Parking assistance - how does the parking system work? Is it worth equipping a car with a camera with a sensor?

What is a parking assistant?

This is an additional power steering system. The parking assistant (parking system), in simple terms, tells the driver whether it is safe to perform a parking maneuver.

Probably every person with little driving experience at least once had to resort to the help of another person when trying to stop a car in a crowded parking lot or entering a narrow gate. The assistant stands outside and gestures: turn, a little more, retreat, a little forward, go back, be careful ... and so on until both sides manage to bring the car to its destination without loss. The parking assistant replaces this person. 

How does the smart parking assistant work? How does the parking sensors camera help the driver?

We explained what a parking assistant is. And how does it work? When the driver maneuvers the vehicle and approaches a potential obstacle during the manoeuvre, the parking aid starts to issue warning signals. The closer they are to a gate, wall, or other vehicle, the louder they get. What is this functionality?

The basis of the system is the installation of parking sensors in the bumpers. They can be worn in the back, front, or both. The sensors use ultrasonic waves that bounce off any obstacles. Based on them, the distance to the car is calculated.

More advanced parking assistance can not only emit sound signals, but also display an image on a special monitor mounted on the dashboard. Then not only sensors are installed, but also parking cameras. They provide an image of the maneuver area. If the driver, for example, makes a parking maneuver in reverse at the front of the building, the monitor screen will show a view from the level of the rear bumper, i.e. distance to the wall.

Can the automatic parking assistant… park?

Automatic transmissions are now standard and their presence does not surprise anyone. Also, rain sensors are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to which the wipers work autonomously during rain; they start by themselves, choose the pace of work and stop. For automakers, this appears to be just the beginning of automation. Automated parking is a big step forward.

Sounds incredible? And still! The parking system can not only report with the help of sensors that the bumper is too close to another object and additionally show this on the monitor screen, but also take over the parking control. What does it look like in practice?

The driver must activate the automatic parking function. So do not be afraid that the system will "take control" when it wants to. After switching on (with one button), the driver enters the area of ​​free parking spaces. The system combs the area in search of free space between cars that can be parked - measures their width. When he thinks that there is enough space, he reports this to the driver on the monitor. More precisely, he asks him to stop the car and put it in reverse gear.

At this stage, the work of a person ends for a while. The parking system literally takes control of the steering wheel, so it moves on its own to an outside observer. The whole process is based on the transmission of data to the electric power steering system through the rear or front and side parking sensors. At the right time, Active Park Assist will prompt you to engage first gear and press the brake pedal.

A new car or installation of a camera system and a parking aid?

How can you access such automation? Do I need to change my car to a new one? Not necessary. It is enough to go to the service to install the entire system or the sensors themselves. Prices for such a service vary greatly and depend on the type of system chosen by the driver and the make and model of the vehicle. Installation can cost from 10 euros to even 100 euros at an authorized workshop.

It is also possible to install sensors yourself. The most basic prices start from a few dozen zlotys. If you want to get a kit with a display, you will have to be prepared for the cost of 200-30 euros. Most often you have to dismantle the bumper and drill holes for it. So, you will need a drill, a soldering iron, a screwdriver, wrenches, and possibly varnish to repaint the sensors if they are a different color than the car body. Follow the instructions that came with your purchased kit throughout the entire process. The correct distance between the sensors and their correct location are critical for the correct operation of the system. The task will require at least minimal skills in the field of auto mechanics, so you should carefully analyze your capabilities.

Check out whether it is worth equipping your car with a parking assistant!

Undoubtedly yes. Whether you find it difficult to park or drive through every gap smoothly and carefully, this system can take the stress out of you. It will work in the case of parking literally “in contact” or simply remove work from driving.