As the average car becomes larger, wider and longer than it once might have been, and over 33 million cars on the road in the UK, the fight for parking spaces is on!
It’s a classic situation isn’t it – a five-person family may have up to three or even four cars, but rarely will a property come with four car spaces. This means that on the road parking is increasingly common. In town centres with rows of Victorian and Edwardian houses, there is rarely any parking at all and so the fight for parking space is heightened.
What are parking sensors?
Parking sensors are small sensors fitted to the bumper of a vehicle. They use high-frequency sound waves to detect objects nearby. As the sensor gets closer to the object, the pulses reflect producing a louder and more continuous alarm. This alerts the driver that they are getting closer and closer to an object, often one that they may not be able to see.
Parking sensors come as front and/or rear parking and are usually colour-coded so that they are an almost invisible addition to your vehicle.
Why do we need parking sensors?
Parking sensors provide safety for both life and property by alerting a driver to an object when reversing. The object may be living or inanimate, both will cause the parking sensors to activate.
There are horrific stories of small children being accidentally injured and killed by drivers when reverse parking. This is also true of animals and even birds. Accidents of this nature can be devastating.
With regards to property, low-level walls and kerbs are often damaged because they are simply out of the driver’s view. But it’s not just low-level items that are at risk. Trees, lampposts, bollards and so on can be difficult to see when reversing and are often hit and damaged by reverse parkers.
It doesn’t end there, of course. With less space available to park, we are often required to parallel park into tight spaces which often takes some jiggling forwards and backwards. Parking sensors ensure that you park safely without damage to your, or worse, someone else’s vehicle.
Can parking sensors be fitted to any car?
Usually. Manufacturers will usually allow for the later installation of parking sensors and many (although not all) sensors are universal and will fit most makes and models. You should always check and take advice that any sensors purchased will suit your car.
Our team of installation experts are on hand to give you the best advice with regards to the make and model of your car. We’ll provide the products and install them at a time and place to suit you. Contact a member of our friendly team today!