Timing lights are an essential tool for engines with adjustable timing. With electronic control of timing found in most modern engines the role of a timing light has been somewhat reduced to fault diagnostic rather than adjustment.
All new timing lights are required to comply with CG regulations and now have Xenon light instead of the old Neon light. One of the big advantages of Xenon light is that it provides a brilliant blue/white light which can be seen in daylight or the brightest workshops.