Do you remember the first driving lessons? That merciless driving instructor commanded us to squeeze into a way too tiny parking space. In times when the lovingly cared-for limos are getting more and more numerous, and the parking spaces are getting rarer and smaller, a parking aid can be very helpful. However, before purchasing vehicle accessories, whether it be a parking system or something else, car owners should always dig for more information about them.
Quality of the camera is crucial
The human being reacts intensively to visual stimuli. At this point, the manufacturers of auto-reversing systems are also adjusting to this problem. To use a parking aid, a camera is mounted at the rear side of the vehicle. It activates when reverse gear is engaged. The surrounding area is shown to the driver on display in the cockpit. The quality and features of the camera are decisive for the reliable view on the video monitor. The waterproof mini-colour camera should therefore also be able to adjust vertically with a viewing angle of 180°. Finally, the driver needs to see the obstacles located at low altitudes. Especially if you drive into a narrow and confusing parking space in the dark, your parking aid must ensure a good night vision. Integrated IR headlamps with ranges of up to five metres provide the nocturnal view. For anyone who wants to upgrade a parking aid, installation plays a significant role. After all, the installation should be successful without much effort and technical knowledge. For example, with the reversing system from luis.de, the system disguises itself as a license plate holder. The driver can easily replace it and connect it to the reverse light. The colour monitor is also connected to the 12V onboard system and is attached to the suction foot in the cockpit.
Parking aid makes obstacles audible
With the ultrasonic parking sensors, you need it to be audible. Sensors are mounted on the rear and front sides of the car; an LED display indicates the approach of an obstacle. Depending on the distance to the obstacle, the LEDs change their colour. This is accompanied by intense warning tones that rise to a continuous tone. At the latest, you should try the brakes. For purely acoustic systems, the LED display is omitted. Here you have to rely entirely on your hearing. In addition to the ultrasound method, radar measurement technology is also used. The advantages of such systems:
- less technical effort
- weight savings
- no visible sensors
- insensitivity to ultrasonic waves.
The disadvantage of such parking aids: In the very heavy rain, it can lead to measurement errors.
Despite parking aid: Looking back is essential
Anyone who wants to have extra comfort when parking can now also opt for a fully automatic system. This virtually takes the steering wheel completely out of the steersman's hand. First of all, the parking aid recognises when driving by a sufficiently long parking space. Now the driver only has to let go of the steering wheel and follow a few instructions to manoeuvre the vehicle perfectly into the parking space. There's only a little "pedal work" to do – the automatic system takes over the rest of it. Nevertheless, it is important not to rely blindly on this comfortable solution. Although you may have temporarily let the steering wheel go, looking backwards is still essential. This doesn't only protect the tyres and rims of your car. You also have to always keep in mind other road users and their vehicles. After all, the responsibility for any damage is still borne by the driver.