Safe driving: Things you might not know about back-up sensors and cameras

Safety and security is a primary concern when it comes to almost everything. The same applies to matters that concern your vehicle. Most Filipinos usually travel with family members and kids. This is why safety is a major concern whenever we have them on board with us.

Safety and security is a primary concern when it comes to almost everything

Good thing automakers are starting to make vehicles with integrated safety qualities. These safety features don’t only add a level of security to the vehicle and its passengers. It also eases your mind. Since your vehicle is well-equipped with parts designed to keep your safety in check, all you have to do is focus on driving.

Although vehicles like these are pretty expensive, a lot of people say they’re worth it. They may also require a little bit of getting used to it. In time, you’ll be able to manipulate these vehicles according to your will.

But how exactly do these modern vehicles become safer? What makes them so special (and so expensive)? We got the answers right here in this article from Philkotse.com.

1. The sensors and cameras in your vehicle

Everyday driving requires reversing towards parking spaces, backing up, and even parallel parking. Now we know this doesn’t usually end up in a life and death situation. But you could always use some help with these everyday car maneuver troubles. In fact, minor accidents in scenarios like these account for a bigger portion of car accidents.

It may not sound like a big deal at first. But if you take a closer look at these minor accidents, it can actually include people being hit or run over accidentally. This is mainly caused by the blindspots around the car.  

Everyday driving requires reversing towards parking spaces, backing up, and even parallel parking

When backing up and doing a parallel park, these blind spots make it hard to see other elements on the road. These elements can be part of the landscape, a road hazard, other vehicles, or even pedestrians!

You’d be lucky enough to have a parking boy around to help you out. Some people don’t want a random stranger tapping at the end of your car to tell them when it’s ok to step on the gas. These strangers will then walk up to you for a tip in exchange for their service. But if you don’t like this treatment, you will need better assistance.

This is where sensors and cameras come in to save your day. These two have replaced the need for the small convex reflector on the car's side-view mirrors. You can find out more about them below.

2. Back-up cameras

Sure, blind-spot mirrors do their job well in cases where you need to back up. But its function is limited compared to a securely-placed backup camera. A back-up camera is designed to eliminate the presence of blind-spots effectively.

Compared to the blind-spot mirrors in the rearview mirror, these cams are also easier to use. The display is already available on the dash. This way, you won't have to keep adjusting the rear-view mirrors to get a better view.

This will also help people who have physical disabilities. For example, someone who can’t turn their head to check the rear side of the car will be able to maneuver the car easier. Even senior drivers may also benefit from this.

A back-up camera is designed to eliminate the presence of blind-spots effectively

Some blind spot cams utilize the well-known fisheye lens. These lenses allow a wider view of the area around the vehicle. These lenses practically do what they were made to do. The only drawback is the barrel lens distortion. This makes it hard for cameras with fisheye lenses to catch distanced objects.

But if your car is equipped with purpose-built blind-spot cams, this shouldn’t be a concern. There are also vehicles that are equipped with more advanced versions of back-up cameras. Some have night-vision capability that lets you see the rear side of your vehicle at night.

There are also vehicles that are equipped with more advanced versions of back-up cameras

>>> Check out:

• Backup camera - why it should be on your must-buy accessories list?
• Tips with a reverse camera: Save your life and enjoy your ride!

Parking sensors

These so-called “parking sensors” share the same function as back up cameras. The only difference is that it doesn’t provide the user with visuals. They provide sound alerts to inform the driver about possible obstacles in the way.

If you’re backing up and an animal or a kid walks behind the car, the alarm will be triggered. The system will then alert you using the sounds programmed into it.

These so-called “parking sensors” share the same function as back up cameras

There are also vehicles equipped with parking sensors built into the APS. The APS is the automated parking system. These are sensors that deliver data to the computer in your car. This data contains the calculations for the proper acceleration and steering angle. These two elements will be necessary to park the car properly.

If your vehicle has a parking assist capability, it will use the same process to help you. It would alert you if you made a turn that’s too loose or too tight. If you have a fully automated system, it will do the entire packing process for you.

There are also vehicles equipped with parking sensors built into the APS

>>> Recommended article:  How to choose the best parking sensor kit in the Philippines.

Original equipment

Both of the above-mentioned systems are available as original equipment and aftermarket items. The difference is that original equipment is usually integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system.

There are also vehicles that can be wired with both backup cameras and sensors. This means you can have this installed in your car even though it didn’t come with it originally.

If you would like that in your car, you can choose from either OEM or aftermarket parts. This can easily be installed in your car without too much trouble. But of course, this would still depend on whether you have a reliable mechanic to install it for you.

Aftermarket solutions

There are tons of aftermarket choices that are available in the market. These are usually fitted for vehicles that didn’t originally come with backup cams. There are also aftermarket parking sensors that you can choose from.

There are tons of aftermarket choices that are available in the market

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Both of these can be pretty expensive separately. So choosing which you like better from the two if you are on a budget. After all, you wouldn’t only be paying for the parts; in some cases, you will also need to pay for the installation.