In modern metropolitan areas to find a parking space is becoming increasingly difficult, and to park cars in a limited space is even more difficult. It is good when you have a friend with you who will help you safely put the car in and not hit any expensive foreign car. An alternative solution – electronic parking assistance system, or parking sensors.
What it is and how it works
Parktronic is a system of sensors that help drivers maneuver in a confined space. Studying the device PDC can distinguish the following elements:
Sensors (from two to ten) – “scan” the space in front of the bumpers and form a signal;
electronic control unit – the brain of the system, which, on the basis of the signal from the sensors, provides information about the absence or presence of an obstacle and the distance to it;
warning system (light, less often sound) – is installed in the cabin and informs the driver about the distance to the obstacle in the form of a graphic scale or frequency of sounds made.
LED indicators can be in two variations of execution – in the form of a scale with several divisions or in the form of a digital display indicating the distance to the object.
The optimal number of sensors
The effectiveness of PDC depends on the number of sensors. Most low-end systems are equipped with 2-3 sensors, but these parktronics are already considered obsolete. This amount is not enough to close all blind spots. The optimal solution is considered to be 2-4 scheme (two sensors in the front and four in the rear bumper). Such an arrangement is characterized by ease of use and sufficient information. With such a PDC parking process is greatly facilitated, even in clogged streets and playgrounds.
In luxury cars, systems with 8 or even 10 sensors are installed. They allow you to detect almost any obstacles, even quite small ones. However, too high sensitivity PDC can be a problem, since the system will react even to minor obstacles and mislead the driver. As a rule, such models have a shutdown function, so as not to be confused while driving on the road.
How to choose parking sensors
Making the choice of parking sensors you need to focus not only on the cost of the device, but also on the key parameters. These include the type and number of sensors used, their sensitivity, types of alerts and ease of use. Please note that some systems require qualified installation specialists, others can be installed independently in your garage.
In general, parking sensors are very convenient thing, especially for inexperienced drivers. This assistant will be useful for owners of large SUVs and minivans. In urban environments, parking such cars is quite difficult, even with many years of experience. Parktronic will avoid accidents and damage to the body.