Brake Fluid Tester

Gangplank · 08-26-2018, 06:18 PM

Anyone ever tried one of these brake fluid testers? They cost $10 on Amazon. It tests the moisture in dot 4 fluid. BMW says to change it every 2 years or 24k miles but if I test it and it's fine I'd rather just change it when needed. I'm actually surprised it's not a built in sensor.

Brake Fluid Tester - calibrated for DOT 4 brake fluids https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HVG4GQ..._HsZGBbYYK172Q

captain slowly · 08-26-2018, 06:52 PM

based on some of the comments on amazon, the reading changes depending on how deep you submerge the probes...which tells me it isn't accurate at all. Just change it every two years and be done.

Gangplank · 08-26-2018, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain slowly

based on some of the comments on amazon, the reading changes depending on how deep you submerge the probes...which tells me it isn't accurate at all. Just change it every two years and be done.

That's user error. It has to be inserted the correct amount to work properly.

Gangplank · 08-26-2018, 07:44 PM

Here's a video testing one..

captain slowly · 08-26-2018, 07:49 PM

well then, if it can be accurate its definitely useful.

Suprgnat · 08-26-2018, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Here's a video testing one..

Good information, great cure for my jet lag.

Gangplank · 08-26-2018, 08:00 PM

I'm hoping someone has tried it. Seems it is testing the conductivity of the brake fluid so should work. Real world experience anyone?

Lucky1 · 08-26-2018, 09:53 PM

So then how much longer on average according to these testers does brake fluid really last? If it saves me 1+ years okay maybe I'm interested. But if we're talking months I don't think its of that much value to me. Would rather have a built in sensor as some have suggested. Better for the planet overall I suppose for greater accuracy.

iminhell1 · 08-27-2018, 12:28 AM

Couldn't a guy do the same thing with a DVOM?
Just need to make a calibration test. Then go to your car and see what it reads?

DVOM is more useful than a use once every 6 month specific tester. No?

Gangplank · 08-27-2018, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Couldn't a guy do the same thing with a DVOM?
Just need to make a calibration test. Then go to your car and see what it reads?

DVOM is more useful than a use once every 6 month specific tester. No?

What's a DVOM?

NorthernDancer · 08-27-2018, 10:08 AM

Digital Volt Ohm Meter. A DVOM can also be used to check engine coolant-I just don't have the specs right now but I think a reading of 0.5 volts or higher means your coolant needs changing.

Dack has commented on this brake fluid tester and likes it. I will likely get one some time soon as for the price, it's a no brainer especially with 4 cars and 1 motorcycle.

08-26-2018, 06:18 PM	#1
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Brake Fluid Tester Anyone ever tried one of these brake fluid testers? They cost $10 on Amazon. It tests the moisture in dot 4 fluid. BMW says to change it every 2 years or 24k miles but if I test it and it's fine I'd rather just change it when needed. I'm actually surprised it's not a built in sensor. Brake Fluid Tester - calibrated for DOT 4 brake fluids https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HVG4GQ..._HsZGBbYYK172Q Attached Images __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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08-26-2018, 06:52 PM	#2
captain slowly I like turtles! 726 Rep 698 Posts Drives: '21 M2C 6MT Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	based on some of the comments on amazon, the reading changes depending on how deep you submerge the probes...which tells me it isn't accurate at all. Just change it every two years and be done.
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08-26-2018, 07:44 PM	#4
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Here's a video testing one.. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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08-26-2018, 07:49 PM	#5
captain slowly I like turtles! 726 Rep 698 Posts Drives: '21 M2C 6MT Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	well then, if it can be accurate its definitely useful.
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08-26-2018, 08:00 PM	#7
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	I'm hoping someone has tried it. Seems it is testing the conductivity of the brake fluid so should work. Real world experience anyone? __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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08-26-2018, 09:53 PM	#8
Lucky1 Colonel 647 Rep 2,051 Posts Drives: '08 128i Coupe SGM 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 Porsche 911 Ca ... [0.00] 2008 128i Coupe [0.00] 2006 Z4 M Roadster [0.00]	So then how much longer on average according to these testers does brake fluid really last? If it saves me 1+ years okay maybe I'm interested. But if we're talking months I don't think its of that much value to me. Would rather have a built in sensor as some have suggested. Better for the planet overall I suppose for greater accuracy.
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08-27-2018, 12:28 AM	#9
iminhell1 C2H5OH 3915 Rep 2,144 Posts Drives: 2010 SG 135i auto Join Date: May 2015 Location: Darwin, MN iTrader: (1)	Couldn't a guy do the same thing with a DVOM? Just need to make a calibration test. Then go to your car and see what it reads? DVOM is more useful than a use once every 6 month specific tester. No?
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08-27-2018, 10:08 AM	#11
NorthernDancer Colonel 848 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	Digital Volt Ohm Meter. A DVOM can also be used to check engine coolant-I just don't have the specs right now but I think a reading of 0.5 volts or higher means your coolant needs changing. Dack has commented on this brake fluid tester and likes it. I will likely get one some time soon as for the price, it's a no brainer especially with 4 cars and 1 motorcycle.
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