# Refractometer **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [July 23, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429 "2022-07-23T19:52:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tcmichnorth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tcmichnorth/32/25126_2.png) [@tcmichnorth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tcmichnorth)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/1 "2022-07-23T19:52:06Z")
I read about someone using a refractometer for antifreeze testing. Are these more accurate than the conventional bulb type gages? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/2 "2022-07-23T19:58:40Z")
Just use a multi-meter. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/f/b/fba00d010e12d39b2dddb20ee3703038b519025c.jpeg "Antifreeze coolant checking with digital multimeter") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIoc5HtacVs) Tester ---
**Author:** ![tcmichnorth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tcmichnorth/32/25126_2.png) [@tcmichnorth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tcmichnorth)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 9:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/3 "2022-07-23T21:02:06Z")
That’s pretty cool, but it gives you a yes or no test result. I need to also test for freeze temperature point. The refractometer that I’m looking at has freeze temperature and battery level scales. Just wanted to know if this type of measuring is used professionally and accurate. TRZ 4-in-1 DEF Refractometer Ethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol in antifreeze Fluids freezing point temperature and freezing point concentration, automotive and industrial battery Fluid [https://a.co/d/7HL0DLw](https://a.co/d/7HL0DLw) ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 9:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/4 "2022-07-23T21:37:42Z")
I doubt the refractometer method is more accurate, but easier, less time for clean-up. Only requires 2 or 3 drops of coolant. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 10:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/5 "2022-07-23T22:02:27Z")
I use this to test the freeze point. > **[Amazon.com: ABN Deluxe Antifreeze and Coolant Tester Hydrometer Tester –...](https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Deluxe-Antifreeze-Coolant-Hydrometer/dp/B00YEZILQC)** > > Buy ABN Deluxe Antifreeze and Coolant Tester Hydrometer Tester – Automotive Antifreeze Tester for Ethylene Glycol Coolant: Antifreezes & Coolants - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Tester ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 10:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/6 "2022-07-23T22:08:32Z")
plus 1 for the hydrometer. but i have used a Salinity Refractometer for my saltwater fish tank. ---
**Author:** ![tcmichnorth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tcmichnorth/32/25126_2.png) [@tcmichnorth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tcmichnorth)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2022, 8:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/7 "2022-07-24T20:08:28Z")
Yeah, that’s what I use currently. Completely satisfied with it, but saw these Refractometers and thought if they are dependable I’d switch methods. I’ve been down for health reasons (nothing serious) and got looking for more toys to buy. Just didn’t want to get one if they aren’t dependable. I need accuracy in Northern Michigan. For $20 bucks maybe I’ll just get one as a toy and validate with my other coolant testers. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2022, 8:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/8 "2022-07-24T20:25:33Z")
I always try to avoid purchasing tools for the shop that are fragile. Tester ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 12:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/9 "2022-07-25T00:02:29Z")
with a refractometer you have to be careful not to bang it around. you would have zero it out using fresh water and then test with using the antifreeze. at least that’s what I had to do for salinity for my tank. ---
**Author:** ![tcmichnorth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tcmichnorth/32/25126_2.png) [@tcmichnorth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tcmichnorth)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 1:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/refractometer/185429/10 "2022-07-25T01:19:08Z")
Sounds easier and more dependable to just keep doing as I do. Thanks all for the input.