Not everyone is good at parking and some have difficulty too. A parking sensor kit makes it easier to park for those challenged at it.
1. What is a parking sensor?
If someone is not good at parking having it equipped with the best parking sensor kit is a must! Especially those with cars unequipped with it, drivers who are bad at parking will enjoy it! Installed on car bumpers, if anything gets near the car then it will ping as a warning. A car will get dents and nicks if it is not equipped with a parking sensor. Having this in the car will help prevent any damages to the car when parking it.
Parking sensors will make parking easy for those are bad at it, especially those challenged at backing up will find it a relief
Call it extra insurance for reducing parking damage but these devices will not prevent damage or any hazard because of human error. For unequipped cars; this is not a luxury because it makes parking much easier too! If you’ve got a car with an optional set of parking sensors that is better. Installing them on the car will need some modifications that will be a deal-breaker for some drivers. Should the installation of a parking sensor be considered? In most cases, even the best driver can make mistakes while parking. Modern “driver aids” like them will make parking easy for those are bad at it, especially those challenged at backing up will find it a relief! Knowing how to choose the best parking sensor kit will help a lot.
Rear sensors (standard)
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2. Parking sensor features
They have several features and knowing these features is important to get the best option. Anyone can settle for ho-hum quality, but the best one will have these features that make it a premium buy! There is an option to get; the standard parking sensor kit or the premium set which is the best parking sensor kit that would cost more. Usually most opt for the standard but that’s a personal preference for anyone.
3. Kinds of parking sensors
Here are types to consider using on any vehicle.
3.1. Ultrasonic kit
Sensors like this use sound waves to measure the distance from objects, and warn if a solid object is too near. More than often, this parking sensor kit has four or six sensors which are attached to the bumper. Weather-proof sensors that are durable for wear and tear, drilling into the bumper to place it can be a no-option for some.
Sensors like this use sound waves to measure the distance from objects, and warn if a solid object is too near
3.2. Electromagnetic kit
These sensors attached inside the bumper and don’t need drilling unlike ultrasonic sensors, which is better for some. An extended electromagnetic field will detect any obstruction in the way of the car and warn. Although, smooth continuous movement in place will detect anything but forget when it stops for any reason.
Wire kit
Wire kit
Sensor modules
The number of modules usually depends on the set purchased which is a set of two, four, six and eight pieces in the set. Having more sensors available will cover, all the blind spots in all directions too. Sensor range is up to 1.5 meters and having eight modules increases safety more! Better check how far the set will detect because they have varying sensor distances. A set up has the dual backing sensor for backing up the car, but some have front sensors as well. Parking sensors will work best for drivers who are challenged at backing up, but those skilled at it will have it as a warning for any real obstacle. They usually activate when in reverse gear, but the frontal parking sensor will need to be switched on. One can have the rear sensors only but adding front sensors will add to the safety net when in cramped places.
Sensor module
Sensors: wired and wireless modules
Vehicle size determines which the better to use is, and this is important to note when getting a parking sensor kit for any car. Use a wireless set for bigger cars and rigs which is better, but larger sizes may be too long enough for wires to reach the main connection. For small vehicles like compacts and sub-compacts, it would be better because the wires are enough for installation. With difficult installation; the wire systems are harder to install than wireless systems. Get the right one for your vehicle is the best audio or visual feedback.
The wire systems are harder to install than wireless systems
This is where most setups would differ whether audio or visual warning but the cost will vary between the two. Images are on a LCD screen; when there’s a backing camera with grid lines and placed in the bumper. Grid lines give a visual without guessing the true distance. Audio warnings will beep louder as an object gets nearer. Most common is the audio feedback and it is equipped on most non-entry vehicles, which mean most entry-level vehicles may need this system installed.
Now, let's have a look at the table below to know full well all features of a best parking sensor kit. This is will help in comparing the different options, which is best preferred.
| Features | Audio | Visual (with LCD screen) |
|---|---|---|
| Beep warning | Yes | No |
| Visual warning | No | Yes |
| Drilling holes | Yes (Ultrasonic) | Yes/No (Magnetic) |
| Simple attachment | Depends | Depends |
| Wired | Depends | Depends |
| Wireless | Depends | Depends |
| Large auto (wireless) | Depends | Depends |
| Small auto (wired) | Depends | Depends |
| Dual sensor | Depends | Depends |
| Multi-sensor | Depends | Depends |
Note: Most sets have different specs
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New type of parking sensor :)
4. Choosing the best option for your car
Newer cars are equipped with parking sensors as standard equipment, although low-end models don’t have them. The costs may vary but the best options will cost a bit though. Parking is easier with them and lessens an inconvenience that is much preferred to the alternative. Equipped cars with the best parking sensor kit add a backing up some guide to parking better without breaking a sweat while at it!
One of the biggest parking problems in the Philippines is blind spots that can’t be seen. The best parking sensor kit will cut these blind spots that make it effective. Get the widest coverage with models that sonar and even parking cam too. Installation of parking sensors is a stop gap to reduce chances of bumping something.
Newer cars are equipped with parking sensors as standard equipment, although low-end models don’t have them
There are parking sensor kits with basic sonar or magnetic type but both still aid in parking. It depends on what is chosen, but it will be what is the preference at least having it installed will be very helpful than without it.
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