Best Car Parking Sensor

What is a parking sensor?

A car parking sensor is an electronic device that helps drivers to park their vehicles more easily and safely. These sensors are usually installed in the front and rear bumpers of a car or vehicle. It uses ultrasonic waves to detect the distance between the car and any obstacles in its path. It is basically a proximity sensor. When the car gets too close to an obstacle, the sensor sends out an audiovisual warning to the driver. Ultrasonic parking guidance system can be useful, especially in tight parking spaces or when backing up, as it helps the driver avoid collisions and damages to the vehicle.

So, whether it’s a tight parking space, your own small garage or you are a new driver, you need not worry about any dents or scratches in your favorite car. So, say a big yes to a car parking sensor.

How does a car parking sensor works?

When a parking sensor emits ultrasonic waves, it travels and get reflected by any obstruction. The time taken by the waves to bounce back from the obstruction to the sensor is measured by the sensor’s microprocessor using the simple formula of Distance = Speed * Time. Based on the speed of sound, which is approximately 340 meters per second, the microprocessor can calculate the distance between the car and the obstacle using the time taken by ultrasonic sound to travel (from sensor to obstruction).

The microprocessor then sends a signal to the warning system inbuilt inside the parking sensor kit. Which generates an audible beep or a visual display on the dashboard. The warning system is programmed to trigger an alert when the distance between the car and the obstacle falls below a certain threshold. For example, the sensor may start beeping when the distance is less than 50 cm or display a red warning on the dashboard when the distance is less than 30 cm. The intensity of the warning increases as the distance decreases, alerting the driver to take action and stop the car before it hits the obstacle.

Parking sensor
Photo by Raban Haaijk on Unsplash

How to choose cheap and best car parking sensor?

Though nowadays most of the car comes with company fitted parking sensors but if still you need to have your customized parking sensor you can go through the points below. There are many different parking sensors available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider when choosing a parking sensor for your car include:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the parking sensor is compatible with your car’s make and model. As there are variety of manufacturer available in the market.
  • Detection range: Consider the detection range of the sensor, which is the distance it can accurately detect obstacles. A larger detection range may be more useful in certain situations, specially for a new driver. And remember, parking sensor based on RADAR is more accurate than ultrasonic sound based sensors.
  • Type of warning: Some parking sensors provide visual warnings on a display screen, while others use audible beeps or a combination of both. Some sensors come with multiple cameras output, almost present all around the car on a single display.
  • Ease of installation: Some parking sensors are easy to install yourself, while others may require professional installation. In my view, getting the sensor fitted by the company technician is the best option in the long run.
  • Price: Last, but not the least, price. How much you are willing to spend on a parking sensor and look for options that fit within your budget. Price totally depends upon the features and accuracy of the sensor.

It can also be helpful to read reviews and compare the features of different parking sensors to find the one that best meets your needs.

Different technology used in car parking system

There are several different technologies that can be used in car parking systems, including:

  • Ultrasonic sensors: These sensors use ultrasonic waves to detect the distance between the car and nearby obstacles and provide the driver with an audible or visual warning when the car gets too close.
  • Radar sensors: These sensors use radio waves to detect the distance between the car and nearby obstacles and provide the driver with an audible or visual warning when the car gets too close.
  • Cameras: Some car parking systems use cameras to provide the driver with a visual display of the surroundings and help them park the car more easily.
  • GPS: Some car parking systems use GPS technology to help drivers locate available parking spaces and guide them to the nearest available spot.

Parking sensor based on RADAR

A radar parking sensor is a device that uses radio waves to detect the distance between a car and nearby obstacles and provide the driver with an audible or visual warning when the car gets too close. Radar sensors are typically installed in the front and rear bumpers of a car and can be used to assist with parking and reversing.

Radar parking sensors work by emitting radio waves, which travel through the air and bounce off any objects that they come into contact with. The reflected radio waves are detected by a receiver. The time it takes for the waves to return to the sensor is measured by the sensor’s microprocessor. Based on the speed of light, which is approximately 300,000,000 meters per second, the microprocessor can calculate the distance between the car and the obstacle.

Radar parking sensor for car are known for their high accuracy and long detection range, making them a popular choice for car parking systems. They can be especially useful in situations where visibility is limited, such as when backing up in a crowded parking lot or when driving in fog or rain.

Some radar based parking sensor system are so capable that they even control your car while driving on the highway against collision from nearby vehicles on the road. Generally RADAR based sensors comes with expensive and luxury car.

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