I got my IR (first one was about $50, second a little more) to monitor oil temps in a conversion engine in my van, to see if the A/M VDO was "in the ball park". (it was) More recently used for both oil and coolant temp on another converison, this time Subie and the accuracy of the gauges again. I like having this resource and have also used it, and seen it used to check the temps of shocks out on washboard roads; temp coming out of A/C vents.

I also think John's crayon idea was simple and a neat trick to have in one's bag.

bob