Description
Precise Coolant Analysis for Modern Thermal Management Systems
With the PHM 01_LR, Leitenberger offers a professional pH meter for testing coolants in modern vehicles. The device enables fast, precise, and reproducible determination of the pH value of coolant mixtures and helps repair shops objectively assess the actual condition of the coolant.
While fixed replacement intervals were common in the past, modern thermal management systems require condition-based maintenance. High-quality specialty coolants are used particularly in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles, and replacing them incurs significant material costs. With the PHM 01_LR, workshops can make an informed decision as to whether a coolant change is actually necessary.
Why measure the pH value of coolants?
The pH value is one of the most important indicators of a coolant’s chemical condition.
New coolants typically have a slightly alkaline pH value between approximately 7.5 and 9.5. These alkaline properties reliably protect aluminum, steel, copper, and other materials in the cooling system from corrosion.
However, the chemical properties of the coolant change continuously over the course of its service life. Additives are depleted, corrosion protection diminishes, and the pH level drops. The coolant becomes increasingly acidic and loses its protective effect.
Regular coolant testing makes it possible to detect critical changes early on and prevent costly consequential damage to the thermal management system.
Why is coolant testing particularly important for electric vehicles?
The demands placed on the thermal management systems of modern electric vehicles are constantly increasing.
Batteries, power electronics, chargers, and electric motors operate optimally only within narrow temperature limits. For this reason, electric vehicles have complex cooling systems with multiple cooling circuits and significantly larger volumes of coolant than vehicles with internal combustion engines.
In addition, the coolants used often have special formulations and are significantly more expensive than conventional antifreeze mixtures.
Unnecessary replacements therefore result in high repair and material costs.
The PHM 01_LR can be used to check the actual condition of the coolant. This allows maintenance work to be performed as needed and avoids unnecessary coolant changes.
Special Considerations for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Specially developed coolants are used in fuel cell systems.
These are sensitive to external influences. Even contact with air can cause the pH value to drop and the coolant to become more acidic. This alters its chemical composition.
Regular monitoring of the pH value helps detect changes early on and ensure the long-term functionality of the cooling system.
Advantages of the PHM 01_LR
- Professional pH meter for coolant
- Fast and precise measurement of the pH value
- Suitable for:
- Internal combustion engines
- Hybrid vehicles
- Electric vehicles
- Fuel cell vehicles
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC)
- Large backlit LCD display
- Hold function
- Min/Max value memory
- Measurement values can be saved via SD card
- Easy to use in the workshop
Typical Applications
The PHM 01_LR is particularly suitable for:
- Automotive repair shops
- Authorized service centers
- Independent repair shops
- Manufacturers and R&D departments
- Testing facilities
- Electric vehicle service centers
- Maintenance of thermal management systems
Technical Specifications
- Measurement range: 0.00 to 14.00 pH
- Resolution: 0.01 pH
- Accuracy: ± (0.02 pH + 2 digits)
- Temperature compensation: Automatic or manual / 0–60 °C
- Display: Large LCD with green backlight
- Power supply: 9-V battery
- Dimensions: 177 × 68 × 45 mm
- Weight: approx. 489 g
Your benefits at a glance
The PHM 01_LR supports workshops in the cost-effective and professional maintenance of modern cooling systems.
By quickly determining the pH value, coolants can be objectively evaluated and unnecessary replacements avoided. At the same time, regular monitoring helps detect corrosion damage early and extend the service life of cooling systems.
Especially for electric and fuel-cell vehicles, which use high-quality specialty coolants, the PHM 01_LR helps reduce maintenance costs while ensuring the vehicles’ operational safety.
Scope of delivery
- PHM 01_LR
- Calibration Certificate
- User Manual
- Buffer Solutions pH 4.00 and pH 7.00
- Carrying Case
