Previously, parking sensors were the prerogative of only premium cars, now they are universally installed in cars of different segments, including budget LADAs. It is good if the system informs about the approach of an obstacle, protecting the driver from a possible collision. But not only do parking sensors often fail, but they sometimes also ‘unconsciously’ mislead the driver. And here are the most typical examples of this.
Parking assistance systems come in different varieties and are usually divided into electromagnetic and ultrasonic. The former are less effective in terms of object detection range. Such sensors have a small detection range. For example, 70-80 centimeters from an obstacle, while ultrasonic specimens see ‘danger’ a few meters away. Moreover, such sonars do not always determine on which side the driver is waiting for an ‘ambush’.
And their increased sensitivity even causes false positives. But perhaps the biggest disadvantage is the inability to work statically. In other words, to activate the parking sensors you will have to make a movement, which with a number of maneuvers and in the absence of experience, will easily turn into a dented bumper. However, ultrasound devices are not a panacea either. They do not always respond to thin and small objects, for example a miniature post or tree branch. But much worse is that these gadgets periodically fail to see obstacles up to a meter high.
Naturally, the number of sensors and the breadth of their coverage affect the efficiency of operation. But some barriers risk reflecting an ultrasonic signal, which the driver learns, as they say, after a characteristic crunch. Moreover, here we are talking not only about sloping surfaces and changed terrain, but also about a banal snowdrift or shrub. It is not without reason that they say: trust, but verify. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and assess the situation with your own eyes.
No less treacherous for any driver is the fact that dirt, snow, ice or dust sticks to the parking sensors. Firstly, the random beeping of the sensors completely deprives you of insight into what is actually happening outside the car. Secondly, the device may simply not work. Finally, sensors run the risk of producing distorted signals. As you might guess, all this entails a risk of an accident.
Algorithms for indicator operation on rough terrain require special attention. For example, on a slope, in grass, soft surfaces and on all kinds of uneven surfaces. In such conditions, sensors are constantly screaming and sometimes giving incorrect information. This means that the driver will have to rely only on his own experience.
Previously, parking sensors were the prerogative of only premium cars, now they are universally installed in cars of different segments, including budget LADAs. It is good if the system informs about the approach of an obstacle, protecting the driver from a possible collision. But not only do parking sensors often fail, but they sometimes also ‘unconsciously’ mislead the driver. And here are the most typical examples of this.
Parking assistance systems come in different varieties and are usually divided into electromagnetic and ultrasonic. The former are less effective in terms of object detection range. Such sensors have a small detection range. For example, 70-80 centimeters from an obstacle, while ultrasonic specimens see ‘danger’ a few meters away. Moreover, such sonars do not always determine on which side the driver is waiting for an ‘ambush’.
And their increased sensitivity even causes false positives. But perhaps the biggest disadvantage is the inability to work statically. In other words, to activate the parking sensors you will have to make a movement, which with a number of maneuvers and in the absence of experience, will easily turn into a dented bumper. However, ultrasound devices are not a panacea either. They do not always respond to thin and small objects, for example a miniature post or tree branch. But much worse is that these gadgets periodically fail to see obstacles up to a meter high.
Naturally, the number of sensors and the breadth of their coverage affect the efficiency of operation. But some barriers risk reflecting an ultrasonic signal, which the driver learns, as they say, after a characteristic crunch. Moreover, here we are talking not only about sloping surfaces and changed terrain, but also about a banal snowdrift or shrub. It is not without reason that they say: trust, but verify. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and assess the situation with your own eyes.
No less treacherous for any driver is the fact that dirt, snow, ice or dust sticks to the parking sensors. Firstly, the random beeping of the sensors completely deprives you of insight into what is actually happening outside the car. Secondly, the device may simply not work. Finally, sensors run the risk of producing distorted signals. As you might guess, all this entails a risk of an accident.
Algorithms for indicator operation on rough terrain require special attention. For example, on a slope, in grass, soft surfaces and on all kinds of uneven surfaces. In such conditions, sensors are constantly screaming and sometimes giving incorrect information. This means that the driver will have to rely only on his own experience.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.