​​​​​​Wow, 3000+ lumens. But they are pricey. With rechargeable batteries do you always remember to charge them when they are low (and they're in your trunk where you don't see them until you need them)?

 

You really don't need throw for a car flashlight, you need flood. Keep that in mind when looking. I just bought my second O-light Searcher 3 and am very pleased. Lots of good review sites out there. One of the best is candlepower forums.

 

Lumens are sexy, but don’t tell the whole story. It also depends on the reflector design. A 90 lumen light with a long throw reflector will out throw a 1000 lumen light with a reflector designed for flood.

Most rechargeable lights will take CR123’s or similar batteries, at least mine do, so I don’t really worry about recharging.

Depends on the use case I guess. If you’re using it to perform a tire change or working in the engine bay, then a flood oriented light would be a good choice. Personally, I go with a Tactical light in my vehicles because I’d rather incapacitate someone with a blinding light and a swift kick to the jimmies than have to shoot them.

And it will still work to light up an engine bay.

 

To add on to this, flashlights advertise peak lumens under ideal conditions (100% battery, correct ambient temperature, etc). The worst offenders will maintain peak lumens just long enough to allow them to advertise it as such before dropping substantially, some close to 50%.

 

The Foxelli ones I use hold their charge for a long period of time.

 

I think you just crossed over from a flashlight for a car to and EDC light. Two different purposes, but numerous small hand-helds will fit the bills.