Many modern cars are equipped with parking radars (parking sensors) already from the factory. But the older the car you drive, the less likely it is that there will be any kind of parking assistance technology on board.
Below we look at some of the available aftermarket parking assistance systems so you can park your car, truck, or crossover. Most of the products listed in the parking sensors rating are designed for easy modernization of almost any vehicle for a relatively low price.
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 at the same time focusing on parking sensors, which “scream” in case of something, and on the mirrors, but the camera’s screen distracts both from the mirrors and from the surroundings.
However, the wide-angle camera, anyway, the review is better. And parking sensors may not respond to something narrow and small, like a column. Therefore, you can not suffer from the pangs of choice, and choose both options.
How to choose parking sensors for your car
If you are looking for the best parking sensors, keep these important factors in mind when shopping.
Your car model and size. Although all the sensors that we will talk about in the list below are designed to be installed on almost any car, this does not apply to all parking sensors. Some of them are made specifically for certain models. Usually these cars already have mounting points for parking sensors and, possibly, already installed wiring.
Another problem is the size, or rather, the length of your car. Many sensors will come with short wires. Therefore, you will either have to increase the wire if you have a very long car, or choose a model with wireless connection.
The 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 on the rear and front bumpers. Generally speaking, the more sensors you have, the more review you get.
Type of feedback. Some parking sensors emit an audible signal, the frequency of which increases as you approach an object located behind. And some drivers prefer an LED display with color indicators. There are models combining both of these options.
Easy to install. Most parking sensors are convenient and easy to install. However, models that come with a variety of sensors and cameras for operation may require professional installation. Parking sensors are usually drilled in your bumper, and then the wires go under the skin to the central control unit. However, there are models that require installation in the dashboard.
Is the set of parking sensors that you plan to purchase supplied with a drill for installing sensors? If not, make sure that you have acquired the exact size of the drill, otherwise the hole will be too large and the sensor will fall out of it. In addition, check the length of the wires that come with the kit, as some of them are obviously short and require extension.
Famous brand name. The most popular and respected manufacturers of parking sensors are: Sho-Me, AVS, ParkCity, Blackview, Parkmaster and the 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.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: LED display
- Distance to detect obstacles 1.5 - 0.3 m
The Sho-Me brand is known worldwide for its superior quality products and excellent customer service. And her set of parking sensors Y-2616 is made of high quality materials that provide maximum durability.
Installation is simple: all you have to do is put the display on the dashboard, drill four holes in the rear bumper and lay the wires. If you entrust this business to professionals, the work will cost, on average, 2,500 rubles.
On the display of Y-2616 in the middle are numbers, and on the sides of it are running strips that show which side is closer to the obstacle. When approaching an obstacle, the stripes turn red.
pros: bright display, in the kit there is a nozzle for a drill, there is a button to turn off the side sensors, which is convenient in traffic jams or in tight parking lots.
Minuses: Despite the waterproof connectors, the device may not work properly in heavy rain or frost. For example, sometimes it shows a non-existent obstacle.
2. Blackview PS-4.2-18
The average price is 1,440 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: 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
- equipment: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables, buzzer
- installation method: mortise
An inexpensive and easy to install set of parking sensors includes four ultrasonic sensors, as well as a system computer module and a visual display unit. External parking sensors mounted on the bumper are available in white and silver.
This model has an increased obstacle detection zone, has protection against false alarms and a long two-meter wire.
pros: IP67 waterproof, complete with cutter for preparing holes for sensors.
Minuses: not.
1. PARKMASTER 4-FJ-40
The average price is 1 990 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: 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
- equipment: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- features: volume control, self-diagnosis of sensors
- 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 are connected to the central unit of the AV controller, which can be hidden under the seat or dashboard. The LED display is connected to the same module before installation in any place that is more visible to the driver.
Parktronics 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 approach the subject.
pros: large and bright LED display, you can adjust the volume of the audio signal, there is a self-diagnosis mode of the sensors, the length of the wire is enough even for a station wagon.
Minuses: There are no adjusting overlays under sensors for the most exact adjustment of an angle.
Parking sensors rating with 6 sensors
3. ParkAWay E-6B-ZV
The average price is 1,520 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors 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
- equipment: 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 is equipped with six sensors that can be placed not only on the rear, but also on the front bumper of the car. It has a sufficiently loud buzzer (up to 80 dB) and is easy to install.
pros: long 2.45-meter wire from sensors to the connector, low price.
Minuses: no display.
2. AVS PS-126U
The average price is 2 110 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: 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
- equipment: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- installation method: mortise
Easy 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 built soundly, it works stably and rarely gives false positives.
pros: there is a display, an ideal ratio of price and quality.
Minuses: You cannot adjust the volume of the signal.
1. Masterpark 6-DS-N
The average price is 5299 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: 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
- equipment: 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 greatly facilitate parking for inexperienced drivers.
When using Masterpark 6-DS-N you do not have to rely solely on the picture on the screen. Parktronic issues a loud signal as it approaches an obstacle.
pros: Ideal for those who do not want to overpay for extra sensors, and at the same time want to get all the advantages of a two-chamber model.
Minuses: not.
The best combined parking sensors with 8 sensors and a monitor
3. AVS PS-128U
The average price is 2 850 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors 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
- equipment: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- features: indication of the direction of the obstacle
- installation method: mortise
Answering the question about which parking sensors it is better to buy, careful car owners recommend making secure and purchase an 8-sensor model. So your car will be warned about an obstacle located both behind and in front.
One of the most affordable models on the Russian market is the AVS PS-128U. This durable kit is waterproof (IP67 standard) and features a wide range of operating temperatures from minus 40 to plus 80 degrees.
AVS PS-128U allows you to see the distance to an obstacle on the display, and in addition to the visual one also emits an audio signal.
pros: The kit includes a cutter for installing sensors, a 6-meter cord for the front sensors and a 2.5-meter cable for the rear.
Minuses: No sound adjustment.
2. Sho-me Y-2612
The average price is 2,500 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors 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
- equipment: control unit, display, 8 sensors, cutter, audio sensor (beeper), patch cord, double-sided tape
- installation method: mortise
This model with a large three-inch LED display has an attractive design and easy installation. All the wires included in the kit are numbered, so it will be difficult to make a mistake when connecting them.
The front sensors of the Sho-me Y-2612 are triggered only by applying the brake when moving forward, the rear, respectively, when reversing.
pros: the kit includes a cutter, which is convenient to make holes in the bumper for the sensors, it works properly in the rain and in the cold.
Minuses: A bright display in the evenings illuminates the entire interior.
1. Spark 8-D
The average price is 8 120 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors 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
- equipment: control unit, display unit "D", sensor, cutter, communication cable BU and BI, power supply, cable for connecting brake lamps, turns, ignition
- installation method: mortise
At first glance, the price of this model seems to be overestimated in comparison with other participants in the 2019 parking sensors rating. However, it is quite justified, because the Spark 8-D is not just parktronics, but a real "combine", combining:
- Fast reaction speed - 0.25 seconds (for inexpensive models - from 0.5 seconds and above) with flexible settings for distance information.
- A training 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 spurious signals. If necessary, the system can be retrained.
- Ability to set the duration of the sound signal.
- Separate gain programming for front and rear sensors. This allows you to configure the system for any installation of sensors.
- The "parking in the garage" mode, which helps when moving near large objects. In this case, the system separately processes information from side sensors and central ones.
pros: there is a self-diagnosis, using the “towbar” function, you can remove from the field of view of the parking sensors car parts that protrude beyond the bumper.
Minuses: not.
The best parking sensors in the rearview mirror
3. MasterPark 8DSN
The average price is 10,400 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors 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
- equipment: parking sensor - 8 pcs, monitor, buzzer, control unit, radio signal transmitter, video camera, cutter, mounting plate for the sensor - 8 pcs.
The receiver monitor for this parking sensor is located in a large 7-inch rearview mirror, which can be used for its intended purpose. Using radio channel communication, the image from the camera is transmitted to the mirror, and no wires are required in this case. But to connect parking sensors and cameras to the unit will have the old fashioned way, using wires.
This model has two cameras at once, one can be placed at the rear and the other at the front, which will facilitate parking for a novice driver or someone who does not feel well about 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.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: rear
- type of parking sensors: universal
- working principle: ultrasonic
- number of sensors included: 4
- display type: lcd
- Obstacle Detection Area: 2.5 - 0.3 m
- equipment: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- features: indication of the direction of the obstacle, memorization of external elements of the car
- installation method: mortise
This is one of the best and cheapest parking sensors in the rearview mirror. It is equipped with a large LCD screen with a digital distance indicator, has a voice alert and four ultrasonic sensors.
The indicator in the form of a rear-view mirror is attached with elastic clips over the standard car mirror.
Unlike MasterPark 8DSN, this model can only control the space behind the car. But the price is much lower.
pros: water resistance of sensors according to IP67 standard, there is a function for storing external elements of the machine (towbar, etc.), a long 2.5-meter cable.
Minuses: The notification sound is quite loud (up to 108 dB).
1. AVS0410BM
The average price is 5,490 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: parking sensors system
- parking sensors type: 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
- equipment: display, control unit, cutter, connecting cables
- installation method: mortise
A feature of this model is compatibility with all rear view cameras that have a CVBS connection interface (tulip).
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 sensors to any lighting conditions in the car. For the convenience of the driver, the parking sensors monitor is located on the left side of the screen.
pros: convenient mounts for installation instead of a regular rear-view mirror, high-quality screen with a large margin of brightness, not distinguishable from a regular mirror.
Minuses: not.
