"How to choose a parktronic?" - this is the question many drivers ask, who move not only on modern cars, but also on fairly old models. Indeed, such a simple device allows you to solve many problems and makes the movement very comfortable.
You no longer need to peer closely at the mirrors and turn your head in different directions so as not to catch a neighboring car, park or drive in a narrow section. In itself, such a device represents a certain set of sensors and a unit. Sensors inform drivers that there are any obstacles in their way. Now we need to figure out which parking sensors to choose, so that it suits you best.
Types
There are only three types of such devices: rear, front and combined. All of them have their pros and cons:
- Rear - the most popular and common option. This is due to the fact that they help to see some kind of obstacle (for example, a curb or a piece of reinforcement) when reversing, which is not always possible to do with the help of mirrors. 4 sensors automatically turn on when shifting to reverse speed.
- Front - like the previous ones, only installed on the front bumper. It turns on automatically at first speed, it turns off when the car accelerates to 20 km / h, it is possible to configure parameters so that it does not interfere in traffic jams.
- Combined - 6 or 8 sensors (2 in front and 4 in the back or 4 on both sides). The front ones work continuously or in automatic mode, switching on for a set time.
Optimal Sensor Set
Now, the question of how to choose parking sensors has been sorted out a bit, but we need to solve the problem of how many sensors will be.
4 - the best option for drivers with extensive experience, can be placed 2 in front and behind (more so-called dark or dead zones). You can place all 4 only on the rear bumper. Use as insurance.
6 - the best ratio of quality and price, is considered the best option. Setting the number of sensors for each bumper mainly depends on the driver’s driving experience. For example, good professionals mount three pieces on both bumpers. If there is uncertainty, then it is worth placing 2 sensors in front and 4 in the back.
8 is the best and most expensive option. Exactly 4 pieces are mounted on both bumpers, which allows you to almost completely remove the blind zone.
In any case, before buying such a device, you should consult with a specialist and decide for yourself how skilled you are and how much you are willing to spend money on such equipment.
Principle of operation
Inexperienced drivers often do not know how to choose the parking sensors and therefore are delayed with this issue. But as a result, they are nervous because of the tight parking lots and large flows of cars in megacities. At the same time, everyone is equal on the road, which means that it is necessary to gain experience as soon as possible, and in very difficult situations modern electronic equipment will help. Parktronic - this is exactly what you need. It works on the principle of radar or acoustics. If we consider the principle of the device in more detail, then it is worth taking a closer look at the sensors - they send short ultrasonic pulses and respond to reflected responses from obstacles. Simultaneously with the signal, the clock starts, as a result, the pulse flows back, and then the microprocessor very quickly divides the result in half and translates the time into distance.
Equipment
The complete set of the device includes sensors, an electronic unit and, in some cases, a special remote control.Sensors are placed on the bumper and connected to the unit, which, in turn, is powered by a 12 V network. The most inexpensive models use a buzzer, it signals when approaching an obstacle. This signal indicates an approach to the obstacle, which means that it is necessary to slow down. Inexperienced car owners should look at models with a large display that show the remaining distance in numbers. This option provides the maximum necessary information, allows you to quickly gain the necessary experience. The most optimal models have cameras. And how to install the parking sensors yourself, you can learn from the instructions, but if you do not have experience, it is better to contact specialists or work together with the master.
The best models
In the question of how to choose parking sensors, reviews will be your most important assistant. Not so long ago, a survey was conducted among car owners using various types of parking sensors. As a result, a rating of the most popular models was compiled. In deciding which parking sensors to choose, the following rating will help you from drivers with different driving experience.
ParkMaster 4DJ-06
You can adjust the volume level, very reliable, low price. Minus - no front scan. According to users, the most optimal and durable option. 4 sensors mounted at the rear, high precision obstacle detection. The control unit is small, can be mounted anywhere, notifications are made by light indicators and sound, can function from 1300 to 30 cm.
Sho-Me Y-2616-N04
Parktronic Sho-Me Y-2616 - is ease of installation, reasonable price, high reliability, large unregulated volume, excellent functionality. The kit has everything you need for easy and quick installation. 4 sensors cover the blind zone, scan on a segment of 10 cm - 1.5 m. The device signals with a light indicator and sound. It functions normally at temperatures from +60 to -30. A pretty good solution to the question of how to choose parking sensors for an inexperienced driver.
ParkMaster 4DJ-29
The main plus is the diagnosis of serviceability and operability of 4 sensors installed at the rear. However, it has a high price. Third place was given to this device because of its cost, although it is a high-tech device. ParkMaster is equipped with an informative display showing the distance and location of the obstacle. The display is located in the passenger compartment near the rearview mirror. The device almost instantly responds to any obstacles and notifies you with a sound signal. Russian language, additionally an indicator light. The determination takes place on a segment from 10 cm to 2.6 m. The device is capable of memorizing the performance of various external devices (tow bar, spare tire, and so on).
ParkMaster 8DJ-27
It is equipped with a memory function of external devices, is technological and functional, is equipped with a self-test system. Signals with sound (adjustable), light and Russian speech. It is repelled by a high price. Two sets of sensors for the rear and front bumpers (4 pieces each). This allows you to freely park or drive off the side of the road in a small gap between other cars. With this device, you can freely park even in the dark: the sensors detect any obstacles in the range of up to 2.6 m (rear) and 1 m (front), which allows you to park very closely to the car or the fence.
Flashpoint FP-800Z
Quite expensive, but has special protection against possible false alarms, can be trained if the dimensions of the car go beyond the bumper. This is due to programming, which the driver can do using simple manipulations (simulating a real situation), after which the device will memorize all the necessary information. The set includes 8 sensors, a digital color display (different installation options), an audible voice alert (adjustable), does not create any interference with other cars, very accurate alarm outputs. The working definition of the interval from a car to an obstacle is 0.9-2.6 m.
Multitronics PT-4TC
It is difficult to configure, equipped with a small LCD monitor, low cost, a large set of functions. Both rear and front sensors can be used as an installation kit. Naturally, all 4 sensors working on one display can be mounted. Notification is carried out by melodies, a buzzer and a voice signal, a segment of the path is displayed on the monitor (30 cm - 2.5 m). It includes the functions "towbar" and "anti-tackle" (activated after applying the brake), which is indispensable when driving in a dense stream or moving uphill.
ParkCity Tallin 818 / 305L
Another solution to the question of how to choose parking sensors. Cons did not find any disadvantages of this device, the average price, the kit includes a special installation tool. Modern informative and convenient display that warns the driver in increments of 10 cm ("attention", "caution", "stop"). It also signals (color, voice and buzzer) from the front and rear sensors at a distance of 30 cm to 2.5 m. The diameter of each sensor is only 18 mm. The sound can be adjusted in three positions - loud, quiet and off.
Fusion FPA-42
Good value for money, reliable and simple. Unfortunately, there are problems at a temperature of -20. This device has only 4 sensors and nothing more, obstacle detection - from 30 cm to 2.5 m, a three-level alert, a ruled color LED indicator that shows the distance to the obstacle and its direction.
Which is better to choose?
During the selection, it is necessary to determine all the positive and negative sides of the models. The scheme of installing parking sensors is very important - if something is done wrong, then the device may display incorrect indicators. Experts advise inexperienced drivers to install the most modern and functional devices with a camera. Naturally, their cost will be appropriate, but this is less than paying for a broken car or even several. In addition, you can not worry that you accidentally hook a stroller with a child, a bicycle, a fence or any other obstacle that can not only spoil the look of your car, but also seriously harm another person.
