AZS2KDancer

Does anyone use a tool like this Robinair 75240 Anti-Freeze Tester - Cooling System
Anti-Freez and Battery fluid tester? Thoughts on owning one and using it to make it worthwhile?

HarryD

I don't see the point in increasing my tool clutter -- I'll change the anti-freeze and replace the battery at appropriate intervals regardless.

Also, not sure how it tests the battery, but that's one area safety-wise that I like to stay as far away from as possible (prefer to avoid explosions, etc.).

P.S. You're in Phoenix, aren't ya?

Car Analogy

I use a cheap plastic turkey baster type product, which cost less than $5. Mine are like 30 years old. Still work fine. I have one for antfreeze, one for batteries.

They are simple hygrometers. They measure specific gravity of a fluid, and are calibrated to the application (they tell you the freezing point of antifreeze, and the percentage of charge for a battery).

AZS2KDancer

Yep. It's right there in my profile. Phoenix, the land of 2-year batteries, three if you are really lucky.

And don't you know the mantra? He who has the most tools wins.

davidc1

You can use to test your salt water aquarium too!

But in all seriousness, in the old days (before the 1990s), it was standard to have one. You tested your cells in your non-maintanence free batteries, and when you had to mix up your own antifreeze.

davidc1

You didn't really just say that did you? Scared of a car battery? Really? LOL

HarryD

Yes, I'm scared of what an exploding car battery [acid] could do to one's face... Same with an exploding shock if a spring compressor tool slips off or fails, for example.

What's funny about that?

Unrelated, but most people connect jumper cables wrong. At best, nothing happens but a few sparks. Medium worst-case scenaro might be burning up an ECU. At worst, leaking hydrogen fumes from the battery causes an explosion. Be careful folks, it's serious stuff. https://www.meineke.com/blog/jump-st...ery-right-way/

davidc1

Well, I understand the ramifications of an exploding battery. But, seriously, the chances of a battery exploding, unless you connect jumper cables wrong, are virtually nil, nada, nothing. Really. Chances of getting in a plane crash are probably greater. Getting hit by a bus crossing the street is probably greater. No offense, but I wouldn't worry about it.