Parking Sensors Explained

What are parking sensors and how do I know which ones are right for me?

Parking sensors are placed on the bumpers of vehicles to alert drivers of obstacles around their car. These sensors are a valuable safety asset to any vehicle, and they are particularly useful for those vehicles with large blind spots.

Sensors are essential for situations where parking spaces are tight or awkward. Parking sensors also come in handy for parallel parking and in situations when a driver needs guidance into space. (It is important to note that parking sensors are meant to function only as a parking aid and do not eliminate all of the hazards of parking.)

There are two main types of parking sensors: electromagnetic and ultrasonic. There are a few important considerations to make in order to make sure that a parking sensor kit is right for your vehicle.

The following should be considered when choosing parking sensors; your vehicle type and the amount of coverage needed, the placement of sensors, preferred feedback method, whether the sensors are wired or wireless, and your budget.

Electromagnetic vs ultrasonic

Both types of parking sensors have pros and cons. Ultrasonic parking sensors use sound waves to measure the distance of nearby objects; typically using four or six sensors that mount onto the bumper. Drilling is usually required for ultrasonic sensor but these sensors are durable and built to withstand weather conditions.

Electromagnetic parking sensors mount on the inner side of a bumper. Electromagnetic parking sensors create an electromagnetic field behind a vehicle, and then monitor it for a disturbance. These sensors do not require any drilling and they rely on drivers who manoeuvre smoothly into parking positions. When the vehicle is no moving the sensor does not signal obstacles.

Those who prefer not to drill holes into their vehicle’s bumper should purchase an electromagnetic parking sensor kit, however, ultrasonic parking sensor kits are thought to be more reliable due to their durability.

NOTE: If you have a towbar or step fitted this can effect the type of parking sensors you can have fitted. Check before installing parking sensors to make sure that they will not be disturbed by the towbar/step

What we sell?

We sell Steelmate and Park Safe parking sensors. Both of these brands are high in quality and there is a vast range available. Whether you need front or rear sensors (or both), we are able to supply and install all of our parking sensors at a time and place convenient to you.

Take advantage of our nationwide mobile engineers – call today on 0333 200 7244.

Colour coding

At Vehicle Accessories we offer a colour coding service with all parking sensor installations. We are able to match the sensor colour to the colour of your vehicle to insure discretion and a professional finish. With some sensors this service is absolutely FREE! However, if the colour coding isn’t included we offer the service for an additional £24.99.

Above: Can you spot the rear parking sensors? They have been colour coded for a professional finish.

Paul Randall

2024-03-14

First Class! Dave and the team are fantastic. The fit on our first Mobile Bike Service and Repair Van could not be any better. From the very beginning, through the design process, all the way to completion I cannot fault a single thing. As I write this, our second van is being fitted to exactly the same specification and the third van is on the way. Long may this partnership continue!

Tim Lees

2024-02-20

Very helpful and patient with an older guy who was a bit nervous ordering from a company I didn't know. The product I wanted wasn't on their website but I thought it worth asking and they had it at a good price. It came the next day and worked perfectly.

Richard Shepherd

2024-01-17

I highly recommend Lee, Dave and the Team at Vehicle Accessories after they did a fantastic job for a one off bespoke van fit for my business. I approached them with a rather radical high concept idea, Dave did a great job taking notes from my extensive brief. He made a great effort to listen and take notes along the way making sure he understood and made suggestions for materials which really led to a much better end product. A particular highlight was a suggestion for them to fabricate a wall mounted Steal Mesh cage system for my equipment which far exceeded my expectations of quality and engineering. During the planning stage and construction suggestions were made to change materials and systems for what they thought would work better for the project as it developed. The end product was perfect and done to a very high standard, it really turned out better than I ever hoped for. Communication throughout was excellent with regular updates, fast responses and easy dialogue when confirming details or discussing changes. Changes were managed quickly and efficiently throughout the build with a great deal of flexibility and professionalism. Even though I was just having just one bespoke build being done for myself I felt highly valued as a customer and treated with the same level of respect and attentiveness as someone ordering a fleet. The quality of work and customer service will certainly mean I’ll be coming back for my next van project.

Philip Taylor Ashby

2023-12-26

Lee and his helpful staff sorted my lock problem that made it easy to break in or steal and at there Christmas closing time🙏, friendly helpful and reasonable thank you all.

Mark Elliott

2023-05-23

Great choice of equipment to fit and all done efficiently. They have designed and fitted racking to 75 vehicle for us in the last year.

Ross Thomson

2023-05-20

I can’t recommend Lee and his team of wizards enough. They fitted the gas with all the safety requirements and modified / adapted several parts of the electrics. They went above and beyond my expectations - I won’t hesitate to use them again.

Andrew Young

2023-04-13

What can say.... the order process was simple, prices competitive and when it was realised that I had ordered 2 incompatible parts I got a call to check and recify the order. Collection was easy and the install team did a quick, neat job. Job done....until next time thank you

Annie Meadows

2023-02-28

Dave, Lee and the team at VA moved crates from my old van to a new one. Easy to communicate with, quick turn around, met all my requests, made good suggestions (such as putting in a waterproof floor) and did an excellent job. Highly recommend.

miles leech

2022-12-22

Big thanks to Dave and the rest of the Vehicle Accessories team. They've done a great job fitting security locks and a floor in my new van. They also moved over my racking and interior lights from my previous van while going out of there way to make it all fit. Excellent service, very efficient and professional. Highly recommended and nice people to deal with. Thanks Miles Ashton Gas

Steelmate Can Bus Interface

Parking Sensors Explained

Parking Sensors Explained