What is a multimeter

Related article - how to use a multimeter - it will save you money !!

Multimeters can be used to test many things, and when used to test your car they save you alot of money.

Story " I was having starting problems with my car, golf cabrio.  Using the articles on the www.carbasics.co.uk website and a cheap multimeter, I was able to confirm that I needed to get the alternator changed.   This saved me a load of cash and meant that I was not at the mercy of the local mechanic for his 'sarcastic' 'experience' and his overpriced parts and labour.  The money I saved will be spent for something else for the car or fuel for a trip out in my car".

A multimeter is used to measure electrical properties such as AC or DC voltage, current, and resistance.

A multimeter is a combination of a voltmeter, an ammeter, and an ohmmeter. 

All auto (car) electricians use multimeters to help them work on a cars electrics.  It tells them when things are and are not working, taking out the guess work - They are not difficult to use.

REPEAT - they are not difficult to use and will save you money !!

There are 2 types of multi meter, an analogue version with a swinging needle and a digital type with an LCD display. Digital multimeters are now more common because they can do more things, are more robust and also relatively cheap to buy. Examples of how a multi meter can save you money ; - testing your alternator (see our 'How To' articles) - testing your car battery - testing for voltages in circuits - There are plenty more uses for a multimeter around the home. The examples above are just car related.   Digital multimeter Click for more info Analogue multimeter Click for more info

Now read our article - how to use a multimeter - it will save you money !!