Many modern cars are equipped with parking sensors (parking sensors) from the factory. But the older the car you drive, the less likely it is that there will be any parking assist technology on board.
Below we take a look at a few of the available aftermarket parking assistance systems so you can park your car, truck or crossover. Most of the products listed in the parktronic rating are designed to easily retrofit almost any vehicle at a relatively low cost.
Which is better: rear view camera or parking sensors
When comparing parking sensors and a rear view camera, the former have three significant advantages:
- the price is lower;
- installation is easier;
- you can park, focusing at the same time on the parking sensors, which "scream" if something happens, and on the mirrors, but the camera screen distracts both from the mirrors and from the environment.
However, the wide-angle camera has better visibility, whatever one may say. And parking sensors may not react to something narrow and small, like a column. Therefore, you can not suffer from the agony of choice, and choose both options.
How to choose parking sensors for your car
If you're looking for the best parking sensors, keep these important factors in mind when shopping.
Your car model and size. While all of the sensors we'll be talking about in the list below are designed to fit almost any vehicle, this is not the case for all parking sensors. Some of them are specially made for certain models. Typically, these vehicles already have mounting points for parking sensors and possibly pre-installed wiring.
Another issue is the size, or rather the length of your vehicle. Many sensors will come with short wires. Therefore, you will either have to build up the wire if you have a very long car, or choose a model with wireless communication.
Number of sensors. Most parking sensors have at least 2 sensors for installation in the bumper, although some may have four, six or as many as eight for the rear and front bumpers. Generally speaking, the more sensors you have, the more view you get.
Feedback type. Some parking sensors emit a beeping sound, the frequency of which increases as you approach an object in the back. And some drivers prefer an LED display with color indicators. There are models that combine both of these options.
Easy to install. Most of the parking sensors are convenient and easy to install. However, models that come with a variety of sensors and cameras to operate may require professional installation. Parking sensors are usually drilled into your bumper and then the wires run under the trim to the central control unit. However, there are models that require installation in the dashboard.
Does the parking sensor kit you plan to purchase come with a sensor drill? If not, make sure you get the exact size of the drill, otherwise the hole will be too large and the probe will fall out. Also, check the length of the wires that come with the kit, as some are notoriously short and require lengthening.
Famous brand name. The most popular and respected parktronic companies are Sho-Me, AVS, ParkCity, Blackview, Parkmaster and Russian Airline and Spark Technology.
Top 3 parking sensors with 4 sensors, digital and sound indicator
3. Sho-Me Y-2616
The average price is 1,500 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: led display
- Obstacle detection distance 1.5 - 0.3 m
The Sho-Me brand is known worldwide for its superior quality products and excellent customer service. And its Y-2616 parktronic kit is made of high quality materials for maximum durability.
Installation is simple: all you have to do is place the display on the dashboard, drill four holes in the rear bumper and route the wires. If you entrust this business to professionals, the work will cost, on average, 2,500 rubles.
On the Y-2616 display, numbers are shown in the middle, and running stripes on the sides of it, which show which side is closer to the obstacle. When approaching an obstacle, the stripes turn red.
pros: bright display, includes a drill attachment, a button to disable the side sensors, which is convenient in traffic jams or in tight parking.
Minuses: Despite the waterproof connectors, the device may not work properly in heavy rain or cold. For example, sometimes it shows a non-existent obstacle.
2. Blackview PS-4.2-18
The average price is 1,440 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: led display
- Obstacle detection area: 2.5 - 0.1 m
- complete set: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables, buzzer
- installation method: mortise
An inexpensive and easy-to-install parktronic kit includes four ultrasonic sensors, as well as a system computer module and a visual display unit. External bumper mounted parking sensors are available in white and silver.
This model features an increased obstacle detection area, has protection against false alarms and a long two-meter wire.
pros: IP67 waterproof, complete with a cutter for preparing holes for sensors.
Minuses: no.
1. PARKMASTER 4-FJ-40
The average price is 1,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: led display
- distance measurement from 1.5 m. to 30 cm
- complete set: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- features: volume control, sensor self-diagnosis
- installation method: mortise
This is another set of parking sensors equipped with both a sound system and an LED display. It requires 4 seats in your bumper and offers a choice of 2 colors - black and silver.
These four ultrasonic sensors connect to an AV controller center unit that can be hidden under the seat or dashboard. The LED display is connected to the same module before being installed in a location that is more visible to the driver.
Parking sensors using this design are very popular due to their ease of installation. To avoid any collisions, the PARKMASTER 4-FJ-40 alarm sounds louder and faster as you get closer to the object.
pros: large and bright LED display, you can adjust the volume of the sound signal, there is a self-diagnosis mode for sensors, the wire length is enough even for a station wagon.
Minuses: no adjusting pads for sensors for the most accurate angle adjustment.
Parktronic rating with 6 sensors
3. ParkAWay E-6B-ZV
The average price is 1,520 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: combined
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 6
- Obstacle detection area: 1.8 - 0.3 m
- complete set: 6 sensors, control unit, cutter, buzzer, connecting cables
Here is the answer to the question of which parking sensors to choose so that it is "cheap and cheerful". The ParkAWay E-6B-ZV model is equipped with six sensors that can be placed not only on the rear, but also on the front bumper of the car. has a sufficiently loud buzzer (up to 80 dB) and is easy to install.
pros: 2.45-meter long wire from sensors to connector, low price.
Minuses: no display.
2. AVS PS-126U
The average price is 2,110 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 6
- display type: led display
- distance measurement from 2.5 m to 30 cm
- complete set: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- installation method: mortise
Convenient to use, inexpensive set of parking sensors. Four sensors are installed in the rear bumper, two in the front. Despite its budget price, the kit is well assembled, works stably and rarely gives false positives.
pros: has a display, ideal value for money.
Minuses: Cannot adjust the signal volume.
1. Masterpark 6-DS-N
The average price is 5299 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 6
- display type: 7-inch monitor
- distance measurement from 2.5 m to 30 cm
- complete set: display, control unit, 6 sensors, two cameras, buzzer, cutter, connecting cables
- installation method: mortise
The high price of this kit is explained not only by the presence of a large 7-inch screen, but also by two cameras that can be placed in front and behind the car. This will make parking much easier for inexperienced drivers.
With Masterpark 6-DS-N, you don't have to rely solely on the picture on the screen. Parktronic gives a loud signal as it approaches an obstacle.
pros: Ideal for those who don't want to overpay for extra sensors and still want all the benefits of a dual chamber model.
Minuses: no.
The best combined parking sensors with 8 sensors and a monitor
3. AVS PS-128U
The average price is 2 850 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: combined
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 8
- display type: led display
- Obstacle detection area: 2.5 - 0.3 m
- complete set: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- features: indication of the direction of obstacles
- installation method: mortise
Answering the question about which parking sensors is better to buy, cautious car owners recommend that you play it safe and buy an 8-sensor model. This will alert your car to an obstacle in both the rear and the front.
AVS PS-128U is one of the most affordable models on the Russian market. This durable kit is water resistant (IP67) and has a wide operating temperature range from minus 40 to plus 80 degrees.
AVS PS-128U allows you to see the distance to the obstacle on the display, and in addition to the visual, it emits a sound signal.
pros: Includes a sensor cutter, a 6m cord for the front sensors and a 2.5m cord for the rear.
Minuses: no volume control.
2. Sho-me Y-2612
The average price is 2,500 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: combined
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 8
- display type: led display
- Obstacle detection area: 2.5 - 1.5 m
- complete set: control unit, display, 8 sensors, cutter, audio sensor (beeper), switching wire, double-sided tape
- installation method: mortise
Featuring a large 3-inch LED display, this model features an attractive design and easy installation. All wires included in the kit are numbered, so it will be difficult to make a mistake when connecting them.
Front sensors Sho-me Y-2612 are triggered only by pressing the brake when moving forward, rear, respectively, when driving in reverse.
pros: the set includes a cutter, which is convenient to make holes in the bumper for sensors, it works properly in rain and cold.
Minuses: Bright display illuminates the entire interior in the evenings.
1. Spark 8-D
The average price is 8,120 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: combined
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 8
- display type: led display
- Obstacle detection area: 2.5 - 0.1 m
- complete set: control unit, indication unit "D", sensor, cutter, communication cable control unit and control unit, power supply, cable for connecting brake lamps, turns, ignition
- installation method: mortise
At first glance, the price of this model seems overpriced compared to other participants in the 2019 parking sensors rating. However, it is quite justified, because the Spark 8-D is not just parking sensors, but a real "combine" that combines:
- Fast reaction speed - 0.25 seconds (for inexpensive models - from 0.5 seconds and more) with flexible settings for distance information.
- Learning mode that allows you to repeatedly scan the surface of the nearest zone in which the machine is located, and enter its profile into memory. This minimizes false signals. The system can be retrained if necessary.
- The ability to set the duration of the sound signal.
- Separate gain programming for front and rear sensors. This allows the system to be configured for any sensor installation option.
- Garage parking mode to assist when driving near large objects. At the same time, the system separately processes information from side sensors and central ones.
pros: there is a self-diagnosis, with the help of the "tow bar" function, you can remove from the field of view of the parking sensors parts of the car protruding beyond the bumper.
Minuses: no.
The best parking sensors in the rearview mirror
3. MasterPark 8DSN
The average price is 10,400 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: combined
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 8
- display type: 7˝ TFT LCD monitor, touch
- Obstacle detection area: 1.8 - 0.3 m
- complete set: parking sensor - 8 pcs., monitor, buzzer, control unit, radio signal transmitter, video camera, cutter, mounting plate for the sensor - 8 pcs.
The receiving monitor of this parking sensor is located in the large 7-inch rear-view mirror, which can be used for its intended purpose. With the help of a radio channel, the image from the camera is transmitted to the mirror, and no wires are required in this case. But you will have to connect parking sensors and cameras to the unit in the old fashioned way, using wires.
This model has two cameras at once, one can be placed in the back, and the other in the front, which will make parking easier for a novice driver or someone who does not feel well the dimensions of the car.
pros: excellent quality picture on the monitor, there is a sound alert, a wide range of operating temperatures - from minus 20 to plus 50 degrees.
Minuses: high price.
2. AVS PS-164U
The average price is 2,190 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: lcd display
- Obstacle detection area: 2.5 - 0.3 m
- complete set: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- features: indication of the direction of the obstacle, memorization of the external elements of the car
- installation method: mortise
This is one of the nicest and cheapest parking sensors in the rearview mirror. It features a large LCD screen with digital distance indicator, voice guidance and four ultrasonic sensors.
The indicator in the form of a rear-view mirror is attached with elastic clips over the original car mirror.
Unlike MasterPark 8DSN, this model can only monitor the space behind the car. But the price is much lower.
pros: water protection of the sensors according to the IP67 standard, there is a function of memorizing the external elements of the machine (towbar, etc.), a long 2.5-meter cable.
Minuses: the alert sound is quite loud (up to 108 dB).
1. AVS0410BM
The average price is 5,490 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: parktronic system
- type of parking sensors: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: 4.3 ″ LCD
- Obstacle detection area: 2.5 - 0.3 m
- complete set: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- installation method: mortise
A special feature of this model is compatibility with all rear view cameras that have a CVBS (tulip) connection interface.
Parktronic AVS0410BM is equipped with two CVBS video inputs (tulip), which allows you to connect two devices simultaneously (for example, a rear view camera and DVD) with automatic switching between them.
A large margin of brightness (500 cd / m2) with the ability to adjust it allows you to adjust the parking sensor-mirror for any lighting conditions in the car. For the driver's convenience, the parktronic monitor is located on the left side of the screen.
pros: convenient mounts for installation instead of a standard rear-view mirror, a high-quality screen with a large margin of brightness, indistinguishable from a regular mirror.
Minuses: no.