What is the Best Multimeter for Automotive Work Use in the UK?

One of the primary uses for a multimeter in the hands of the DIY-er is to help diagnose and fix a car's electrical problems, and the right multimeter can be an inexpensive yet invaluable piece of kit in the automotive tool box. So what is the best multimeter in the UK for automotive work? Well, before we can figure that out, we have to know what a multimeter can be used for when it comes to the family motor.


Automotive Uses for a Multimeter

Today’s cars are packed with all sorts of electrical systems and electromotive components, any of which could go wrong or wear out, and future vehicles are only going to get more complicated as we switch away from the combustion engine towards a fully-electric future. So what car problems currently can be diagnosed with a digital multimeter? Let’s take a look at some common car issues that are ideal for diagnosing and solving with the help of a digital multimeter.


How to test a car battery with a digital multimeter

The first obvious electrical problem that can arise in any car involves the root source of stored electrical power in every vehicle - the car battery. Most people have experienced or at least know of someone whose car did not start due to a low battery charge. So one of the primary diagnostic uses of a multimeter is to check the battery voltage in a car that is having problems starting. Car batteries are 12V affairs, but a fully-charged battery should be expected to read above 12V. So, a car battery that is below this value, or even if it is at 12.0V exactly, is likely to be having engine-starting difficulties especially in cold weather. The solution to this is to remove the battery from the car and recharge it externally.

However, even if the battery voltage in a car that is having trouble starting is above 12V, this does not necessarily mean that all is well with the battery. It is also important to check what the battery voltage falls to when the engine is actually starting up as this can flag a defective battery that might need replacing. If you observe a multimeter hooked up to the battery terminals as the engine is turned on, you will notice that the voltage level will fall as the starter draws large amounts of power. The fall in voltage is normally only a couple of volts, with the battery voltage falling briefly to approximately 10V. If however, this voltage falls significantly below 10V, say to 4V, this usually means that the battery either needs conditioning or is defective and needs replacing. Even attempting to recharge such a battery is unlikely to solve the engine starting problem permanently as a large fall in battery voltage at start up most often means that the battery can no longer retain its charge for any normal length of time even in its quiescent state.

 

Checking the car battery charging system with a multimeter

Another vehicle system test that is often done with a digital multimeter is to verify that the car’s internal battery charging system is working correctly. When the car engine is on, a component called the alternator converts some of the engine’s kinetic energy into electrical power that is directed to the car's battery. This replaces energy lost during engine start up or energy used by other electrical systems.  There are several checks that can be done on a car’s battery charging system, of which the most obvious is to measure the voltage at the battery terminals while the engine is running. The voltage at this point should be about 1.5 - 2V higher than the base voltage of the battery when the engine is off, allowing charge to flow into the battery rather than out of it. If the voltage from the alternator is too low, this may indicate the presence of a fault within the car’s battery charging system, but also by the same token, if the alternator voltage is too high, this may be beyond the battery’s specifications for recharging it and the battery could become damaged over time. As a consequence, checking with a multimeter to see that the recharging voltage is within the specified limits of the battery is an important check to prolong the car battery's life.

Another set of automotive checks that can be done with a multimeter to ensure the charging system is working at its best, is to look at the integrity of the connections. By looking at the normally small (mV) voltage drops across different connections of the charging system (when the engine is running), any values that are excessively large will reveal a deficiency in the connections, and potentially compromising the charging of the battery. The typical connections on the charging system that are normally checked are:

  • Negative battery terminal   <---->   Engine grounding point (normal drop ~ 400mV)
  • Negative battery terminal   <---->   Body (Chassis) grounding point  (normal drop ~ 40mV)
  • Positive battery terminal    <---->   Alternator output (normal drop ~ 230mV)

Another charging system test that can be carried out with a multimeter which is usually the preserve of professional car mechanics is the AC ripple test. This looks for excessive AC voltage generated by the alternator that works against the DC voltage charging of the battery. To perform this test, the digital multimeter probes have to be connected up as follows:

  • Negative battery terminal  <---->  Alternator output

An AC voltage of greater than 500mV when the engine is at 2500rpm would indicate a problem with the car's charging system.


Checking for excessive current drain on the battery when the car is off

When a car is turned off and left to stand, the last thing one wants is for one of the electrical systems to draw too much energy from the car battery over an extended length of time - this will drain the battery excessively and make future starting of the vehicle a problem. So checking with a multimeter the current draw on a car battery in a vehicle that is turned off is an important check especially if there are repeated problems with the car battery even after it has been recharged. To carry out this test, the digital multimeter is placed in series between the battery and the car’s electrical systems allowing it to measure the current passing through it. Here the magic number is 50mA, anything much above that would indicate a problem (NB: it is important to let a car stand for a little while after switching it off as there are some electrical systems that continue to run for a short time after engine shut down).


Testing whether the electrical system is getting power

Whenever a fault develops in one of the car’s electrical systems, one of the first checks that can be made is to check to see whether it is getting any power in the first place. This can easily be done by hooking up a digital multimeter to the power pin or plug of the electrical system in question and checking that it is receiving the correct voltage when the system is switched on.


Checking wire integrity

Sometimes wires in a car get old or are twisted back and forth so much that they break. So having a multimeter at hand to check the integrity of the wires connecting electrical components can be very useful. Digital multimeters have two primary ways to do this, either using a bespoke feature, known as the continuity setting, which beeps when the multimeter's probes simultaneously touch both ends of an intact wire, or via resistance testing of the wire - a normal wire will have a small amount of resistance to it whereas a broken wire will show infinite resistance usually represented by 'OL'  or '1.' on the multimeter display.


Testing spark plugs & glow plugs

As with wires, you can test the integrity and proper functioning of spark plugs and glow plugs from your vehicle. The spark plugs or glow plugs will have to be removed, and then using the continuity setting or resistance reading, you can check that the elements of plugs are intact and are free from any obstructive corrosion that might be interfering with their ignition function.

Testing sensors & solenoids

Many of a car's electrical components function as a result of how electricity flows through them. For example, car temperature sensors often work on the basis of resistance values varying with temperature, or door locks and fuel injectors which are solenoids consist of wire coils wound around elements that become magnetised when electricity flows through the coils. Digital multimeters can be useful here as many of these components can be checked for faults by looking at their impedance (resistance) values and then comparing them to manufacturer specifications. Any differences in impedance outside of the component's normal range would indicate a problem and probably warrant replacing.

Checking a car’s grounding

The whole metal chassis of a car is normally connected to the negative terminal of the car battery making it the car’s ‘Ground’. However, the chassis is made of steel which is not always such a good electrical conductor, and as a result, some parts of the chassis will be better grounded than others. This is particularly important when fitting after-market kit such as stereo amplifiers where a good ground connection is needed for the equipment to work properly. A digital multimeter can be useful here to compare different points on the car’s chassis to find the best grounding points for new equipment.

Testing a rear window defroster

An electrical system found on most cars that sometimes goes awry is the rear window defroster. Using the DC voltage setting of the digital multimeter, you can first check that the connection to the defrosting element is sound by ensuring that it is receiving the correct voltage when switched on. In addition, using correct multimeter probes that can penetrate to the conducting surface of the defrosting element, the whole defroster array can be checked for integrity by looking at the resistance values for each of its sections. Any resistance that was too high would indicate a compromised region of the defrosting array.

Testing temperature in different parts of the engine

Another less obvious use for the automotive digital multimeter is to measure temperature. There are a number of car automotive systems where temperature is an important factor and where abnormal values may flag a developing problem. Car systems like the air conditioning system or the engine cooling system are typical places where you might want to keep an eye out for excessive temperatures. Not all multimeters have a temperature sensing function but the ones that do can usually measure temperature at the higher levels that you might find in a car's engine.

What to look for when buying a Digital Multimeter for Automotive Work

Unsurprisingly given the myriad of automotive uses for the humble digital multimeter, there is a whole array of features that can be on this handy little device. Some features are standard and common to all multimeters while others are optional, often only present on the very best and most expensive ones. But even the standard features can have differences in their specifications, so one needs to keep an eye out to make sure that they too will meet their needs. For basic automotive work, we recommend the following features and specifications (if appropriate) at a minimum:

  • Auto-Ranging (preferred)
  • Voltage (DC) - measuring from milliVolts (mV) up to at least 20V (since cars are based on a 12V system)
  • Continuity
  • Resistance
  • Current (DC) - measuring from milliAmps (mA) up to 10A or 20A
  • Temperature
  • Backlit Display (preferred)
  • Voltage (AC) - measuring milliVolts (mV)

Although one can diagnose many electrical problems with the essential features above, there are some additional features that advanced users may require or make the process of measurement more efficient. These include:

  • Auto-Hold or Minimum / Maximum
  • Frequency
  • Duty Cycle
  • Detachable Readout Screen

Fortunately, even the most basic digital multimeter has most of the standard measuring functions that one wants for essential automotive work, so having a multimeter at hand for car maintenance should not be out of anyone's reach. Let's take a look at what is on offer in the UK when it comes to popular digital multimeters that are best for automotive use.

Popular Digital Multimeters for Automotive Work

RangingDC Voltage
Ranges
Continuity
Resistance
Ranges
Current (DC)
Ranges
Temperature
Backlit
Display
AC Voltage
Ranges
Ultrics
Manual200mV
2V
20V
200V
600V
200Ω
2kΩ
20kΩ
200kΩ
2MΩ
200µA
2000µA
20mA
200mA
10A
200V
600V
Crenova MS8233D
Auto200mV
2V
20V
200V
600V
200Ω
2kΩ
20kΩ
200kΩ
2MΩ
20MΩ
200µA
2000µA
20mA
200mA
10A
2V
20V
200V
600V
Neoteck XL830L
Manual200mV
2V
20V
200V
600V
200Ω
2kΩ
20kΩ
200kΩ
2MΩ
200µA
2000µA
20mA
200mA
10A
200V
600V
Proster VC99
Auto400mV
4V
40V
400V
1000V
400Ω
4kΩ
40kΩ
400kΩ
4MΩ
40MΩ
400µA
4000µA
40mA
400mA
4A
20A
400mV
4V
40V
400V
750V
Extech EX330
Auto400mV
4V
40V
400V
600V
400Ω
4kΩ
40kΩ
400kΩ
4MΩ
40MΩ
400µA
4000µA
40mA
400mA
10A
400mV
4V
40V
400V
600V
Kaiweets KM100
Manual200mV
2V
20V
200V
600V
200Ω
2kΩ
20kΩ
200kΩ
2MΩ
20MΩ
20mA
200mA
10A
20V
200V
600V
Kaiweets HT118A
Auto600mV
6V
60V
600V
1000V
600Ω
6kΩ
60kΩ
600kΩ
6MΩ
60MΩ
600µA
6000µA
60mA
600mA
10A
600mV
6V
60V
600V
750V
Kaiweets KM601
Auto99.99mV
999.9mV
9.999V
99.9V
1000V
999.9Ω
9.999kΩ
99.99kΩ
999.9kΩ
9.999MΩ
99.99MΩ
9.999mA
99.99mA
999.9mA
9.99A
99.9mV
999.9mV
9.999V
99.9V
750V
RangingDC Voltage
Ranges
Continuity
Resistance
Ranges
Current (DC)
Ranges
Temperature
Backlit
Display
AC Voltage
Ranges

Automotive Multimeter Reviews

Ultrics digital multimeter review

The Ultrics Digital Multimeter

Ultrics DMM

When it comes to simple electrical problems with our cars, even the least hands-on amongst us will often prefer to diagnose and solve these issues ourselves if we can, rather than pay a high price for outside help. To tackle these sorts of issues effectively, one almost always needs a digital multimeter (DMM) to help with the diagnosis. However, although the sort of electrical work that most of us average laymen could manage would not likely justify the purchase of an expensive brand of digital multimeter, a simple inexpensive generic type machine will often more than suffice. And that is exactly the niche in which the Ultrics multimeter excels. The Ultrics machine is a cheap digital multimeter that is accurate enough to get some good information from while at the same time being surprisingly well featured for its small price. This makes it ideal for the general consumer who usually just needs a basic device to ensure that an electrical problem with their car does not have a easy layman’s fix to it.

So what exactly is good about the Ultrics digital multimeter apart from its low price? Feature-wise, the Ultrics digital multimeter sports a relatively large, blue back-lit LCD display that provides clear readouts. It can measure all the standard electrical metrics one might expect from a multimeter including AC and DC Voltage, Resistance and Current as well as Continuity. Its accuracy is sufficiently high to suit most typical multimeter applications and while it may not have the very high level of accuracy of expensive brand-name meters, this basic digital multimeter still does a very good job considering how cheap it is.

The back of the Ultrics digital multimeter showing the battery cover

The battery cover on the Ultrics DMM is held on with a single screw

Physically, the Ultrics digital multimeter is also small enough to carry around in a pocket and sports a protective rubbery outer shell that can be removed if required. It also has a pull-out stand that allows it to be propped up on a table so that the display is nicely visible even when not holding it. The Ultrics DMM also comes with some reasonable quality measuring leads that come with their own cover caps to protect them when they are not in use. To top it all off, the device even comes with a battery already installed in the machine so that the multimeter should be ready to use right out of the box. However, having a pre-installed battery also means that there will be variability in the amount of charge remaining upon receiving the device, which will depend on how long the DMM has been sitting in the storage facility after manufacture. Indeed, some buyers have received devices where the batteries have been close to end of life, with the odd unlucky individual discovering that the battery was so old that it had partially leaked. This means, new buyers of the multimeter should not expect the included battery to last very long and it is also recommended to check the integrity of the battery upon reception of the DMM. Fortunately, checking the battery and replacing it is a simple affair requiring just the removal of the battery cover which is held on with a single screw.

On the more negative side of the Ultrics DMM, the overwhelming disadvantage of using it is that it is the manual-ranging type instead of the much preferred auto-ranging type. This means that when it comes to adjusting the measuring range to the best one for the electrical source being measured, this has to be done manually by turning a dial rather than being automatically adjusted by the machine itself. In today’s all-consuming digital age where electronic component prices have fallen dramatically, having an auto-ranging multimeter is almost a required feature in today's digital multimeters. The Ultrics multimeter also lacks the intrinsic ability to measure temperature, a feature which is becoming increasingly common on today’s DMMs, and one that can prove quite useful for diagnosing some automotive issues.

One other minor disadvantage when buying the Ultrics DMM comes from the operating manual that accompanies the device. The operating instructions are relatively poor both in clarity and in their command of the English language, while the text itself is printed in an unusually small font size that makes reading difficult especially for the older folk among us. Since this is a device for the novice user, instructions on how to use its different features become even more important than for other more expert-targeted devices. Fortunately, with the encyclopaedic internet and the likes of Google and Youtube, useful help on how to use the Ultrics DMM and digital multimeters in general is not far away.

Overall, the Ultrics multimeter is one of the best cheap digital multimeters for automotive work for sale in the UK and is recommended as an inexpensive aid to solving simple electrical issues with the car. However, if you are looking into getting into electrical or even electronic problem solving in automobiles in a big way, then it might not be the best DMM for the money, and a more reputable brand of digital multimeter might be more appropriate.

Proster VC99 digital multimeter review

The Proster VC99 Digital Multimeter

Proster VC99

The Proster (also sometimes branded as Vici or VICHY) VC99 is a popular digital multimeter in the mid-price range category. This multimeter has a whole host of features to satisfy just about any hobbyist or DIY-er, and can even substitute for a professional machine in a pinch.

In automobile diagnostics, the VC99 has almost all the features that one looks for in a multimeter. First and foremost, the VC99 is an auto-ranging machine making it a breeze to use, but it can also be switched to manual ranging if need be. It can measure both DC and AC voltages in the millivolt range right up into hundreds of volts, much more than required for vehicle voltages. Like most digital multimeters, the VC99 can measure electrical continuity, as well as electrical resistance over a wide range of values from single-digit ohms right up to the megaohm level. The Proster multimeter is also capable of measuring DC current right down in the microamp range as well as in the double-digit amperes level and everything in-between, more than covering the current level-measuring requirements of automobiles. As for temperature, the VC99 can measure from -40ºC to 1000ºC, using the included thermocouple probe. The multimeter also has a frequency and duty cycle measuring function for any electrical signal oscillating in the hertz range right up to the megahertz level. And to top it all off, the VC99 also has a maximum / minimum feature that allows the user to see the maximum or minimum value reached during a measurement without having to keep looking at the display, a feature that one usually only finds in multimeters of the premium price category.

The Proster VC99 digital multimeter and the accessories that come with it

The VC99 DMM comes with a few accessories

The metrics mentioned above already cover almost everything needed for checking over vehicle electrics. Still, the VC99 has more features and higher specifications, making it also useful for other electrical activities such as tinkering with electronic devices and DIY-ing household electrics. For instance, the digital multimeter can measure capacitance over a wide range from the nanofarad level right up into the lower millifarad range. It also has a very large and clear 6000 count display with 3 and 5/6ths digits, with an accuracy comparable to that of well-known premium-brand Fluke multimeters. Sampling rate on the VC99 is three times per second, giving it a reasonably quick response time. The Proster machine also has a decent input impedance of 10 MΩ, preventing any significant voltage changes when measuring high resistance components. It also has separate milliamp and amp terminals distinct from the ‘VΩHz’ terminal, something that is always preferred in a digital multimeter. Both current-measuring terminals are protected by fuses, albeit with cheaper glass fuses than the preferred ceramic ones. Power on the Proster meter is conserved via an auto-power off function, but unlike most other multimeters, this battery-saving feature can be turned off if there is a need to measure over a more extended period. To top off these impressive specifications, the VC99 also comes with several accessories including a rubber protective sleeve, carry case, and the AAA batteries needed to power the device.

The CATII rating on the Proster VC99 digital multimeter

The VC99 DMM is only CAT II-rated

Even with these impressive technicals, it is rare to find a machine that is perfect in every way, and the VC99 is no different, falling short in a couple of areas. Probably the biggest negative of the VC99 is the lack of a back-lit display, which can be a problem if working in darker environments. In addition, the Proster digital multimeter is only CAT II-rated and does not have the preferred CAT III specification, meaning one has to think twice about using it to take measurements across high energy systems. The probes that come with the multimeter are also a bit of a let-down, and more avid multimeter users will most likely prefer to source a better quality pair independently. Finally, long term robustness and reliability can not be assumed for the Proster VC99, and one should certainly not expect this inexpensive machine to last as long as the more premium Fluke multimeters, for instance. In this regard, the Proster VC99 is thought to have a service life of a few years if it is used on a frequent basis. This is due to the use of lower quality components and an internal build design typical of cheaper budget models (for a look inside the VC99, check out EEVblog’s teardown video of several multimeters, including the VC99, below)

Overall, the Proster VC99 digital multimeter is a fully-featured tool and is an excellent choice for a low-to-medium cost electrical measuring device, more than sufficient for the requirements of today’s car diagnostics. The VC99, with its wide range of specifications, will also fit the needs of other disciplines as well, especially those of electronics enthusiasts and electrical DIY-ers. However, this multimeter is not a tool for professionals, not because it lacks accuracy, but more that it does not possess the high build quality of premium multimeters, and it should not be expected to last as long as professional models, especially if over-worked.

Extech EX330 digital multimeter review

The Extech EX330 digital multimeter

Extech EX330

The Extech EX330 is a relatively inexpensive digital multimeter that stands out from the other budget digital multimeters firstly by coming from a well-known reputable company and secondly, by being one of the smallest fully-featured digital multimeters available on the UK market today.

Feature-wise, the Extech EX330 is primarily auto-ranging which is always preferred (although it can also be used in manual mode if desired) making the taking of readings a simpler process than for manual ranging-only meters. It can measure DC voltage from the millivolts range with a resolution of 0.1mV and an accuracy of ±0.5%, right up into the hundreds of volts, far in excess of what is needed for a 12V-based car electrical system and making it not only useful in the garage but also handy for home electrical work. Like most other digital multimeters, the Extech EX330 features the all-essential electrical continuity function, but unlike a lot of other budget multimeters, the continuity function is the sought-after fast-latching type. This means that there is almost no delay in the sounding of the tone when continuity is detected, although the beeping itself can be a bit scratchy at times. Resistance-wise, the Extech EX330 is capable of checking the integrity of just about any electrical component found in today’s modern car using resistance range settings from 400Ω up to 40MΩ, while the microamp to amp ranges of current measuring is wide enough to diagnose any automotive current issues you might encounter. The Extech EX330 can also read temperatures from -20℃ up to 750℃ (-4 to 1382°F ), which is once again far more than one needs for any temperature monitoring of car systems or processes. For AC voltage monitoring, the Extech EX330 can measure accurately down to the millivolts range which can be useful for diagnosing specific problematic car conditions such as high levels of unwanted AC current coming from battery charging systems.

In addition to these features that are useful for solving car electrical issues, the Extech EX330 is also capable of a number of other functions that are less applicable for automotive work but may be needed when working with electricals or electronics. These include the abilities to measure capacitance and frequency which are sometimes required when working with electronics, as well as a non-contact voltage detector (NCV) for home electrical work that can be useful for safely detecting dangerously high voltages up to 600V. This makes the feature-rich Extech EX330 more than just a digital multimeter for automotive work but more of a general purpose tool.

Extech EX330 terminals

Fused terminals of the EX330

Build-wise, the Extech EX330 is internally well-designed and well-built. One notable feature that one does not always see on budget digital multimeters is the presence of fuses protecting both the microAmp / milliAmp and Amp terminals. On the Extech EX330, both these fuses are present, albeit in the glass format rather than in the preferred ceramic type, ensuring that both the meter and the user are protected from accidental high currents. Furthermore, the fuses themselves are readily accessible via the battery compartment, something not always seen on digital multimeters where sometimes the whole meter itself has to be dismantled to get at the fuses.

On the negative side, the one obvious letdown with the Extech EX330 digital multimeter, especially when compared to other inexpensive multimeters in its class, is the lack of a backlit display screen meaning that any work with the Extech multimeter in low light conditions will not be optimal. Another minor dislike is the integral stand apparatus at the back of the machine which is less robust and less stable than we would have liked.

Overall however, the Extech EX330 is a good all-round digital multimeter from a reputable US company which sells a variety of measuring instruments. The Extech digital multimeter may not have the perfection of infinitely more expensive top-brand meters but it is still a well-designed and robustly-built machine that has most of the features that one wants for a number of disciplines including automotive work.

AstroAI DM6000AR digital multimeter review

AstroAI digital multimeter DM6000AR

The AstroAI DM6000AR digital multimeter (which is identical to AstroAI model number WH5000A) is one of the best options for users looking for a medium budget digital multimeter (DMM). The creators of this machine have listened to feedback from experienced users, and it is clear that they have tried to cater to as many needs as possible. The AstroAI DM6000AR multimeter, in particular, addresses the needs of electronics aficionados with a range of features that are explicitly targeted at them. Still, the machine includes features for other user types as well. For example, for electricians, the AstroAI device can act as a clamp meter if used with the right accessory (not included).

Feature-wise, the AstroAI multimeter measures all the commonly used metrics including AC and DC voltage, AC and DC Current, resistance, and continuity. It can also display frequency or duty cycle of a measured signal. Ranging on the device is automatic and is the default state, but the machine also possesses a manual ranging override button should the user need to set the measuring scale manually. The AstroAI DMM can also measure a wide range of temperature, from -40℃ to 1370℃, using the included thermocouple lead. And the AstroAI device’s abilities do not stop there. The multimeter can also measure capacitance and, using a special adaptor accessory that comes with the machine, can test diodes and transistors as well. Many of these features are not included in other digital multimeters of this price category.

From an automotive standpoint, the AstroAI meter more than fulfils the criteria demanded from a multimeter for automotive work. Voltage measurements cover the millivolt range and rise well in excess of the 12 volts typical of automotive electrical systems. AC and DC current measuring provides accurate readings from the micro-Amp range right up to 10 Amps, while resistance can be measured in the Ohm to the mega-Ohm range. All of these specifications more than cover the parameters needed when working with car electrical systems.

The display on the AstroAI DM6000AR digital multimeter

The AstroAI DMM has a large, clear display and a backlight at the push of a button

The display on the AstroAI device is also relatively large with clear digits, making it easy to read. In low light conditions, the screen also has a backlight which can be turned on with a long press of the ‘Light / Hold’ button. The light automatically turns off shortly afterwards to conserve battery power. Also saving battery power, the AstroAI multimeter automatically turns itself off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

Unusually for a low-cost DMM, the AstroAI machine also has several other features that are usually found exclusively on expensive high-end multimeters. These include a relatively high sampling rate of 2 times per second so that readings are likely to be accurate even if the measured signal is fluctuating. In addition, the meter also includes a ‘Relative’ button which can be used to compensate for any internal resistance from the test leads. Readings can also be captured at their maximum or minimum values using the ‘Max / Min’ button.

Safety-wise, the AstroAI DM6000AR DMM comes with ceramic protection fuses as opposed to the cheaper and more fragile glass ones that one usually finds on budget meters. These can be easily changed via the battery compartment, obviating the need to disassemble the machine if the fuses blow, again something not commonly found on budget machines.

The tether on the AstroAI DM6000AR digital multimeter

The AstroAI DMM can be hung from metal surfaces using its magnet-containing tether

Like most multimeters, the AstroAI multimeter has an integrated kickstand for hands-free operation. In addition, it also possesses a clever feature consisting of a couple of strong magnets tethered to the device. These magnets can be used to hang the multimeter from vertical metal surfaces, especially useful when level surfaces that the kickstand can use are in short supply. Finally, to top things off, the AstroAI multimeter already comes with a battery so is raring to go on arrival.

Overall, the AstroAI DM6000AR digital multimeter is an exceptionally capable machine, ideal for the DIYer or electronics tinkerer, and even for some professionals. With its wide range of features, it is probably overkill for automotive work; however, its high level of capability is likely to make it an asset for diagnosing other electronics and electrics around the home if one is so inclined.