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Aaron Hussain cleans the inside of a car windscreen using a glass cloth

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It is probably one of the most hotly contested and competitive price points for car tech - the :a[best dash cams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dash-cams/' } under £100. It's the kind of bracket which attracts a wide range of interest due to the wide range of equipment available and the £50-£100 price range is where the fiercest competition in the dash cam battle takes place.

This is the price range where most of us look. It's also the price range where ideologies clash. Dependable simplicity versus the feature-rich. For :a[three-figure dash cams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-high-tech-dash-cams/' }, it's all about features; for dash cams under £50, it's all about simplicity. Thus, at either end, you don't get as diverse a range of options. But in the £50 to £100, that's a mixing pot indeed.

Below are the current stars in this highly contested arena. Further below, you will also find some useful dash cam buying advice.

## The best dash cams under £100 at a glance:

**Editor's choice:** Nextbase 222 Dash Cam - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nextbase-222-Recording-Polarising-Compatible/dp/B07PV14XGP?tag=qcararticle439-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best value dashcam:** Navitel R5 Front Dash Cam - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/NAVITEL-R5-Front-Dash-Cam/dp/B08MKJKZPK?tag=qcararticle439-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best dashcam for features:** Ring Automotive RSDC4000 Ultra Slim Compact Smart Dash Camera - :a[Buy now]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Automotive-RSDC4000-Compact-G-Sensor/dp/B098TLPGBR?tag=qcararticle439-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}:a[from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Automotive-RSDC4000-Compact-G-Sensor/dp/B098TLPGBR?tag=qcararticle439-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

## What to look for in a mid-range dash cam

At this price range, you should accept that Full HD or 1440p at most are the resolutions you'll get. There are 4K dash cams available for under £100, but they aren't worth your time. Full HD and 1440p provide great image quality, so you don't need to feel cheated.

:a[Dash cams with wi-fi]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/wifi-dash-cams/' } that have apps need to be considered carefully. An app can be very useful for accessing footage and other things but are only useful if they work properly. The best dash cam apps come from Garmin, Nextbase, Ring Automotive, and a small collection of other brands that have properly developed them.

In addition to recording footage, matched speed is a very helpful resource. Some mid-range dash cams have GPS as standard, and you can certainly get it if you want it. Just remember to consider the other important factors of dash cams too.

The smallest dash cams, such as the :a[Garmin Mini 2]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/garmin-dash-cam-mini-2-review/' }, are about the size of a garlic bulb. They hide very well behind a rear-view mirror but, if not engineered well, can be annoying to use. A dash cam with a screen size of two to three inches will be bigger but generally easier to use (Garmin Mini 2 notwithstanding).

_:a[Chris Williams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/chris-williams/' } is an Automotive Content Writer for Parkers and CAR Magazine, but he also contributes to Live For The Outdoors and What's The Best. He trained as an automotive journalist in New Zealand, prior to which he studied International Relations and History._

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-nbsp-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-nbsp-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-nbsp-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best dash cams under £100

While you should be monitoring your speed wherever you go, it can be easy to miss speed cameras as and when they appear, creating a market for radar detectors. Speeding fines and penalties are amongst a driver's worst fear, so for peace of mind, a radar detector can make sure you're on the right side of the law.

Speed cameras may not be every petrolhead's favourite thing in the world, but they do have a place on our roads. They're designed to control traffic speed and ultimately reduce the number of accidents.

Also called speed camera detectors, a radar detector can help you keep check of your speed and are perfect if you miss a speed limit sign when driving.

### The best radar detectors 2024 at a glance: {#h-the-best-radar-detectors-2024-at-a-glance}

**Editor's pick:** Ooono Co-Driver No1 - :a[buy from Amazon]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q619ZKS/?tag=qcararticle63-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best for range:** Cobra RAD 480i - :a[buy from Amazon]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cobra-RAD-480i-Laser-Detector/dp/B086B88TGR/?tag=qcararticle63-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best sat nav with speed detection:** Garmin DriveSmart MTS - :a[buy from Amazon]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LGL4SHZ?tag=qcararticle63-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

These gadgets are up there with :a[dash cams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dash-cams/' } when it comes to keeping you legal, so we've found the best radar detectors on the market in the UK and listed them below.

## The best radar detectors 2024 {#h-the-best-radar-detectors-2024}

## What you need to know about radar detectors: {#h-what-you-need-to-know-about-radar-detectors}

### Are they legal to use in the UK? {#h-are-they-legal-to-use-in-the-uk}

It may be against the highway code (Rule 110) to warn other drivers of upcoming speed cameras; the idea being that it's obstructing the duty of a police officer. However, radar detectors are 100% legal to own and to use under UK law. There have been whispers from the government about banning them, but no legislation has been presented so far.

Note that these are different to radar jammers, which block the radar. Some police forces consider using a laser jammer to be perverting the course of justice, which can come with a hefty fine and even jail time in some instances.

And remember, if you're planning a trip to France, the Republic of Ireland or a number of European countries leave your radar detector at home. They're illegal to use and you will be fined and have the device confiscated so make sure to check before your go.

### How do speed camera detectors work? {#h-how-do-speed-camera-detectors-work}

Radar detectors will alert you to the position of fixed speed cameras (some can also detect mobile ones, too). Some are GPS based and will know when a speed camera is nearby while others use radar to detect the signals coming from police speed detectors. Others still are reliant upon eagle-eyed drivers to report them which means they're not really detectors.

### What features should I look for in a radar detector? {#h-what-features-should-i-look-for-in-a-radar-detector}

Your number one priority should be to get a quality item. There are plenty of less-than-reputable examples for sale that are suspiciously cheap, and these should be avoided. The last thing you want is to find out that your radar detector doesn't work or is inaccurate.

Look for a clear display so you can read the information clearly without having to take your eyes off the road. Some will sound an alarm, too, which is a great feature.

Speed camera locations are always changing so look for a device that can be updated. This is usually done by plugging the device into a computer and downloading an update, although some will require a subscription.

### What are the penalties of speeding? {#h-what-are-the-penalties-of-speeding}

Currently, there are three bands (A, B, and C) which are in place, based on the severity of your speed. Under Band A, the court will begin considering 50% of your weekly salary and three points on your licence. The percentage can vary, depending on your offence.

With Band B, it can be 100% of your weekly salary with a range of 75-125%. This is additional to four to six points on your licence, or a 28-day driving ban.

Under Band C (the most serious), the starting point is 150% of your weekly salary with a 125-175% range. Additionally, you can be hit with either six points on your licence or a seven to 56 day ban. But depending on your offence, that's no set limit and you can be hit with even more painful charges.

In terms of the speed itself, Band A to Band C depends on how much faster you were driving over the limit. On a 70mph road for instance, Band A classes 71-90mph, Band B classes 91-100mph, and Band C classes 101mph and above, and the same sort of scale applies to other speed limits.

**_:a[Ryan Gilmore]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/ryan-gilmore/' } is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches._**

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best radar detectors 2024

If HID or High-Intensity Discharge bulbs are mentioned, you might raise a quizzical eyebrow, but change HID to Xenon, and you may be a little more illuminated. HID or Xenon :a[headlight bulbs]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/guide-to-headlight-bulbs/' } are much brighter than the typical Halogen bulb; they illuminate a much larger area and are probably best known for their trademark blueish-white light emission. You might think that HID bulbs are a relatively new development, but they've been around since 1951, although it wasn't until forty years later, in 1991, that the technology made it possible for BMW to use HID bulbs in its 7 Series for the first time.

HID bulbs have become increasingly popular as an option on high-end cars due to their distinctive appearance. They may be more expensive than Halogen bulbs but have a longer lifespan. They also illuminate more of the road before you, enhancing safety as the wider spread of light lets you see more of the road, which is particularly useful when approaching bends.

Unfortunately, it's not all good news. There is a myth that HID bulbs last forever; this is not the case. They are unlikely to fail completely, but the brightness emitted does degrade gradually with age, so much so that the average owner tends not to notice that the headlights are becoming weaker, especially as it won't affect the outcome of an MOT Test. So it is recommended that you replace them after five years of use.

## The best HID bulbs at a glance: {#h-the-best-hid-bulbs-at-a-glance}

**Editor's choice:** Osram Xenarc Original - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Osram-ORIGINAL-discharge-quality-66240/dp/B003VNP4WM/?tag=qcararticle544-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best for blue tint:** Osram Xenarc Cool Blue Intense - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/OSRAM-BREAKER-Generation-brightness-66240XNN-HCB/dp/B099X7XPT4/?tag=qcararticle544-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best for value:** Wattstar OEM Quality D2S 8000K - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitiger-D2S-Headlight-Exterior-Headlamp/dp/B07Z5RCF4G/?tag=qcararticle544-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

If you are considering fitting HID bulbs as an aftermarket upgrade, the legal implications are also worth considering. According to the :a[GOV.UK website]{href='https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aftermarket-hid-headlamps/aftermarket-hid-headlamps' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}: "In the Department for Transport’s view, it is not legal to sell or use after-market HID lighting kits for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If you want to convert your vehicle to Xenon HID, you must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps." New vehicles aren't affected as they already comply with European-type approval regulations. With all that said, let's take a look at some of the best HID bulbs you can buy. To give a fair comparison, we've decided to look at different versions of the D2S bulb as, at the time of writing, it is the most popular HID bulb in the UK.

## HID headlights: frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between HID and Halogen bulbs?

HID bulbs produce light by creating an electrical arc between two electrodes in a gas-filled chamber, typically using xenon gas, whereas halogen bulbs use a filament. HID bulbs tend to be brighter and have a longer lifespan than halogen bulbs.

### What are the main types of HID bulbs?

The first to be launched were the D1 bulbs in the early 90s. These have igniters that are built into the bulb base. Next came the D2 series. These do not have igniters integrated into the base, so they are much smaller. Later, the D3 and D4 bulbs that have been in use since 2009 do not contain any mercury and are more environmentally friendly. The series D bulb type is followed by either an R or an S suffix, with the R meaning the bulb comes with an opaque shield that covers parts of the bulb and is designed to work in Complex Surface Reflector headlamp units. Bulbs with the suffix S don't have this cover and are designed to work in Projector headlamps. HID bulb types are not interchangeable.

If they are fitted as standard to a new car, yes, they are. It is illegal to retrofit them to conventional Halogen headlights (for example, if you :a[modernise your car]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/modernise-your-car/' }) without replacing the entire headlamp. This only applies to road cars, a track-only car for example can be upgraded.

Anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use compared to 500 to 1,000 for a halogen bulb. It's worth remembering, though, that the brightness of an HID bulb gradually reduces over time, and it is recommended that they be replaced every three to five years.

There is quite an initial cost involved in upgrading, but some of the benefits include whiter, more natural light, brighter headlights, a wider beam, longer-lasting bulbs, energy efficiency and lower heat output.

_**:a[Alex Boyd]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/alex-boyd/' } _is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music._**_

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://go.skimresources.com/?id=31715X1588124&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.2.2-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.carmagazine.co.uk%2Fcar-accessories%2Ftechnology%2Fbest-racing-gaming-headset%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatmagazines.co.uk%2Fcar-magazine&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=0&amp;xuuid=4cd2db14e6c93ec2e7b76b9c2879ae89&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-nbsp-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-nbsp-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best HID headlight bulbs

All too often, gifts can be meaningful and thoughtful but turn out to get little to no use. Think of most kitchen gadgets (the fondue set in particular) or novelty gift sets that get used only on Christmas Day before spending a lifetime in a cupboard until they get sold at a car boot sale.

**RELATED:** :a[The best way to clean and organise your garage]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/how-to-clean-your-garage/' }

On the other hand, a shiny new power tool will always come in handy. For petrolheads, they're essential, even if you don't do that much to your car. For everyone else, power tools will save valuable time during DIY and furniture building. They're an often overlooked gift idea, so we've chosen our favourites. These tools wouldn't have us reaching for the gift receipt and would have us disappearing into the garage for a couple of hours.

## The best power tool gift ideas {#h-the-best-power-tool-gift-ideas}

### Don't forget about those in need {#h-don-t-forget-about-those-in-need}

While we love giving to friends and loved ones, it's also important we don't forget about those less fortunate than ourselves. Perhaps consider :a[giving a gift to one of the UK's homeless youth]{href='https://centrepoint.org.uk/more-than-a-gift/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} through :a[Centrepoint]{href='https://centrepoint.org.uk/what-we-do/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, the UK's leading youth homelessness charity.

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

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The perfect power tool gifts for petrolheads

The adage ‘never buy a car in the dark’ is said for a reason; poor lighting is a dodgy car dealer's best friend. It’ll hide blemishes and dents in paintwork and should mask the worst rust until it’s too late, and you’re halfway home in a car with non-existent door sills and more dents than a wrestler’s skull.

Lighting is your ally when :a[looking at a used car]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/used-cars/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} and you can never have too much of it (unless it's pointing directly in your eyes). It'll show up even the smallest of imperfections, and you can use a magnet to test and see if that suspicious-looking body panel is made entirely of filler.

Inspection lamps can be used for far more than just looking at a new car. They can help light up dark areas during repairs and the magnetic bases mean you can work hands-free. They also come in handy around the home. too - they're ideal for working on the boiler or fuse box.

In short, an inspection lamp is a must-have tool for many uses, and infinitely better than your phone's torch. We've tested a wide selection of them to find the best.

## How we tested the inspection lamps {#h-how-we-tested-the-inspection-lamps}

A good inspection lamp should provide excellent lighting and easy to use hands-free. With this in mind, we first tested the inspection lamps in a low-light environment to see how bright they could be. We also took this chance to see if the light was adjustable.

We then looked for features that would come in handy when working hands-free. Features like magnets, hooks and auxiliary lights were all examined to see how versatile these lamps could be. Finally, we looked at any extra features and how ergonomic they were to hold.

**RELATED:** :a[Best car battery chargers]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/car-battery-chargers/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}

## Sealey LED180 Rechargeable Slim Inspection Lamp {#h-sealey-led180-rechargeable-slim-inspection-lamp}

Our top pick for inspection lamps comes from Sealey and is chosen for expertly balancing value against premium quality and impressive specs.

Despite being fairly compact in size, this option features 12 SMD LEDs for the main light and a single LED in the end that can be used as a regular torch. The dimming switch for the main light is a welcome addition, as is the adjustability. The Sealey not only folds out but can be rotated 180-degrees, making it ideal for pretty much any situation, although it only rotates in one direction, which is a tad annoying.

There are three magnets and an integrated hook for hands-free operation and the compact size makes this a tool you can genuinely keep in your pocket. It also has a real premium feel to it. It's not heavy by any description, but it feels solid like :a[a Lexus]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/lexus/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} and it has a grippy coating.

The only real drawback is the lack of a battery level indicator. While the eight-hour battery life is impressive, there is no way of knowing when the battery is low until it dies.

## Draper 98342 7W COB LED Slimline Inspection Lamp {#h-draper-98342-7w-cob-led-slimline-inspection-lamp}

A similar design to the Sealey unit, this slimline inspection lamp from Draper is another top choice. Even more powerful with a maximum of 700 lumens, it has many of the same features including a hook, dimming option (using a wheel) and swivelling function. It also has the same feeling of quality.

It has a conventional torch in the tip; however, the lamp has to be fully extended to use it, unlike the Draper. One big plus point over the Draper is that this lamp features a battery level indicator.

The reason it doesn’t quite clinch the top spot is that it’s bulkier than the Draper option and isn’t as versatile, with magnets only present in the base. If there had been a magnet on another side, it would be our number one choice.

## Philips EcoPro61 LED Work Light {#h-philips-ecopro61-led-work-light}

Another very versatile design from Philips, the EcoPro61 is another compact, well-made inspection lamp.

While this lamp can’t swivel, it is double jointed which gives 270-degrees of flexibility. And although it may lack a proper dimmer, it does feature three levels of intensity that can be selected by pressing the on button.

As such, the only thing that really holds the Philips back is that the light cannot swivel. It’s still an excellent inspection lamp.

## Philips Automotive Lighting LPL47X1 RCH21S LED Work Light {#h-philips-automotive-lighting-lpl47x1-rch21s-led-work-light}

A slightly different design from this inspection lamp doesn't prevent it from being one of the most versatile and clever options.

While there is only a single magnet on the rear of the lamp, the actual light can tilt up to 90-degrees. It also features a simple hook which may feel a tad flimsy but will securely hold the light. The light is decently powerful even if it only features two settings.

It's coated in rubber for excellent grip and is designed to be resistant to the worst fluids your garage can throw at it. One nifty feature was the red anti-loss light that will prevent you from losing it while it's on standby. The six-hour battery life is definitely welcome.

On the downside, it ships with a European plug adapter, which can make charging a pain if you don't have a USB adapter.

## Ring Automotive RIL4200 Fast Charge LED Inspection Lamp {#h-ring-automotive-ril4200-fast-charge-led-inspection-lamp}

This chunky lamp from Ring Automotive is a very tough and quick charging lamp that would be perfect for use in a professional garage.

While its larger size means it’s not as versatile as smaller units, it does offer the most options for hands-free working thanks to the double hooks (one at each end) and three magnets. The two in the back of the unit are welcome but it’s the bottom magnet that’s more impressive. This magnet is attached to a racket mechanism that allows the rest of the lamp to pivot.

The floodlight was impressively bright but the real bonus with this lamp is how quick it can be charged, 0-100% in just an hour. The rubberised sides meant that it was both shock-resistant and easy to hold and use as a regular torch too. In fact, the only real issue we could find with the Ring lamp was that it was too bulky to use in tighter spaces.

## Philips LPL74X1 LED Head Torch Headlamp {#h-philips-lpl74x1-led-head-torch-headlamp}

A slightly different take on the traditional inspection lamp, this head-mounted torch is an unusual but interesting choice.

While it lacks the usual hooks and magnets for hands-free working, the torch does offer some adjustability and is surprisingly comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time.

It offers excellent light adjustability with both a wheel and button for choosing light intensity. It features an SOS feature for wearing if your car has broken down, a potentially lifesaving feature.

One amazing feature of this is that the light can be turned on and off with a motion sensor. We tested this out and were amazed at how genuinely useful this was for hands-free working, even if head movements could occasionally knock off the light.

And while we aren’t convinced it’s a better option than a traditional inspection lamp, it is a thoroughly impressive head torch and a very handy thing to keep in your car in the event of a night-time breakdown.

## Philips Compact Dimmable Pocket Lamp {#h-philips-compact-dimmable-pocket-lamp}

This stubby pocket lamp from Philips is another acceptable choice, but it does have clear limitations.

The big issue with this lamp is that for a ‘pocket lamp’ it doesn’t feel very compact. It’s not the most ergonomic to use as a regular torch thanks to the wide dimensions. The hook is also too small to be properly useful.

On the plus side, it has the usual Philips excellent quality, the light is powerful, and it makes the most of its single magnet. While this lamp only has one magnet in the base, it does allow for the lamp to tilt.

Still, there are better inspection lamps available. At least it comes with a smart-looking charging dock.

## Philips Dimmable LED light with charging dock {#h-philips-dimmable-led-light-with-charging-dock}

A larger version of the pocket lamp, this inspection lamp from Philips is far easier to hold but difficult to use in smaller locations.

The main problem that this inspection lamp faces is that it’s massive. The excessive size makes it incredibly easy to use handheld, but hands-free use can be difficult. The size and shape do make it an excellent regular torch, however.

Even though it comes with three magnets (the base magnet being tiltable) and a generously sized hook, you need a large space for this to be useful. The light is one of the most powerful here.

In terms of build quality and for handheld use, it can’t be rivalled, but as something to use in tight spaces, you’ll quickly find its limitations to be an irritant.

## Amtech S8188 10W USB Rechargeable Work Light {#h-amtech-s8188-10w-usb-rechargeable-work-light}

The largest lamp on our test, the Amtech is actually labelled as a work lamp.

As an inspection lamp however it's next to useless, the telescopic bits slide around in your hands and conceal the lighting and it's incredibly ungainly to hold. The two magnetic legs are a welcome addition for storing it but the lack of hooks is annoying.

The redeeming features for this are that it's cheap, is rechargeable and decently powerful. A great value work light for hands-free use, but a useless handheld inspection lamp.

The :a[Jeep Renegade]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/jeep/renegade-facelift-2018-review/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} of the inspection lamp world, the JML Handy Brite is a fairly standard inspection lamp, balancing cool styling with a cheap price. While we were impressed by the faux-tough-guy styling and cost, that’s where the praise ends.

The biggest problem with the JML is that it feels so compromised because of its low price. The LED light isn’t the best and offered no adjustability other than on or off. It also features only one magnet, the metal hook appears to be made from an old coat hanger and it isn’t rechargeable. While the batteries didn’t need changing during our testing, you’ll need three AA batteries when they do run out. At least it ships with some already installed for you.

Another issue with the JML Handy Brite is the cheap feel of everything. While other inspection lamps felt robust and weighty, the JML’s plastic felt cheap and brittle.

If you’re on a really tight budget and need a simple inspection lamp for light-duty the JML is alright but certainly comes in last place here.

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Inspection lamp mega test

Headlight technology has come a long way in the last few years. From the halogen bulbs of old, there are now LEDs, :a[HIDs]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-hid-bulbs/' } and even lasers being used on posh Audis. All of these lights are more powerful than conventional headlights and use less power to run and look cooler. In short, they sound like a no-brainer upgrade for almost any car.

The problem is, that cars that were not fitted with such headlights from the factory are **not legally allowed to be retrofitted with LED bulbs**. For more information on why we’ve got an article about :a[headlights for your car here]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/guide-to-headlight-bulbs/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}.

And as cars that come with LED lights as standard will require a dealer to replace the bulbs, it means these bulbs can only be used in special circumstances.

LED headlight bulbs therefore can only be used on racetracks and off-road. So, if you own a :a[track car]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/best/track-day-car/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} you won’t be using on the road or a mud-plugging 4x4 and are wanting to upgrade your bulbs, we have the perfect options for you.

### Why aren’t they road legal? {#h-why-aren-t-they-road-legal}

The reason you can’t retrofit LED headlights to a car is that there is no legislation to regulate or test these bulbs. Current legislation tests the filament that an LED light lacks meaning it isn’t covered. And as all bulbs require a British Standard mark to be legal, they are illegal to fit into your car. And because they're brighter, it's easier for them to dazzle other drivers if they aren't adjusted correctly.

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