Coolant test strips are an excellent way to tell if your coolant is in good condition, or is in need of replacing. Coolant test strips work by testing the pH levels of your engine’s coolant. With the provided scale, you can then determine whether or not your vehicle is in need of new coolant.
With all the different brands and kits on the market for testing coolant, it can be hard to pick the best one. We looked at the best options on the market and compiled them here to make choosing easy.
In our comprehensive guide to the best coolant test strips, we’ll show you the best test strips for diesel and gas vehicles on the market and give you some advice when it comes time to choose. Let’s get started.
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…
| Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Phoenix Systems Coolant + Brake Fluid Test Strips | 5/5 | Click for Price |
| WIX Filters Coolant Test Kit | 4.5/5 | Click for Price |
| Robinair Econo-Clean Coolant Test Strip | 4/5 | Click for Price |
1- Phoenix Systems Coolant + Brake Fluid Test Strips
Our top pick for the best coolant strips is the Phoenix Systems Coolant + Brake Fluid Test Strips. That’s right, you can test both your coolant and break fluid with this 2 in 1 kit.
Inside comes with 15 double-ended test strips. One side is used to test coolant while the other side is used to test brake fluid.
The test strips come inside of a plastic package and are inside of a foil wrapper. Application and use is pretty straight forward. Dip the corresponding side into either your coolant or brake fluid and wait about 90 seconds for the results.
What we like
- Great price
- Tests for both coolant and brake fluid
- Test results in as little as 90 seconds
What we don’t like
- Quality control, some customers had defective strips
- Not compatible with all coolants, check before purchasing
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2- WIX Filters Coolant Test Kit
The next coolant test strips on our list is by WIX Filters. These strips come in a pack of 50 and come in an air tight container. An air tight container works great for storage.
Test strips are very easy to use. Simply dip into coolant and wait a few minutes for results to appear. Compare the color on the test strip to the included pH chart.
The outside of the bottle has a chart showing the different pH levels and where your coolant should be in terms of pH.
What we like
- 50 test strips
- High quality
- Easy to read chart on bottle
What we don’t like
- Close to expiration date upon purchase
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3- Robinair Econo-Clean Coolant Test Strip
Next on our list is the Robinair’s Econo-Clean Coolant Test Strips. These test strips are compatible with checking propylene glycol and ethylene glycol coolants.
These test strips are perfect for testing coolant in a variety of different automobiles. Trucks, cars, Vans, Motorcycles, etc are all compatible with these test strips.
Checking pH level of your coolant is simple. Just dip a test strip into the coolant and wait until it changes color. There is a pH chart conveniently located on the label which includes all the color codes so you can easily interpret the results.
What we like
- 50 Test strips
- High quality
- Compatible with propylene glycol and ethylene glycol coolants
What we don’t like
- Expensive
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4- Cummins FleetGuard Coolant Test Kit
The next coolant test kit in our list is the Cummins FleetGuard Coolant Test Kit. This is a 3-way single test strip and is great for testing diesel vehicles. The main downside is the price. Each kit contains one test strip, but each strip tests for 3 things.
With one test strip you will be able to set for freeze point, formolybdate, and nitrite. Using the test strip is straight forward. Simply dip it into the coolant and wait about 90 seconds for the color to change.
There are 3 separate squares on the test strip so you can easily differentiate between the three. Simply compare the results with the chart on the front of the package.
What we like
- Great for diesel vehicles
- 3-way test
What we don’t like
- Expensive
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5- Baldwin Coolant Test Strips
The last coolant test strips on our list is Baldwin Coolant Test Strips. This is another great kit for testing coolant on your diesel vehicle. It will test for 3 different aspects. similar to FleetGuard, these strips will test for freeze point, formolybdate, and nitrite.
Each test strip has 3 squares, one for each separate test. To use the test strip, simply dip it far enough in the coolant to saturate all three testing spaces.
Wait until test strip squares change color. Compare the colors to that on the chart provided on the package.
What we like
- Great for diesel vehicles
- 3 way test
What we don’t like
- Close to expiration
- Expensive
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
What to Look for in Coolant Test Strips
To find the best test strips for your needs, consider the following major aspects before finalizing a purchase.
Gas or Diesel
Certain test strips are specifically created for diesel engines to detect additional substances like formolybdate, and nitrite.
These test kits will be more expensive and should only be purchased for diesel engines as other standard pH testing strips will suffice for normal gas vehicles.
Coolant Test Kit
All kits are slightly different. Some kits just test the pH of your coolant, while other test kits will test for things like formolybdate and nitrites.
Some kits may also test for other fluids as well, like the Phoenix Systems Coolant + Brake Fluid Test Strips which can test your vehicle’s coolant and brake fluid all on one test strip.
Amount
Some test kits come with just one strip, while another can come with 50. 50 test strips mat be excessive, as you may not be able to use them all yourself before they expire.
While single use test strips may be more expensive, they may also be more accurate.
Best Coolant Test Strip Brands
WIX
WIX has been around since 1993. They have been an innovator in all things filtration. The design manufacture and distribute products for the automotive, diesel, industrial, and specialty filter markets.
Their product lineup is huge and they sell more than just coolant test strips. They also sell products such as oil, air, cabin, coolant, fuel, transmission and hydraulic filters, and more.
Robinair
Robinair is a major manufacturer and supplier of professional vehicle diagnostic equipment. Coolant test strips are just one of their many different vehicle diagnostic tools.
Robinair became apart of the brand Bosch back in 2012.
Cummins
Cummins Filtration started back in the mid 1950’s as a single filter production company. Cummins is widely known in the diesel industry as the leader of everything diesel from engines, to performance products for diesel engines.
in 1963 the company name was changed to Fleetguard. This brand is what became the cornerstone for the diesel engine filtration industry.
They then changed their name again to Cummins Filtration.
Baldwin
Application Associates has been serving customers for over 30 years as a factory-authorized dealer/ distributor of Baldwin Filters.
They have a wide selection of products from the industry’s leading manufactureres.
FAQs
Do Coolant Test Strips Work?
As long as your coolant test strips are well within their expiration date, they should work just fine. The older the test strip is, or if it’s expired, can skew the amount of base indicators on the strip.
This can alter the reading of the pH level that can give you false readings. You may accidently change your coolant when it was actually perfectly fine.
What Do Coolant Test Strips Measure?
Coolant test strips measure the pH level of your vehicle’s coolant/antifreeze. The pH level of your coolant can indicate whether or not your coolant is susceptible to freezing, boiling, or is in need of being changed completely.
What Is a Good pH Level for Coolant?
The ideal good pH level for coolant is between 8 and 7.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick for the best coolant strips is the Phoenix Systems Coolant + Brake Fluid Test Strips. We believe this is the best bang for your buck as you can test both your coolant and brake fluid all with one test strip.
Our runner up pick is WIX Filters Coolant Test Kit. It comes with 50 test strips, comes in an air tight bottle, is highly accurate, and comes with an easy to read chart on the front of the bottle.
Whichever coolant test strips you choose for your car, we hope this guide has been helpful in your purchasing decision.