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Test Coolant — how to properly test engine coolant

How to properly test engine coolant

Three tests for engine coolant

Test coolant for proper freeze protection

Test coolant for proper freeze protection using an inexpensive tester test antifreezefrom any auto parts store.

Test the coolants condition with coolant test strips

The coolant’s anti-corrosion additives wear out long before coolant loses its freeze protection and old coolant can contain acids that damage the internal components. That’s why you can’t rely on a coolant freeze protection tester along.

Cooling system corrosion causes heater core failure, radiator clogs and leaks, rapid water pump and seal wear and heater tubing rust out. Replacing a heater core in most late model cars involves removing the entire dash, evacuating the A/C system and the complete disassembly of the heater box and duct-work. That’s every bit of a $1,000 repair. You can prevent it by checking coolant condition and changing it if the test strips show it’s exhausted.

Coolant tests strips come in various designs from 2-way

fleetguard coolant test strips


Fleetguard Coolant Analysis Test Kit CC2602A

test strips up to 4-way strips. The 2-way strips measure glycol concentration and the coolant’s pH balance. 3-Way test strips measure glycol, pH and reserve alkalinity. 4-way strips measure  Nitrite, Molybdate, Glycol and pH.

These tests tell you the actual condition of your coolant, not just its freeze protection.

The downside to using test strips is that they usually come in a bottle of 100 strips and that can be pricey. However, some companies sell smaller packs for DIYers.

Accustrip Fleetguard Coolant Analysis Test Kit CC2602A

Accustrip 2050-3 (CTS-3) coolant test strips

You can also test the anti corrosion properties of your current coolant using a digital multimeter.

Test coolant for electrolysis

Set a digital multimeter on the DC scale for around 12 volts. Attach one of the test leads to the negative battery terminal and submerse the other end into the coolant. Then rev the engine to 2,000 RPM and read the voltage on the meter.

test antifreeze with multimeter

If the coolant test reads over .3-.4 volts, it means that the coolant is conducting too much electricity. Either the coolant needs replacing or you have a grounding problem in the vehicle. If the coolant is fresh, check for poor ground connections between the engine and the firewall and the engine and the negative battery terminal.

© 2012 Rick Muscoplat

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