In-car Torches Tested

Which torch is best to keep in your glovebox for night-time breakdowns? We pick from 12

Auto Express Car Reviews

November 2009

Breaking down at night increase – so it’s an ideal time to ensure you won’t be left in the dark by slipping a torch into your glovebox.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are now the source of choice for manufacturers thanks to their long life, low power consumption and ultra-bright output. But torch makers have yet to settle on how best to use the technology.

Some prefer a single powerful LED, while others employ multiple rows of them. So which is the one to shed a little light on your roadside repair? We raided the accessory shop shelves to find the shining stars.

The Test

We asked a lot of our torches in this test, as we wanted them not only to light under the bonnet, but also to come to the rescue if we had to get help on foot.

As a result, each of our 12 needed to be effective up close and also give enough light to find your way. Extra marks went to those which could be positioned on sloping surfaces as you worked, leaving hands free. Plus, we wanted batteries included.

Life can be tough in a car boot, so we dropped each from a metre to check build quality. Finally, we factored in price. None of the figures here includes delivery charges.

Verdict

For tackling a breakdown at night, the Laser Work Light has pretty much everything. As it’s rechargeable, you will never be stuck with a flat battery, plus the clever design means you can get light just about anywhere and leave your hands free to work.

If you are on a budget, look no further than Kamasa’s Work Light, which mixes great under-bonnet light with a magnetic mount. For those who prefer a conventional torch, the True Utility – with its tripod mount – is the way to go.

* 1. Laser Folding Work Lamp

* 2. Kamasa Work Light 55980

* 3. True Utility Tripodlite

Contacts

* Gerber 01506 406277 www.gerbergear.com

* Halfords 0845 762 6625 www.halfords.com

* Kamasa/Laser 01926 815000 www.toolconnection.co.uk

* LED Lenser 01344 876222 www.ledco.co.uk

* Maglite 0116 234 4644 www.maglite.com

* Maplin 0844 557 6000 www.maplin.co.uk

* Ring 0113 213 2000 www.ringautomotive.co.uk

* True Utility 01202 766333 www.trueutility.com

Top 3

Laser Folding Work Lamp
Kamasa Work Light 55980
True Utility Tripodlite

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1 Comment

SL

Surely the prime requisite in this group is to avoid the use of batteries altogether and have a wind up torch in the glove compartment. It may be a bit more bulky but you can guarantee no flat, or leaky cells.

By Littl on 12 November, 2009, 6:21pm

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