functioning or not. For anyone who is need of a tool that acts as both an automotive multimeter as well as an electric multimeter/voltage meter, look no further than the Innova 3340. An electrician with an Innova 3340 in their supplies is one that will be able to provide you with the best possible professional service.
The price of the Innova 3340 is reasonable as well. On the Innova website, the price is listed as $152.84, a very good price considering all of the functions that it offers. Should there be any technical problems that occur while using the Innova 3340, it comes with a one-year warranty that will cover any repairs or replacements, if necessary.
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Our Rating: 4.4
The Fluke 77-IV has both manual and auto ranging options, which means you can choose depending on your personal preferences. The large digital display is backlit with bright LED light, which comes in handy if you’re working in dim areas. The ergonomic rubber housing offers protection from bumps, hits, and falls. You can also use it hands-free with the help of a magnetic hanger. One of the greatest elements of this particular unit is its versatility. It can be used both by professional electricians and DIY enthusiasts.
Whether you want to check the electronics in your car or test some batteries in your household, the Fluke 77-IV won’t let you down. It’s designed both for field work and bench repairs. This unit can test and measure all common variables in electrical concern. The voltage resolution is pretty wide; it goes from 1mV up to 1000V for AC and DC. The current range for both AC and DC is ten amps. As far as the ranges go, the capacitance and resistance ranges are also wide enough to accommodate every need and demand.
A beeper is integrated into the unit to notify the user and indicate diode and continuity results. One of the things that stand out is the accuracy. With the 0.3% accuracy, it’s among the most precise ones in this category. Some other features differentiate this item from others. For example, while it’s advertised as an automotive multimeter, it can be easily used for household purposes as well.
Since it meets most of the requirements of a professional user, its affordable price is another thing worth mentioning. One would expect a bigger price for a tool like this, but it’s not the case. It’s worth mentioning that it’s designed in the United States, while many others come from licensed factories on the Asian market.
Our Rating: 4.4
The Fluke 77-IV has both manual and auto ranging options, which means you can choose depending on your personal preferences. The large digital display is backlit with bright LED light, which comes in handy if you’re working in dim areas. The ergonomic rubber housing offers protection from bumps, hits, and falls. You can also use it hands-free with the help of a magnetic hanger. One of the greatest elements of this particular unit is its versatility. It can be used both by professional electricians and DIY enthusiasts.
Whether you want to check the electronics in your car or test some batteries in your household, the Fluke 77-IV won’t let you down. It’s designed both for field work and bench repairs. This unit can test and measure all common variables in electrical concern. The voltage resolution is pretty wide; it goes from 1mV up to 1000V for AC and DC. The current range for both AC and DC is ten amps. As far as the ranges go, the capacitance and resistance ranges are also wide enough to accommodate every need and demand.
A beeper is integrated into the unit to notify the user and indicate diode and continuity results. One of the things that stand out is the accuracy. With the 0.3% accuracy, it’s among the most precise ones in this category. Some other features differentiate this item from others. For example, while it’s advertised as an automotive multimeter, it can be easily used for household purposes as well.
Since it meets most of the requirements of a professional user, its affordable price is another thing worth mentioning. One would expect a bigger price for a tool like this, but it’s not the case. It’s worth mentioning that it’s designed in the United States, while many others come from licensed factories on the Asian market.
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Our Rating: 4.5
This unit is special because it’s a multimeter with clamps. Digital clamp meters allow you to conduct an analysis without having to cut down the wires or strip down the cord. The first benefit of the Etekcity MSR-C600 is that it can be used both for automotive and home use because of its versatility and numerous capabilities. This particular multimeter also comes with a pair of test leads which allow you to measure AC and DC, continuity, and resistance effectively and with high precision.
The data hold function is very useful when you don’t have a piece of paper to write it down, or there are just too many decimals to remember. If you use the data hold function, it will store the last reading until you overwrite it or shut down the device. It saves a lot of time and effort. The auto shut down option might not seem impressive, but it’s quite useful, especially if you’re among the ones who forget to turn their instruments off after use. The auto shut down feature alleviates the issue by turning the unit off after 15 minutes of inactivity. Needless to say, it prolongs the battery life as well as save money.
The auto ranging feature is great for beginners and people who don’t want to hassle with manual settings. You will also get an audible warning if you try to conduct a measurement under wrong settings or circumstances. While it might not be perfect for professionals, it’s a great tool for DIY enthusiasts and people who occasionally deal with electricity and car batteries. Some people argue that it’s not a true RMS multimeter but rather a clamp AC tool. The display and markings are easy to see and read. It also comes in a neat case that lets you keep the meter and leads together without anything getting tangled up.
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Quick Product Comparison
| TRUE RMS | VOLTAGE | AUTO RANGE | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Innova 3320 | 600V | 0.3 lbs | $ | Check Price | ||
Fluke 115 | 600V | 1.6 lbs | $$ | Check Price | ||
Inova 3340 | 600V | 1 lbs | $ | Check Price | ||
Fluke 77-IV | 1000V | 1.5 lbs | $$$ | Check Price | ||
Etekcity MSR-C600 | 600V | 1 lbs | $ | Check Price |
Our Verdict: Which Product Do We Prefer?
While all of these multimeters deserve attention, the Fluke 115 is the one we have liked the most. The factors that influenced our decision are this multimeter’s versatility and compactness. You can put it in the palm of your hand, but it’s still a useful and precise instrument. In other words, it’s suitable for field work because it’s small and light, but it can also help if you want to check your car’s battery or any batteries around the house. The large digital display is well-made, and it can be read from any angle, which is a rarity in this category of multimeters. Most models have a common problem with the display, but Fluke made sure to design a good and quality one.
The fact that it’s affordable and straightforward makes it the number one automotive multimeter in our opinion. However, if you’re looking for some other additional features or options, feel free to check out our full reviews. We offer a thorough insight into the functions and features of most of the popular multimeters that are worth checking out.
If you opt for the Fluke 115, you won’t regret your decision. However, feel free to choose any one of these five from the list, and you’ll be pleased with the results.
Automotive Multimeters – Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing your very first automotive multimeter, there’s a couple of things you should know about in order to avoid buying a device that’s unsuitable for your needs. Ask yourself the following questions:
What Things is it Capable of Measuring?
Before buying an automotive multimeter, one has to consider his own level of knowledge of electrical works. Most models are capable of measuring things like resistance, continuity, current, AC and DC voltage, and other things. If you consider yourself to be a professional user, frequency and capacitance would be among other essential features of your future device.
Are the Readings Accurate and Trustworthy?
The accuracy of a multimeter is something that determines the volume by which the shown reading will be different from the input value. If you’re working on a professional level, the accuracy is indeed an essential factor to look for. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be a serious concern for the people who use these devices only in their own households.
One important thing to know here is the fact that you might need to calibrate your model to keep it precise from the very first day. Models that show readings in more digits are typically considered to be more accurate.
Is it Safe Enough?
One really good thing to know is that most of today’s multimeters come with safety fuses that prevent accidents from happening. These fuses are usually attached to the back of these devices and can be easily replaced. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider the acceptable limits of your model. You should be able to find the highest tolerable values of your particular device in the user’s manual.
If you’re planning to purchase a model with detachable probes, don’t forget to check out if these probes have a right placement. Due to safety considerations, multimeters often have color coding on the probes.
How’s the Build Quality?
Typically, most of the electrical works will require a professional to get near some really inconvenient locations, such as the electrical poles, high-rise buildings, damp basements, and other similar areas. In these kinds of situations, it’s of crucial importance to have a tool that can be attached to your belt.
Fortunately, most of today’s quality models are quite capable of surviving falls up to 10 feet.
Will it be Reliable Enough?
A reliable and a consistent model won’t leave you helpless when you need it the most. Some multimeters feature the so-called auto-shutoff function which puts the entire device to sleep once it’s been inactive for a couple of minutes. As you can already guess, this saves the battery’s energy and allows the tool to work longer without the need to change the battery.
Furthermore, it’s nice to have the low battery signal – it’s an excellent measure for avoiding unexpected power cut-offs without being warned first.
With these factors in mind, you should be able to purchase a model that will serve you for the years to come. Good luck!
The Conclusion
Having an automotive multimeter by your side at all times can be incredibly helpful if you’re a serious handyman, whether you’re just fixing things around your own house or making a living out of it. With a quality model, you’ll be able to check a myriad of things with it while easily reading values on its big digital screen.
Unlike some years ago, these tools aren’t so expensive anymore, and one can easily purchase a reliable model for himself. The only issue here is the fact that there are so many different brands and models on the market. Selecting just one model can be a tough business!
But, have no worries – we’re here for you. We decided to sit down and thoroughly analyze the world’s most popular automotive multimeters and give you an insight into their features, functions, design, price, advantages, and flaws. Our reviews are very informative but still comprehensive and straightforward enough, and they should assist you in finding the right device for your needs.
Don’t forget to check out our Buyer’s Guide to know which features to look for while buying your very first model. Follow the points mentioned there, and you’ll end up with a reliable tool that will serve you for the years to come!
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