Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've had one for a couple of years now.
Pros: Could not be easier to use. The Red-Yellow-Green LEDs give an instant check on your voltage. The backlight makes it possible to check voltage at night while driving -- so you can see the effect those KC HiLiTES 631 Daylighter - 6 In Black 130w Long Range Off Road Light System (Pair) you just installed are having on your charging system.
Cons: Accuracy may or may not be appropriate for all possible uses. It's good enough for basic automotive uses IMHO. The convenient LEDs don't go off, and the display is a little lame: when your system has 12V or higher, all three are on, not just the green LED. The backlighting is not very bright. The convenient adjustable display is susceptible to popping off if one applies too much pressure to it. It is not an instant reading -- you have to wait for a couple of seconds before the voltage value appears.
Let me address a couple of issues from other reviews. Regarding the ability to read voltages while starting the car -- I think this depends upon how your lighter outlet is wired. Recent Ford F150s have an additional power outlet which is not switched during starting, for example. So I am able to read voltages...if this is really important, consider running a separate lighter outlet direct from your battery if you are automotively handy. But I would not categorize this as a defect of the unit.
Second, several posts have complained about the unit being fragile. I don't agree with that description. The VEC008 Achilles heel is the flexible housing, which can be disconnected with a little pressure. This is probably better than having it just break, and it's an easy repair. Just take a #0 Phillips screwdriver (like the Klein Tool 604-3 No.0 Phillips-Tip Miniature Screwdriver with 3-Inch Round Shank), undo two screws, and it's easy to re-assemble. Hint: Do not lose the screws.
Regarding accuracy...this is not a Fluke multimeter. If one is really serious about this, i.e. if you run a lot of accessories off your lighter socket, then a fixed voltage gauge like the Auto Meter 6391 Cobalt Digital Voltmeter Gauge is probably something you should consider, especially if you find yourself needing jump starts!
So...having some way of measuring voltage in your car is a good idea, and I can generally recommend the VEC008. It is not without drawbacks, so I will give it three stars.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter, 12 Volt
Get 22% OFF
Click here for more information about Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter, 12 Volt
