10 The Best Brake Fluid Testers in 2024 | Expert’s Guide
When you have run your vehicle for a couple of years, it’s a must to check the quality of the brake fluids. And if you get negative results after checking, then you must change the brake fluid of your vehicle as soon as possible.
This will help you avoid accidents in the future. However, you need to possess one of the best brake fluid testers for this purpose.
Typically, brake fluid testers take samples of brake fluids and heat them up to know the boiling temperature. Once the tester is done with the inspection, it will show you the result in percentage with the help of LED lights.
However, all the testers found in the market cannot provide accurate results. This is why we have chosen 10 of the top brake fluid testers.
Best Brake Fluid Moisture Testers Choices
As you have come to know, we have selected the top 10 testers for brake fluid inspection. Before selecting the products, we did extensive research. So, there is no chance to get a poor tester when you decide to get one from our list.
Expert’s Guide: Choosing the Brake Fluid Tester for Your Vehicle
As brake fluid tester is an important tool for car owners, you should consider all the significant factors before making an approach. If you decide to get any of the testers available on the market, there is a high possibility that you would come out with the wrong product. So, let’s learn what you should consider.
Fluid Type
The first and foremost thing you need to consider is to know the type of brake fluid your car uses. Typically, there are 3 types of brake fluids including DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1. If your car has DOT5.1 fluid, you can’t buy a DOT4-specialized tester. If you do so, the tester will provide you with bad readings.
Therefore, try to double-check while identifying the fuel type. This will save both your money and time. By the way, if your car has DOT3 fluid, you can buy DOT4-specialized testers. The fact is that these two types of fluids are almost the same. But we recommend avoiding a common tester when you can afford a fluid-specific tester.
Size of the Tester
The next you should consider is the size of the tester you are going to buy. Generally, most of the fluid testers available on the market are pen-sized. Get one of them so that you can easily handle it.
If you buy a large-sized tester, it may make you fall into trouble in some cases. For instance, you can’t keep it in your pocket when the size is large. Even if you buy a compact tester, make sure the size is comfortable enough to handle.
Battery Inclusion
When you buy a tester from the market, it may come either with a battery or without a battery. If the product doesn’t come with a battery, you have to spend some extra bucks to buy a brand-new battery.
Therefore, you should ensure that the tester has an included battery, especially if you are on a tight budget. We also recommend you check the power of the battery. This is because the battery may not last for a long time when it is not powerful enough.
Auto Turn-Off
The auto turn-off feature is not a significant factor, but it can help you a lot. When your chosen tester features the facility, the battery of the device will surely last for a long time.
On the other hand, a tester that doesn’t have the facility will cost you extra power once you forget to turn it off after use. That is why we always recommend brake fluid testers with an auto-shutdown facility.
Price of the Tester
This is the final factor you can consider at the time of buying a fluid moisture tester. Whether you have a smart budget or a tight budget, you always want to have the best product for sure.
But when you approach the field of fluid quality testers, you will come to see that different products cost different prices. In most of the cases, the testers that can test different types of fluids will cost you more than the ones that are designed for a specific type of fluid.
Best Brake Fluid Testers Comparison Table
Our Top 10 Picks of the Best Brake Fluid Testers in the Market
To get the best product, you must know the ins and outs. If you approach a common product without knowing about it in detail, there is a high chance of coming out with the wrong product. This is why we have reviewed each of our selected testers with every piece of significant information. Let’s know in detail before making a purchase.
1. ITEQ Brake Fluid Liquid Tester Pen | Best Overall Brake Fluid Tester
ITEQ Brake Fluid Liquid Tester Pen has come out as our top pick. The device has 5 LED indicators and a fast-acting formula in order to provide you with excellent testing performance. As a result, it is capable of reminding you of your brake fluid quickly and efficiently.
The LED indicators of the tester show texts in 3 different colors including red, yellow, and green. And when the indicators inform you about the percentage of water, they never come out with inaccurate numbers.
The brake fluid tester is calibrated for DOT3 as well as DOT4 fluids. If your car requires other types of brake fluids, then you shouldn’t approach buying this fluid tester. In that case, your purchase will completely go in vain.
When you consider the comfortability of the tester, you will be glad to know that it is one of the easiest devices to use. It doesn’t require you to have technical knowledge. But it takes only a few seconds at the time of showing results.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT3 & DOT4
- 5 LED indicators
- Different colored texts
- Protective cap
- RoHS & CE approved
- The tester works well with new, recently changed, and old brake fluids.
- It is a nice choice for automobiles professionals for accurate results.
- You will find it pretty easy and fast to test the brake fluids of your car.
- You won’t undergo any trouble while reading the tester as it has LED indicators.
- The price of the tester is reasonable compared to other brake fluid testers.
- The tester doesn’t work with DOT5 fluids.
Bottom Line
When you have a car using either DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluids, you should go nowhere else. Just get the ITEQ Brake Fluid Tester Pen and stay relaxed. The fact is that it wins the race when you need a tester for DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids.
2. PTE Brake Fluid Tester | Best Battery-Included Fluid Tester
PTE Brake Fluid Tester is a battery-included device designed for only DOT4 fluids. The life of the 1.5V battery is excellent, so you have nothing to worry about the charge for a long time.
Although the device has been designed for DOT4 fluids, you can easily use it for DOT3 fluids. This is because both types of fluids are common in performance. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about the performance if you have DOT3 fluids in your car.
Like the previous device, this fluid tester has LED Indicators to make things easier at the time of reading. The indicators show you the exact percentage of water in the fluids of your car. Thus, you don’t need to guess the water level.
After connecting the pen, you won’t have to wait for a long time. The pen is capable of providing fast results. To be specific, it enables you to get results just in a few seconds. And the results are written in crystal-clear texts so that you don’t have to undergo troubles while reading.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT4 fluids
- LED indicators
- 1.5V battery
- Colored texts
- Accurate results
- The battery of the tester is robust as well as long-lasting.
- It takes only a few seconds to determine the condition of brake fluids.
- The product comes with clear and cognizable instructions.
- The device offers easy and efficient testing of brake fluids.
- It is a cost-effective brake fluid tester.
- You may find it troublesome while testing DOT3 fluids.
Bottom Line
It’s not a good idea to change brake fluids without knowing whether you need it or not. And to know the fact, PTE Tester is a great choice, which is capable of making you aware of the right time of fluid change. From performance to longevity, the product will never disappoint you.
3. BELEY Automotive Brake Fluid Tester | Best Fluid Tester for Longevity
BELEY Automotive Brake Fluid Tester is a well-made device, which is easy to read and comfortable to use. As the title says, the product is the best brake fluid moisture detector when you consider longevity. No matter what type of fluid you have, the device is always long-lasting.
Not only is BELEY Auto Brake Fluid Tester good for longevity, but it also comes with robust performance. Once you add a 9V battery to the tester, you are sure to enjoy the strongest performance indeed.
The design of the product is premium and eye-catching. It comes with a chromed surface, a goose-neck probe, and 9 LED lights. However, the most interesting feature of the tester is that it is capable of resisting oxidation and oils.
When it comes to testing fluids, you can test DOT3, DOT4, DOT5.1 fluids. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what type of brake fluid your car has; the device can be your ultimate choice for testing brake fluids. Even you don’t have to worry about the fitment as it features a universal fit.
Key Features of the Product
- Universal fit
- Premium design
- 9 LED lights
- High-precision probe
- Alarm system
- The device comes with a goose-neck probe to provide you with flexible detection.
- It enables you to know the type of brake fluid and the percentage of water.
- You can use the product for any vehicles as it fits DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1.
- It is a convenient brake fluid moisture tester for its compact size and smooth hand-feeling.
- It will provide you with accurate and crystal-clear results.
- You need to buy a battery separately.
Bottom Line
When you consider the performance of the tester, you won’t regret buying an additional battery. In fact, you don’t have to go anywhere else to buy the battery. You just have to place the order separately, and that’s all. However, if you don’t want to buy a brake fluid detector that doesn’t include a battery, then we recommend you buy the second product from our list.
4. EOUTIL Brake Fluid Tester Pen | Best Fluid Tester for Automatic Control
Calibrated for DOT3 & DOT4, EOUTIL Brake Fluid Tester Pen is another outstanding device in the arena of brake fluid testing detectors. The device is both useful and safe for use, no matter what type of car you drive.
Reading the results of the device is easier than any other brake fluid detectors out there. Even you won’t find it troublesome while reading the data at night. This is because the device comes with cutting-edge technology.
For its compact size, the tester is hassle-free to carry and easy to use. It doesn’t require you to be a professional in the field. And it doesn’t make you wait for a long time while providing results. You can see accurate results in just a few seconds indeed.
The most amazing fact about the product is that it offers an auto shutdown function. Once you turn on the tester, it will run for about 15 seconds. Afterward, it will automatically turn off. Thus, it can help you in a great deal when you want a power-saving tester.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT3 & DOT4
- Auto shutdown
- 5 LED lights
- Portable device
- Eye-catching design
- The ABS shell of the product has made it a safe and long-lasting fluid tester.
- This must-have tester is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- It provides three different colors while showing you the results of testing.
- It is an easy-to-use fluid moisture analyzer with fast-acting performance.
- It saves power while operating as it has an auto turn-off function.
- It doesn’t offer strong oil resistance.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a tester for automatic control, then there are no other good alternatives out there. Just get eOUTIL Fluid Tester Pen and stay worry-free. For your kind information, this fluid tester is one of our highly recommended products, so you can approach buying it without any hesitation.
5. OTC Tools Brake Fluid Tester | Best Fluid Tester for Professional Diagnostics
OTC Tools Brake Fluid Tester is calibrated for only DOT3 brake fluids. Typically, the device offers 2-in-1 operations. It enables you to measure the moisture and to check the quality of fluids. When it measures the moisture of your fluid, it shows the results in percentage.
The device, however, features LED lights to show the percentage of moisture clearly. And the LED lights serve constantly for a long time as the tester has a high-power battery. Fortunately, the 1.5V AAA battery is included in the tester.
There is an automatic shutoff function in the device. For this feature, the device shuts down just after twelve seconds of the operation. As a result, you have nothing to worry about if you forget to shut off the tester.
You don’t have to be a professional to determine the quality of your brake fluid with the tester. It is pretty easy to operate the device. You just need to plug in the tester; that’s all. However, the product comes with easy-to-understand instructions.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT3 fluids
- Auto turn-off function
- 1.5V battery
- LED lights
- 0%-4% measurement
- Apart from DOT3, it also works well with DOT4 fluids.
- It will save your time as it can deliver fast results after determining your fluid.
- You can use the tester for heavy-duty jobs if you are a professional.
- It won’t provide you with bad readings, no matter when you test fluids.
- This small-sized fluid tester is easy to carry and store.
- The design of the tester is not attractive.
Bottom Line
If you are a professional, you must use a tester that can afford heavy duty. Otherwise, you have to buy a couple of testers in a year, which is not expected by any professionals in the field of automobiles. Considering the convenience of the professionals, we highly recommend this fluid tester.
6. VXSCAN Brake Fluid Tester | Best Brake Fluid Analyzer for the Money
VXSCAN Brake Fluid Tester is for those who are looking for a fasting-acting fluid diagnostic tool for both DOT3 and DOT4 fluids. In terms of providing accurate results, the product doesn’t compromise. For this purpose, the manufacturer has designed the tester with cutting-edge LED Lights.
Once you press the power button of the tester, it will show a green light. And when you insert it into the fluid reservoir, it will indicate the fluid quality just in a second. For your kind information, you will see the green light when there is no water, the yellow light when there is less than 1% of water, and the red light when there is more than 4% of water.
The tester shows the quality of brake fluids in percentage, so there is no chance to show inaccurate results. Besides, the texts are shown in crystal-clear LED lights to avoid bad readings. And to make you more comfortable, the LED lights come in different colors.
If you like auto function, you will be glad to know that the diagnostic tool features an automatic shutdown. So, the tester will automatically turn off when it remains idle for more than 12 seconds. Therefore, you can save power when the tester remains inactive.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT3 & DOT4
- Ranges from 1% to 4%
- Automatic turnoff
- LED lights
- Pocket size
- The tester is the best choice if you have a tight budget.
- It will never show you an inaccurate percentage of water in the fluid.
- It acts very fast once you turn the tester on to check the fluid quality.
- It is a long-lasting fluid tester for both DIY and professional use.
- It shows texts in 3 different colors in order to make you comfortable.
- You need to buy a separate 1.5V battery.
Bottom Line
When you buy the tester, you can stay worry-free about its use. The label clearly says how to use it in order to get accurate results. And it is, as we have already said, the best budget-friendly brake fluid tester out there. This is why you can approach buying it without any hesitation.
7. OEM TOOLS Brake Fluid Tester | Best for Polyglycol-Based Fluids
OEM TOOLS Brake Fluid Tester has been designed for DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1 fluids. So, it is a nice choice for your family has a number of different cars. Even if you are a professional in the field of automobiles, the product is the perfect choice for you.
To speak the truth, the tester is widely chosen for its universal fit. However, It is also great from design to performance. Whenever you have it in your hand, you will surely fall in love with the creative design of the tool.
The LED light of the device makes sure that the tips keep appropriate contact with brake fluids. You will see clear texts with the help of a LED light as well. And there is nothing question about the accuracy of the results provided by the tester.
The life of the tester, as well as the battery, is excellent as it is backed up by OEM Tools limited lifetime warranty. However, we recommend you check the conditions and limitations from the product manual as they may change anytime.
Key Features of the Product
- Designed for all brake fluids
- 1-AAA Battery
- Auto On/Off
- Universal fit
- LED display
- The LED indicators of the tester will provide you with easy-to-read results.
- The tester is easy to use and comfortable to carry.
- It comes with a high-quality life-saving battery.
- It won’t make you fall into trouble while reading the results at night.
- The product comes with complete instructions to make your endeavor easy.
- The price of the tester is a bit high.
Bottom Line
The tester works fine with all types of Polyglycol-based brake fluids, so you can buy it without any worry. Though the price of the device is high, you won’t regret buying it. Especially, it can be a great choice for you if you serve as an auto professional.
8. Performance Tool Brake Fluid Tester | Best Universal DOT3 Fluid Tester
Performance Tool Brake Fluid Tester is a universal device working well with AC Delco, Pennzoil, Prestone, Toyota, and Motorcraft DOT3 fluids. That is to say, it doesn’t matter what type of DOT3 fluid your car has as it fits almost all types.
However, if your car has DOT5 fluid, then this tester is not for you. But you can use it for DOT4 brake fluids, by the way. And the most interesting fact is that you can use the tester for both your car and bike.
The size of the tester is reasonable, meaning that it is neither short nor long. For this feature, you can easily use it and store it when the job is done. And if you want, you can keep it in your pocket when you go for a long drive.
If you are worried about your safety, you will be happy to know that the tester causes no harm to your and your vehicle. However, there is always a chance to get in touch with brake fluid while testing the water level. In that case, you should wash the contact spot as soon as possible.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1
- Automatic shut-off function
- 1 AAA battery
- 5 LED lights
- Universal fit
- The brake fluid tester comes in a compact size for portability.
- It is approved for Pennzoil, AC Delco, Prestone, Toyota, and Motor Craft.
- It doesn’t require you to make a separate purchase for the battery.
- The tester is capable of holding a considerable vacuum.
- It’s pretty easy to test the quality of brake fluid with the help of the tester.
- It is an expensive product.
Bottom Line
There are no other good alternatives when you want a fluid tester for a universal fit. From performance to longevity, the tester doesn’t lag behind. The only con of the product is that it costs greater than other brake fluid testers available on the market. If the price is not a big deal for you, we recommend you approach getting this amazing tester.
9. EFORCAR Brake Fluid Tester | Best Professional Fluid Tester for DOT3 & DOT4
If you run an automotive shop and diagnose brake fluids of the vehicles of your clients’ cars, then you know the importance of having a trustworthy tester that is capable of testing both DOT3 and DOT4 fluids. And to make you worry-free about this, EFORCAR has come out with this age-winning auto fluid detection pen.
Once you have it in your hand, it is just a matter of a blink to test the fluid quality. This is because it doesn’t make hassles while testing fluids. You just have to undergo four different steps for this purpose.
This tester doesn’t run when you keep it inactive for more than 12 seconds. It is an amazing feature to enjoy. The fact is that we sometimes forget to turn off fluid testers, which cost us excessive power use. If this is a common case with you, then you can stay relaxed after having the tester.
The LED lights of the tester have 3 different colors including green, yellow, and red. With the help of them, you can easily understand the condition of your fluid. However, the tester has a fatal flaw; it is not chemical resistant.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT3 and DOT4
- 5 LED indicators
- Results in percentage
- Pen-sized tester
- Auto shutdown
- The brake fluid diagnostic tool doesn’t come out with inaccurate results.
- You can read the texts easily, no matter if its day or night.
- It is a cost-effective brake fluid moisture detection pen.
- The LED lights of the tester come in three different colors.
- It doesn’t take a long time to let you know the condition of your brake fluid.
- The pen doesn’t seem to be chemical-resistant
Bottom Line
Though the teste is capable of offering fast and accurate results, many car owners don’t intend to buy it. This is because the tester doesn’t come with an included battery. Besides, the texts written on the surface of the pen fade away with the course of time as it is not chemical-resistant. If you drop these two issues, the rest of the product is well.
10. Powerbuilt Brake Fluid Tester | Best DOT4 Fluid Tester with Battery
Powerbuilt Brake Fluid Tester is another outstanding device to check the quality of brake fluids. The tester is capable of testing fluids in both the reservoir and the lines. And this unique feature has made the product one of the best brake fluid testers in the market.
For those who tend to avoid battery-less fluid testers will surely love this one. The fact is that the tester comes with a high-power battery along with a nice protective cap. As a result, the device is not only powerful but also safe.
To let you know the quality of brake fluid, the tester shows the water content in percentage. In this regard, the LED lights of the device help with a great deal.
If you are looking for the ease and comfort of using a brake fluid moisture tester, this one can quench your thirst. As it is a pen-sized tester, you can easily handle it. Moreover, there is no need to be an experienced person in the field when you want to test brake fluid with Powerbuilt Brake Fluid Tester.
Key Features of the Product
- For DOT4 fluids
- Easy to handle
- Battery included
- Results in percentage
- A protective cap
- The product is the best battery-included brake fluid moisture tester for DOT4 fluids.
- It comes to the market at an affordable price.
- It has a protective cap to make the tester long-lasting and safe.
- There is no chance to get bad readings when you have this device.
- The product comes in a premium design to keep pace with the trends.
- The product comes with unclear instructions on the label.
Bottom Line
The compartment lid of the battery is not so attractive although the outer design of the tester is gorgeous. However, it is not a big issue. And if you how to test fluids, the unclear instructions of the product cannot push you away. You can approach having the product if the issues don’t matter for you.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Brake Fluid Moisture Testers
If it is the first time you are looking for a brake fluid moisture tester, then you may want to know some additional information. For your convenience, we have compiled 8 of the most frequently asked questions out there. Let’s proceed to see if they can help you.
Q1. How does a brake fluid tester operate?
Answer: Brake fluid testers operate in a simple way. Once you insert the endpoint of the tester into the reservoir of brake fluids, it heats up and identifies the boiling temperature. Consequently, the tester comes to know the percentage of water content in the fluid. Thus, it shows us the determined moisture through LED lights.
Q2. How often should I inspect the brake fluid of my vehicle?
Answer: Generally, it depends on the use of your car and the type of road where you drive. If your car undergoes heavy and frequent braking when you drive, then you need to replace the brake fluid earlier. As a rule of thumb, it is okay to check the brake fluid after every couple of years. However, never leave your brake fluids unchecked for more than 5 years.
Q3. Is it a must to change brake fluid after a certain time?
Answer: Yes, you must change brake fluid every few years. It won’t cost you much but a little effort. Whereas this little hassle can save both you and your vehicle. To be clear, if you don’t change your brake fluid when it is necessary, you may face unexpected accidents in the future.
Q4. Can I use a DOT3-specialized brake fluid tester for DOT4 fluids?
Answer: DOT3 and DOT4 fluids are almost the same, so you can test both types of fluids with the same tester. However, we recommend you read the instructions of your chosen tester to know whether it will work or not.
Q5. Can I replace the battery of a brake fluid tester when the original battery is dead?
Answer: It should be mentioned that some testers come with a battery and some others don’t. Therefore, it is clear that batteries are available for brake fluid tester. In most cases, this kind of tester uses a 1.5V AAA battery. Check the dead battery to know its type before making an approach.
Q6. How do I know when to replace the brake fluid of my car?
Answer: After turning the switch of the tester, insert it into the brake fluid reservoir. If the red LED light of the tester indicates, you need to replace the brake fluid of your car. But if the green LED light indicates, there is no necessity to change the fluid as the quality of the fluid is great.
Q7. How can I know whether my chosen tester is chemical-resistant or not?
Answer: Chemical-resistance is a great feature for a fluid tester. If your chosen tester doesn’t feature this facility, then the outer beauty of the device will fade away. However, you need to check the label to know about the feature. If you are a beauty enthusiast, we highly recommend buying a chemical-resistant brake fluid tester.
Q8. How much do I need to fix the brake fluid in my car?
Answer: You have to spend somewhere from $70 to $100 to fix the brake fluid of your car. The cost of the brake fluid is not much, by the way. If you know how to replace brake fluids, you will be able to fix it at a lower cost. This is because brake fluids are inexpensive, whereas labor cost is higher.
Wrap-Up
Now that you have come to know all the necessary information about choosing a brake fluid diagnostic tool, it is time to make an approach to get one of the best brake fluid testers from the market. You, however, can get any of the testers listed above as all of them are researched products.
But you must know your demand beforehand. In this regard, check what type of fluid your car has. Accordingly, choose the tester that matches your fluid type. However, if you are a professional in the field, you can have a common brake fluid tester. This will enable you to test all types of brake fluids.
