Parktronic: which one is better to buy, reviews, how to choose, rating for reliability and price

2 ParkCity Tokyo 418/501T

ParkCity Tokyo 418/501T

The ParkCity Tokyo 418/501T parking sensor, unique in its design, is rightfully considered one of the best. But even it is not without a weak point - the high cost. However, this is compensated not only by operational parameters, but also by the overall design - the parking system is a thin rear-view mirror with a built-in LCD display. The user can choose the color scheme of the four component sensors designed to monitor the situation behind the car. The main problem with the installation is stretching the connecting wires - the system is literally “stuffed” with them. However, minor inconveniences with installation are fully justified by the stable and reliable operation of the parking device.

Advantages:

accuracy of distance determination;
speed of response to obstacles;
the display does not take up space on the dashboard;
Convenient display and sound signal system.

Flaws:

high price;
there are a lot of connecting wires.

How to choose parking sensors for a car

The correct choice of a parking radar can be made if you carefully study its important parameters. Simply buying a device at a high price, considering it the best, is stupid. The cost of parking sensors can be inflated due to the well-promoted name of the manufacturer.

When choosing parking sensors, it is important to carefully study its parameters

The first important parameter is the scanning area. There are two options here:

Rear view. The device scans part of the road behind the car. All parking radars without exception have this parameter. For some models this is the only option.
Dual visibility - front and rear. Not all parking sensors have this function, but it is considered the best. The dual view device is especially useful for tall vehicles. The radar helps detect low obstacles that are invisible to the driver from the front through the windshield.

Dual view radar helps improve maneuverability of tall vehicles when parking

There are three types of radars based on installation method:

For wired models, the sensors are connected to the control and display unit by wires. Parking sensors are low-cost, but laying wires throughout the car interior creates a lot of inconvenience.
Wireless models operate via a radio signal. The driver places the control unit in the trunk of the car and the display inside the cabin. There is no need to connect anything with wires.
Radars in the form of overlays are fixed in place of the mirror. The installation location is determined by the manufacturer for a specific model.

Wireless parking sensors operate via radio signals

The next important parameter is data output:

An audible warning is available on cheap parking sensors.
The option is not the best. As the object approaches, the sound intensifies, but the driver cannot determine the accuracy of the distance. Sound radar is easier to call a safety option. Important! An external monitor is often connected to sound radars.
The light indication of parking sensors comes in different forms. These could be squares, rectangles, stripes, or just a set of LEDs flashing on the screen. The closer the car approaches an obstacle, the more indicator elements light up.
The most advanced parking sensors have information displayed on the display. The signal from the sensors is displayed in large font size or in the form of a graphic image.

Data from parking sensors is displayed in the form of a sound signal, light indication, large font or graphic image on the display

When looking at the reliability rating of parking sensors, it would be a good idea to study the secondary parameters of the model you like. They improve the usability of the device. Secondary parameters include:

Controlling the volume of the audible alert helps the driver set the most appropriate level. In noisy places the volume can be increased, and outside the city - reduced.
The presence of a rear view camera in the parking sensor package makes it easier for the driver to install and configure the equipment.
The number of sensors determines the best overview of the road section, which affects the accuracy of the determination. The front ones usually require 2 pieces, but there are models with 4 devices. There are from 2 to 8 rear sensors.
The parameter “measurement accuracy” means error. For example, if the display shows 5 cm, then in reality it is 20-25 cm. The smaller the error of the parking sensors, the more accurate the measurement.
The accuracy of obstacle detection depends on the number of sensors
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Each parking sensor has its own threshold. For most models in the middle and low price categories, this parameter varies from 1.5 to 2.5 m. This threshold is enough for successful parking.
The video output connector allows you to connect the parking sensors to your car TV. Information is easier to see on a large screen than on a small display.

After carefully studying the information, you can begin a review of parking sensors that are suitable for the main and secondary parameters.

Cons and possible risks

However, you can “reproach” the device, for example, for the following:

To securely attach the fastener, the bumper must be drilled. Installing a camera does not require such drastic measures.
Insufficient information content. The camera allows you to see firsthand the presence of interference. The parking sensor cannot be “blindly” trusted, because it may not notice a protruding piece of reinforcement, a cobblestone, etc.
In winter, the abundance of snow will be regarded by ultrasonic radars as an obstacle. Accordingly, incessant signals will irritate and disorient the driver.

Do not forget that parking sensors are only an auxiliary system. Personal vigilance is required.

Which parking sensor is better to choose?

There are a number of rules that help the driver choose the best parking radar among many models:

response threshold 2 m when approaching an object;
A mirror is considered a convenient installation location for the driver;
the presence of a self-diagnosis function that notifies the driver when the parking sensors fail;
resistance of radar sensors to negative environmental influences;
the model must be equipped with all the necessary elements for installation;
The presence of a rear view camera is welcome in parking sensors for large cars.

Attention! If the rear view camera is dirty, it is useless in the parking sensors.

Good parking sensors are chosen based on speed

The downside of all parking radars is the viewing error. Sensors always capture larger objects. A small pin sticking out of the ground often goes unnoticed by the parking sensors.

Parktronic - parking assistant

First, a little theory. Parktronic – parking sensor, acoustic parking system (APS), also known as parking radar, also known as park assistant, also known as sonar, parking pilot. In Russia, this is the colloquial name for the device, given in honor of the APS installed on Mercedes (Parktronic). Now in our country this is what all such automobile devices are called.

Operating principle: several sensors are installed on the car, which, using ultrasound or electromagnetic waves, determine the distance to an obstacle. The reflected signal is received by the device and analyzed. The electronic control unit determines the distance based on the wavelength. The information is displayed on the screen and echoed with a sound alert. Sensors locate obstacles at a distance of 20 cm to 2 m.

Parktronic consists of:

display;
sensors;
control unit.

More sophisticated models of parking sensors come complete with cameras. In this case, all the necessary information is displayed on the display: the distance to the obstacle, a marking line is drawn on the screen.

Before the invention of such electronic devices, the role of a parking assistant was performed by carb fillers, flexible metal rods, and probes located on bumpers. When approaching an obstacle, they touched it. The driver heard the sound and stopped.

The first such devices were installed at the end of the last century on cars of the premium segment of the German brand Audi. Now all leading manufacturers equip their cars with them, mainly in more expensive trim levels.

The best front parking sensors. TOP 3

Quite often, the front models attract the attention of motorists. Among them, the most popular are:

Parkmaster 4-DJ-32F

An effective and quite interesting device is able to accurately measure distance and notify the owner of the presence of dangers. Thanks to it, the car will not be afraid of small obstacles, dark parking lots and various small obstacles. Useful additions include: sensor diagnostics, muted radio, and storage of remote elements.

Steel Mate PTS 410 M10F

The compact model consists of a power supply, a rugged case and four white sensors. The total weight of the structure is only 910 g. Objects can be reported both visually and audibly. For the convenience of consumers, the manufacturer has provided an extended wire, maximum measurement accuracy, and the ability to change the angle of the sensors. As for the disadvantages, only the noticeable location of the device is considered significant.

3. PHANTOMBS-400FF

The sophisticated parking sensors are equipped with 4 indicators that are designed specifically for painting. It notifies you of danger using numerical values or a sound signal.

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