Parking sensors are pretty much standard on all vehicles nowadays. They’re undoubtedly one of the most useful technologies on modern cars, helping us manoeuvre our way into spaces in a safe and orderly fashion.
As parking spaces and driveways get tighter, the importance of understanding the different types of parking sensors and how to use them has increased.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of parking sensors, their pros and cons, and the vehicles they’re best suited for.
We’ll talk about:
Ultrasonic parking sensors are the most common and are usually installed on the rear bumper. The sensors emit ultrasonic waves into the area around the vehicle. When these waves encounter an object, they bounce back towards the sensor and set them off.
Pros:
- Most affordable
Cons:
- Accuracy and range are dependent on the number of sensors
- It can be installed on virtually any vehicle
- No visual information
Best for:
City cars and compact vehicles
Electromagnetic parking sensors use radar technology to detect any obstacles. The car emits radioactive waves from the sensor that covers a specific area, and if anything comes into this area, it will detect it and notify the driver.
Pros:
- Better at detecting moving obstacles
- Wide detection field
- Less prone to false alarms
Cons:
- Performance may be impaired when approaching magnetic materials like iron
- More expensive
Best for:
Estate and SUVs
Parking cameras do what they say on the tin. They show you what is behind you without having to reach around and look. Once you’ve put the car into reverse, the camera will display the picture on the central infotainment system.
On some cars, the camera will also appear with graphics showing the length of the car to help with parking guidance.
Pros:
- The most accurate
- Integration with other technologies
- Turn on automatically
Cons:
- Visibility can be limited at night, in poor weather, and when the camera is dirty
- Need maintenance
- The most expensive option
Best for:
Vans, pick-up trucks, or minivans.
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of leasing guides on various topics, such as Caring For Your Lease Vehicle and Young Driver Guides.
We are also one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our leasing deals page or call us at 0345 811 9595.
