Front and rear parking sensors. Parktronics for 8 sensors

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Even for experienced drivers, who perfectly feel the dimensions of the car, front and rear parking sensors can greatly facilitate the process of parking in confined spaces. This is especially true for large cities where there is a constant shortage of places where you could leave your car.

How the element works

The algorithm of any parking radar in a car is quite simple and somewhat resembles the operation of a radar station. Ultrasonic waves emitted by a special electronic device are reflected from obstacles and picked up by sensors mounted in the front or rear bumper of the car.

The closer the obstacle is, the faster the ultrasound returns. The electronic control unit reacts to the wave return speed and issues an appropriate signal, which can be sound, light or combined. Thus, it is worth installing parking sensors - and it will be possible to take your place in the parking lot almost with your eyes closed!

Main types of radars

All parts on the market today can be divided into two large groups:

• wired;
• wireless.

As the name implies, the difference between these types lies in the presence or absence of cables connecting the electronic control unit with the ultrasonic signal receiving sensors. In cases where the front and rear parking sensors have a wireless principle, the connection between the computer and the sensors is carried out via radio waves.

Video camera devices

However, parking sonars differ from each other not only in the way the components are connected to each other. Since relatively recently, such a modification as a parking sensor with a monitor that displays a picture from a built-in video camera has appeared on sale. Such a device not only warns of approaching an obstacle with sound and light signals, but also allows you to control the situation with your own eyes. In addition, some models are able to display all the necessary information not on the display, but directly on the windshield.

This greatly improves the safety of the parking process for both the driver and others. After all, it is known that ultrasonic waves are reflected poorly or with significant distortions from some objects (including animate ones). True, the cost of such devices is much higher than conventional parking radars.

At the same time, today on the market you can find not only parking sensors with a rear view camera andmonitor, but also a sonar with a lens designed for the front bumper. The feasibility of installing such a device is questioned by many car owners, since it is believed that the front camera provides the driver with “redundant” functionality. They say that everything is already clearly visible through the windshield, while the acquisition, installation and connection of parking sensors with a front video review is quite expensive. Nevertheless, such a device can significantly help beginners and increase the safety of driving. And for owners of cars with a high seating position or with a long hood, such radars can be really invaluable help.

Number of catching sensors

Modern front and rear parking sensors can be equipped with a different number of sensors that capture ultrasonic waves reflected from obstacles. The market is mainly represented by models equipped with 4, 6 or 8 "eyes". True, you can also find obsolete designs equipped with only two sensors. Catchers are usually mounted in the bumper of the car.

There are both factory-installed devices that are installed on machines during the assembly line, and systems made by third-party manufacturers.

Of course, the more catching sensors, the higher the capabilities of the parking radar and the viewing angle of the device. Compared to the “four-eye” sonar, the parking sensors (8 sensors) allow you to mount catching devices with a much smaller step. Moreover, this scheme allowsinstall the "eyes" of the parking radar on the corners of the bumpers and even on the sides of the car body. Which greatly enhances the overview of the device. True, at the same time, the price of such a device is much higher, and the repair of parking sensors is more expensive.

Tape

Recently, the so-called tape parking radars are gaining more and more popularity. Unlike traditional models, they do not use point return signal collectors, but a special metallized tape that can capture ultrasound. The advantages of this type of parking sensors are quite obvious:

• wider coverage;
• no dead and blind spots;
• versatility and the ability to mount on any car model.

However, front and rear parking sensors, made in the form of a tape, should be chosen carefully.

Firstly, the quality of such devices depends very much on the manufacturer. Today, there are many no name items on the market, mostly made in China. They may not work correctly, and their service life leaves much to be desired. Therefore, it is better to choose products of well-known brands and manufacturers.

Secondly, tape parking sensors have their own nuances during installation and configuration. As a rule, it is installed on top of the bumper, which means that a certain cycle of additional work must be carried out to disguise it and adapt it to the overall appearance of the car. Otherwise, it will be conspicuous, spoilingvehicle exterior impression.

And finally, unlike traditional models, the repair of tape-type parking sensors is a rather complicated and time-consuming process. Often, when a metallized catching tape fails, there is no other way out than replacing it with a new one.

Installation and setup

In order to install parking sensors on a car, it is best to seek help from highly qualified car service specialists. Mounting devices of this type on your own is strongly discouraged.

The fact is that, although the corresponding instructions are attached to the parking sensors, its installation requires a number of works that require not only specific skills and abilities, but also the appropriate equipment and tools.

Main problems when installing radars

The main difficulties during installation are related to the following aspects:

• Installation of sensors. As a rule, to install catching sensors, it is necessary to drill holes of the appropriate diameter in the bumper.
• Setting "eyes". Capturing sensors must not only be securely fixed, but also correctly oriented in space. Otherwise, the system may not work correctly, directly endangering security.
• Installation of electrical wiring. Wired parking sensors need the services of a professional auto electrician who can connect sensors with an electronic control unit.

So oftenattempting to install the parking aid yourself, regardless of its type, may not only cause the entire system to malfunction, but also damage the appearance of the car or its interior.

Adjust complex parking systems

If it is quite difficult to install even an ordinary radar model on your own, then what can we say about parking sensors with a rear-view camera and a monitor! After all, he has much more wires, and the accuracy of the installation of devices should be much higher.

In addition, setting up and adjusting complex systems requires very deep theoretical knowledge and rich practical experience. Especially if they are equipped, for example, with the functions of displaying information on the windshield of a car.

Repair and maintenance

Modern models of parking radars are quite unpretentious in personal care. If you do not take into account intermittent problems with electronics or wiring, then the main preventive measure is, in fact, the timely cleaning of sensors and lenses from dirt, dust and snow. But even the best parking sensors fail from time to time.

The main reason for the failure of the car's driving assistance system is a malfunction of the catching sensors.

With known skills and dexterity, you can replace them yourself. But if the electronic control unit has failed or the wiring is damaged, then you should contact the professionals. They not only "reanimate" the system, but also anewfine tune it.

Trust on the radar, but don't make a mistake yourself

Of course, the devices discussed in this article can provide significant assistance to the driver in cramped urban environments. However, no matter how good the parking sensors are, you need to rely primarily on yourself. It will never be superfluous to duplicate the work of the electronic system with your own eyes!