Want to know the problem with your vehicle’s charging system or ignition? Or do you want to know why the brake lights aren’t working? Well, these problems are probably occurring because of a poor connection in the car’s wiring system. As such, you’ll need a unique tool to determine where the problem is!
Leaving you with yet another problem: Which is the best tool for that task? Relax! You don’t need any complicated tools. You only need to get yourself the best automotive test light in the market! And you’ll be able to detect all your car’s wiring problems in no time.
However, with so many models in the market, choosing the best product may not be a walk in the park. Knowing that we have listed for you the 10 top automotive test lights you’ll ever come across online. There’s no way you’ll not find the perfect one here to match your needs!
Our Top Picks:
- Best Automotive Circuit Tester – KZYEE KM10 Power Circuit Probe Kit
- Top Rated – Digital LCD Circuit Tester
- Best Overall – OTC Mini Cord Circuit Tester
- Best Automotive Test Light – JASTIND Automotive Circuit Tester
Best Automotive Test Light: Review
1. OTC Mini-Cord Circuit Tester – Best Automotive Test Light
To kick off our list, we have this mini-cord circuit tester by OTC. A test light that allows you to quickly check 6 & 12 Volt systems, thanks to its multifunctional design. You’ll certainly love how fast and accessible this product is.
The design also features an ergonomic, slim clear handle and a bright red replaceable bulb. Thus allowing you to check the volt signals with ease. There is also a needlepoint steel probe that ensures convenient piercing and back probing.
Another notable feature on this circuit tester is the 12 ft. long coiled red cord. Not to forget the screw on the alligator clip for extra versatility. You can use this unit to test electrical circuits and locate grounds, open as well as short circuits.
Pros
- Bright red, high-intensity replaceable bulb
- Ergonomic handle ensures comfortable handling
- Ideal for testing 6 & 12 volt systems
Cons
- Not ideal for 24 Volt systems
Best Automotive Circuit Tester 2022
2. KZYEE Automotive Circuit Tester with Auto Electrical System Testing Functions
Considered the most modern circuit tester, this unit can perform almost every service any test light can do. Whether it’s continuity test, checking grounds, determining MAX/ MIN voltage, diagnosing circuits, or even activating car components, you name it! And this product will get it done for you!
Unlike most test lights, KZYEE diagnoses the precise AC voltage, DC voltage, Diode, and resistance of 12-24 Volt systems. Even better, you just need to press the mode button to accomplish that!
You can easily power it up using the car cigarette lighter or battery. With the 20 feet long extension cable, you can reach almost every part of your trailer, truck, or car. The unit also features an inbuilt flashlight that lights up the work area. We cannot
Pros
- Circuit breaker protected to avoid overloading
- Multipurpose device
- Extremely easy to use
Cons
- Requires some knowledge for better use
3. JASTIND Automotive Circuit Voltage Tester
Long cords take a lot of time to clean, right? If you think so too, then you’ll find this JASTIND circuit tester a great option. When stretched, the coiled cord can go up to 11.25 ft/ 135 inches. For a car test light, this is an excellent ideal length.
It works well for both higher and distant fuses. Also, thanks to its sharp piercing probe and handle, you can use it to test most objects. The heavy-duty bulb tester has a total length of 8.5 inches, while the alligator clip measures 3 inches. This promotes convenient one-hand operation. You can use this alligator clip for both the negative and positive terminals.
This unit is designed to test 6 to 24 volt systems. You’ll also love that this unit includes one replacement indicator light.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Great quality
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires a battery for continuity testing
4. Katzco Voltage Continuity & Current Tester
This Katzco current tester allows you to easily test light sockets, connections, and short circuits hassle-free! Thus, you can use this superior current tester for various purposes. For instance, you can use it to check your car taillights, fuses, wires, connections, headlights, and more.
The best thing about this test light is that it’s self-powered. As such, its light bulb powers up to let you know whether your car circuit is functional or not. When the bulb powers up, then the circuit is working well, and vice versa.
Besides, this unit features an extra-long core, measuring 54”, to give you more flexibility. To protect the base test lead from damage, the spring of this current tester is reinforced.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Extra-long 54-inch power cord
- Superior current tester
- Ideal for a quick test
Cons
- The clamp is too small
5. IIT Professional Circuit Tester- Indicator Light by Industrial Tools
Manufactured by IIT Corporation, this circuit tester is one of the best professional-grade products out there. It has a light in the handle that glows when the circuit is complete. Because of its versatility, you can use it to locate short circuits or test light sockets and fuses.
It comes with a 4.5-foot long ground wire and a heavy-duty insulated alligator clip. With this unit, you can easily find live and broken wires. All thanks to its sharp steel probe that pierces wire insulation with ease.
The unit features a probe tip covered with some plastic sheath. This protects users from injuring themselves when retrieving it from the toolbox. It’s ideal for a testing circuit in 6 to 12 volt systems.
Pros
- Professional grade circuit tester
- Includes a lifetime warranty
- Extremely versatile
- Ideal for preventative maintenance
Cons
- Short cord, only 4.5 feet long.
6. INNOVA Test Light & Circuit Tester
As a leading manufacturer of automotive diagnostic reporting and test equipment, INNOVA is dedicated to producing superior products. One of their product is ranked among the best circuit testers in the market today. The unit quickly identifies whether there’s a voltage on circuits and wiring or not.
The product features an ergonomic grip design for safety and comfortable handling. This unit works well and its 6-foot cable is long enough to reach the negative terminal in your car engine hood. Also, it has a unique screen display as well as a 3 color LED. This enables you to check the State Emissions fast.
You can easily see the bright LEDs through the transparent handle to identify connections. Red indicates that there is a voltage present, while green shows there is a ground present.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Bright LEDs
- Ergonomic grip design
- Designed for safe voltage checking
Cons
- It may not have a longer lifespan
7. WINAMOO Premium Digital LED Automotive Circuit Tester with Portable Wire
Imagine having a test light that can detect current present in 3 to 48 Volt systems. It would be pretty amazing, right? Well, that’s exactly what this WINAMOO circuit tester has been designed to do.
This product features an LCD screen that allows you to check the voltage of the system being tested with ease. To enhance accurate readouts, the LED has a 0.5V accuracy and 0.1V resolution. You can also check the polarity on this LED. The green light shows negative polarity, while the red light shows positive polarity.
Besides, it has a PU spring wire that extends to 96 inches. Attached to the spring wire is an alligator clip on one end and a stainless steel probe on the other. The unit is constructed with heavy-duty material to enhance its durability.
Pros
- Ideal for hard-to-reach areas
- Durable
- High-quality construction
- Ensures accurate voltage check
Cons
- Hard to see the LED screen during the day
8. OctagonStar Circuit Tester 6V / 12V DC Systems
Since this product is a test light, the indicator bulb lights up when current flows through its filament. But that’s not even the best thing about this unit. The best thing is that you can replace the bulb if it’s off. So, be ready to have this product for quite some time!
While its large clip might not fit in tight spaces, it works well for almost every negative pole. The clip easily attaches to the unit and doesn’t slip up. You’ll find the 4-foot long quite useful in most applications.
Regarding the safety, you don’t have to be concerned about that with this product, since it comes with quality assurance. You can easily use this high-quality tester to test your car fuses. In general, OctagonStar is one of the best automotive circuit testers and it’s a worthwhile investment!
Pros
- Works well, without failures
- Affordable product
- Extremely easy to use
Cons
- Lacks LED screen
9. OTC 3636 Heavy-Duty Coil Cord Circuit Tester
This is yet another product from OTC that we’ve decided to include on our list. The unit features a multi-functional design that allows you to test bot 6 & 12 volt systems. It has high efficient bright red and green lights that indicate volt signals like frequency and ground power.
Moreover, it has an ergonomic clear handle that encourages convenient handling. Another plus for this bright red build in the handle is replaceable. There is also a 12-foot coiled cord that enables you to check various electrical systems in your car.
For safety, this product also has high current clips that have protective boots. These clips are easy to hook up since they have an additional width of 5/8”. Moreover, the stainless steel probe has an insulated shaft.
Pros
- Bright lights
- Multifunctional design
- Convenient automotive circuit testing
Cons
- Small clips
10. JASTIND 2pcs Automotive Circuit Tester with Replacement Indicator Light for Car/Vehicles
Buying things in bulk is a very cost-effective option. You always end up buying a single unit at a very low price. Thus, instead of buying a single circuit tester, consider investing in this set of 2 units from JASTIND.
Each unit has a coiled cord that extends to a maximum length of 11.25 feet (135 inches). Moreover, the circuit tester features a sharp piercing. This, plus the coiled wire, will enable you to test most objects in your car.
As if that’s not enough, this automotive test light is made of heavy-duty material. So, durability will not be an issue with this product. Besides, its 3” alligator clip works for both the negative and positive terminals. You can use these testers to check voltages of 6 to 24 circuits. As a bonus, the product comes with 2 replacement indicator lights.
Pros
- Great price
- Heady-duty construction
- Superior quality
Cons
- Requires a battery for continuity testing
What to look for when buying an automotive test light?
Cable length
This is one of the most important factors you should consider. Unlike short cables, long ones are ideal since they reach most areas. However, long cables have their issues too. For instance, they take up too much storage space and they’re hard to clean. For that, we suggest buying test lights with coiled cords for convenient handling and storing.
Voltage range
You must also consider the voltage of the automotive wiring and circuits you intend to test. This will enable you to choose the ideal unit for that task. For instance, if you’ve got a hybrid car with a 24V system, using a 6-12 Volts unit will not work accurately. However, we recommend one simple thing: buy the most versatile test light with a wide voltage range!
Brand
It’s always good to buy a product from a reputable brand. This ensures that you buy superior and heavy unity test lights that are more durable. Luckily, we have only included products from some of the leading test light manufacturers out there.
Price
As you know, price doesn’t always reflect the quality of the product. There is no need of paying too much money for a product that doesn’t offer any extra benefits or features. So, besides price, makes sure you compare the features, limitations as well as benefits of various test lights. Only then will you get the most reasonably priced product!
FAQs
What type of wiring errors does a test light check?
Most test lights enable you to look for reversed wiring and missed electrical grounds. You’ll find such information on the unit’s LCD.
What do red and green lights mean on the test light?
A green LED indicates that there is a ground present in the circuit. While a red light indicates that there is power in the circuit.
How does a test light check an electric current?
A test light has an indicator bulb in the probe that’s attached to the sharply pointed rod. When connected to a circuit, this bulb glows if there is power in the circuit. Thus indicating the circuit is operating properly. You can also reverse the lead of the test light to the positive terminal to check for ground continuity.
Why do test lights have LEDs?
Although not all test lights have LEDs, their role is to identify connections. As such, you’ll see the unit’s LED changing to various colors depending on the brand. The most common colors include; red, green, and white.
Which is the best test light brand?
With so many test light brands out there, it’s difficult to settle on one particular brand. All in all, the most popular brands include; JASTIND, OctagonStar, OTC, WINAMOO, INNOVA, and Katzco.
Final Words
As you can see, the market has several different brands of test lights. Since everyone has their taste and preference, we’ve decided not to choose one product to suit all.
Instead, we’ve come up with a comprehensive list of the top 10 best automotive test lights in the market right now! So, feel free to go through the features, pros, and cons of each test light. And choose the one that suits your needs perfectly!
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Myself Erick R. Jackson, I am a Computer Science graduate by law but a passionately enchanted blogger by profession.
A few years back, it all started with my first blog website. It was about to deal and heal with automotive hand tools. Well, it brought me a good audience base for sure, which then dragged me out of my major and got me to sit and write, and be a blogger. Read more
