Modern drivers have an excellent opportunity to use various electronic assistants that make driving easier. To park the car safely for themselves and for others, there are parking sensors. Installing such a device is a simple process, and with the help of detailed instructions, everyone can do this with their own hands in the garage.
Operating principle
The parking assistance system works on the basis of the principle of ultrasonic waves and the effect of echolocation. The sound wave, which is emitted and received by special sensors installed in front and behind the car, is analyzed by the control unit of the device.
By the time it took the wave to reflect on the obstacle, the distance from it to the car is calculated. The area in which the device can operate as efficiently as possible depends on the manufacturer and the technical characteristics of a particular parking sensor. For most devices on the market today, this zone is between 0.2 m and 2 meters.
Design
The system is a set of sensors of the control unit of the device for displaying information about the distance to the obstacle. Also in the systems there is a sound signal. Some models include a rear view camera and other useful options.
Central to the design of parking sensors is the control unit. It is he who analyzes all the information entering into him and then generates electronic impulses for the supply of visual and sound signals. Their intensity will increase as the car approaches another car or an obstacle in the way. Depending on the model, information can be fed to an LED panel or LCD.
Ultra-modern models are equipped with a projection system, thanks to which all information is conveniently projected onto the windshield. Sound notification is in most cases a pleasant female voice.
Types of devices
Parktronic installation scheme depends on the type of sensors. At the moment there are several types of these elements:
- acoustic;
- electromagnetic.
Each of them has its own characteristics.
Acoustic parking sensors
These systems are the most popular on the market. There are many devices that use ultrasound to work. They can differ from each other in the number of sensors, the method of supplying information, and the presence of additional options.
The best option is four sensors for front mounting, as well as two for mounting on the rear bumper. In order to exclude such an effect as “dead zones”, it is recommended that the sensors be installed over the entire surface of the bumpers when installing this type of parking sensors. The distance between the elements should be 40-50 centimeters.
The more sensors in the kit, the more accurately the parktronic operates. However, this type of system is characterized by large errors in the process. A common disadvantage of the group of these devices is that they are not able to detect obstacles that are not higher than the level of the road. Parktronic can give false signals on the slopes, since their surface will fall into the range of its sensors.
Electromagnetic devices
This type of car parking system does not have separate sensors. As sensors, a special tape is used here. It must be secured from the inside of the bumper. This installation technology is much simpler because there is no need to drill holes for the installation of sensors.
As for the principle of operation of these systems, they work as follows. An electromagnetic field is created around the bumper of the car. Any objects that fall into it change its characteristics. At the slightest change in parameters such as field density, intensity or induction zone, the control unit immediately gives a signal to warn the driver.
Since the principles of magnetism work in these solutions, such tape parking sensors are more accurate. They are able to track those objects and obstacles in the way that ultrasonic counterparts cannot cope with. But often due to bad weather conditions or external interference, the effectiveness of the electromagnetic field is reduced.
DIY installation
Installing full-time parking sensors is not the task with which it is worth going to the service station. With minimal effort, you can do everything yourself. Let's look at how to do this.
In most cases, traditional devices based on acoustic sensors are purchased as a parking radar. The whole installation process comes down to the fact that you need to drill holes in the bumper, then install the sensors, and then paint the bumper in its factory color. There should be no problems with drilling, although the process can take a long time. Complete with sensors and parking sensors there is a special milling cutter.
It is important to mark correctly so that during operation you do not receive signals from the sky or from the road surface. In the kit there is an instruction, but it is not adapted for different cars.
Markup
For a standard parking radar from China (namely, such auto electronics are most often bought), the height of the capture zone varies from 48 to 54 centimeters. At critical distances (up to 30 cm) this height is 44 centimeters, and at large - 51. This zone is a cone: its top is on the sensor, and the sides expand from the car. Based on this data, it should be calculated where the sensors should be installed.
For the device to work correctly, first you need to measure the length of the bumper. First, consider the installation of rear parking sensors. The bumper length must be divided by 8 - this distance is measured from the left and right edges of the element. Then you need to calculate the location of two more sensors, for this the length of the bumper is divided by 4. The result is the distance that you must deviate from the extreme sensors to the center of the bumper on both sides. These will be the installation points of the rear parking sensors.
The height from the surface of the earth is from 50 to 70 centimeters, depending on the type of vehicle. This is the most optimal figure. Places for sensors can be marked with a pencil or marker. Two holes are usually required in the front. They are calculated in the same way.
How to drill holes?
There are no special problems. Holes must be made at low speeds and with low feed. If this advice is not followed, there is a risk that the bumper material will melt and result in uneven holes.
When installing the parking sensors with their own hands, many will use the included milling cutter or drill for drilling holes. But there is an important point. The drill or mill has a diameter equal to the diameter of the sensor. But during installation, squeezing the silicone clips can be a daunting task. Therefore, in the place where they are inserted, the hole expands literally by 0.5 millimeters.
Wiring
Cords are assembled into a single bundle for compactness. Then it must be intercepted with screeds. Sometimes there is a box in the kit - you need to put the cable there. Next, the wires are gently pulled along the body under the decorative sheathing. To fix them, apply screeds.
The control unit is mounted in the area of the front panel of the car. It sticks easily to Velcro. They are on both sides, even on inexpensive models. Then mount the display unit and the warning system. It is better to use the manufacturer's instructions for this. The sound signal is placed closer to the driver. Displays are mounted in the area of the speedometer or near the left rack.
Connection
You can connect the system to the rear lights - they will be launched in pairs. The connectors must be connected carefully. It is very comfortable to use special rivet connectors when installing parking sensors. They make contact by piercing the cable.
Kia and parking sensors
On various models of this manufacturer, this useful device is not among the standard equipment. Therefore, the installation of parking sensors on the “Kia" is an opportunity to save the taillights and front optics.
For installation, you will need a screwdriver, screwdriver, electrical tape, soldering iron, strips. The first step is marking the installation site. To do this, glue a strip of masking tape along the slice on the rear bumper and mark the points where the sensors will be installed. You can use the instructions that come with the specific device model.
Then, using a screwdriver and a complete cutter, make holes. Work should be extremely careful so as not to damage the bumper. Installation of front parking sensors is carried out according to the same algorithm.
Next, remove all the plastic trunk. He just reaches up and leaves. As a result, a hole will appear through which it is necessary to stretch the sensor wires, collecting them first in a bundle. When this is done, the plug is returned to its place.
Then set the display device. It can be hung under the roof or fixed to the dashboard. Wires are routed through the ceiling and brought to glass. To remove the trim on the side racks, you need to dismantle the door seal and pull the upper edge towards the center. Next, you just need to pry the latch.
Then disassemble the left side of the trunk. Install the control unit and connect all the elements. Power is best served through a cable that runs in the upper part of the trunk and goes to the roof on the left side. We need a white-orange wire - this is a "plus", black - "minus". All compounds are carefully insulated.
Installation is complete, it remains only to assemble the cabin, after which you can check the operation of the device.
Ford
Unlike Kia cars, the installation of parking sensors on a Ford is simplified by the fact that there are factory openings there. They are made on the rear bumper trim to accommodate sonars. But despite this, openings are very rarely used. This can be easily explained: the overlay comes from the factory unpainted, which means that the sensors will stand out very much. Factory openings are above the level recommended by Parktronic manufacturers.
They are provided for the installation of full-time parking sensors, available, however, only in expensive trim levels. And if there are none, then the installation is carried out according to standard technology, but without marking.
Renault
Installation is carried out according to the instructions. From the doorway of the room, the first sensor must be installed at a distance of 3 centimeters, and the second at 37. Here the main thing is accuracy. From the edge of the machine for different models it is recommended to retreat 20-30 centimeters. Next, drill holes in the bumper and remove the taillight. The sensors are placed in the holes according to the letters: R - right, L - left. Then all the wires are collected, connected in a bundle and pushed under the bumper amplifier. Using a wire, the harness is pushed further between the bumper and the lamp.
As for the connection, a positive contact on the control unit is connected to the green wire, and a negative contact is connected to ground. It remains only to stretch the wires through the cabin, and then act similarly to the instructions described above. As you can see, installing parking sensors on a Renault is a simple process that everyone can handle.