How many times, squeezing their "Lada" between the "Maserati" and "Bentley" in the parking lot of the city administration, you were afraid to buy a parking sensor from the next payday! Well, it's time to keep the word given to yourself. You still do not know how to choose a parking sensor? Follow our advice and be sure: your new parking assistant will not disappoint you.
Parktronic( in Russian this means "parking sensor") is a device that monitors the presence of an obstacle in the path of the car and promptly warns the driver about it. Such a device consists of the main working organs, ultrasonic sensors and many others, as will be discussed later.
Step 1: choose the type of parktronics
The first step is to decide what you need. There are three types of parking sensors:
Standard equipment
This is the simplest and, accordingly, an affordable option. The standard parktronic is a control unit with several connectors in which cylindrical sensors are mounted. In the simplest devices of such connectors there are not more than four and they are designed to scan the space either from the front of the car or only from the rear. In models more expensive, the control unit already has two circuits - for the front and rear bumpers, and the sensors in it are installed twice as much - eight pieces.
Parktronic with sensors of tape type
Sensors of such devices have the form of a tape, which is fixed along the entire length of the rear or front bumper. Compared with the standard modification, they are more effective, since they do not have dead zones. The owner of a small car to buy such an expensive parking sensor, perhaps not worth it, but the driver of a car of a representative class without him simply can not do.
Parktronics with camera
Perhaps you had to watch a situation when a driver, parked, stares at a small screen. Maybe it was not just another crazy fan of "tanks", as you thought then, but a lucky owner of one of the best parktronics that are equipped with a camera. Such a device not only informs about the presence of a barrier and the magnitude of the distance to it, but also allows the driver to personally observe the situation outside the zone of his review.
For a car of any class, a parking sensor with a camera is an unnecessary luxury. In such a car, the driver sees quite a lot and parktronic is needed only for the auxiliary function. In a much more complicated situation, there is a driver of a bus or a heavy vehicle, which is practically unable to observe what is happening behind his vehicle.
These models differ from others not only by having a camera. Since they are the most expensive type of parking sensors, manufacturers do not stint on expensive high-quality materials for the case, a wide range of functions and a thoughtful stylish design.
Step 2: Action distance and reaction speed
An important characteristic of the parktronics is the distance from which it begins to record the presence of obstacles, as well as the response rate. Most models detect an obstacle at a distance of up to 2 meters from the car and report it to the driver within 0.1 seconds. Such parameters can be considered optimal. If you do not have enough driving experience yet, choose a model with a longer range.
Step 3: Pay attention to the
body In addition to adverse weather conditions, the parking sensors can be tested for their strength by flying stones, falling icicles and other tests called mechanical action. In order not to be upset because of money thrown to the wind, buy a device with a solid solid case. Do not be shy to inspect the product carefully to make sure it is tight.
Step 4:
signal transmission method In most models, the signal from the sensors to the display is transmitted by means of wires, which naturally need to be pulled through the interior. Fortunately, this procedure is not mandatory. If you want, you can buy a wireless model in which the sensor and display communicate with radio waves.
Some models of parktronics can be connected to the on-board computer. When buying such a device, you need to check whether it is compatible with the computer of your car.
Step 5: information board
Pay close attention to the screen. It should be easy to install in any convenient place and be bright enough and contrast. Figures should be clearly visible even if the sight is angled.
Step 6: choose the manufacturer
We will directly say that there are no clear leaders in this area. Each manufacturer has both successful and not so good models. The best option is to study the reviews on a particular model and consult with friends who already have parktronic.
In our country the devices of the following companies are popular:
- Parkcity Sparta
- Challenger
- Steelmate
- Brees.
The last parting word: do not try to save by buying a cheap fake of incomprehensible origin in some stall in the market. If such a "miracle of technology" will work, it will certainly fail you at the most inopportune moment, and your trustfulness( and greed) will cost you a tidy sum, which will have to be paid for the repair of your own and someone else's car. It is better to buy a parktronik firm, trustworthy, even if it will cost a little more. With him, you will always park without problems.
Good luck on the road!
