Parking is no more a child’s play as it used to be, when parking spaces were large. The situation gets worse for the driver, especially when parking in unfamiliar and tight places. Often the cars get dents in the bumpers or underbody panel while reversing. There are every chances of colliding with bollards or low wall lying behind the car, which are not visible through rear view mirror. This problem can be effectively solved by parking sensors, which makes driving easier and safer. The sensors are fitted at the front and back of the car. These determine the proximity of an obstruction behind the car and provide an audible warning to the drive.

In some vehicles, sensors come as factory-fitted item. Further, there are different parking sensors available in market to fit different vehicles. However, since there are different parking sensors it is quite difficult to determine their efficiency without knowing their operational capabilities.
 
Types of Parking Sensors
 
In general, the parking sensors can be divided into two categories – Electromagnetic systems and Ultrasonic systems.

Essentially, the ultrasonic sensor emits an ultrasonic signal, which is reflected by an obstruction. When the sensor gets closer to the object, it starts emitting signals faster to the sensor. This signal is converted into audible sound. This is received in the form of an audible warning. Depending on the distance of the object, the beat of the audible sound lowers or grows louder.  The driver has to react to the audible noise.

The ultrasonic system is an older technology with 4 to 6 sensors mounted in the bumper and are visible to all. In order to mount the sensors, holes have to be drilled in the bumper that might spoil the look of your car. Further, you need to paint them to match color of the bumper. Some of the cars enclose crash protection bar behind the bumper, in such cases the ultrasonic system has to be installed in depth of the bumpers. There are quite a lot of hassles involved with ultrasonic parking sensors, which has popularized the more competent system of electromagnetic sensors.  The electromagnetic sensors have overcome the shortcomings of the ultrasonic parking sensors to a greater extent.  

The PD1 is one of the most successful parking systems making use of the unique Electromagnetic Technology, which is typical with only a few privileged cars manufacturers. These sensors are immaculately designed to be fitted easily, without compromising with the ‘new factory look’ of your car. This electromagnetic system operates by creating an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the sensors. Any kind of intrusion in the force field generates a warning.   

In contrast to Ultrasonic technology with 4 to 6 exposed sensors, which requires regular cleaning and maintenance, the electromagnetic technology is concealed and self diagnostic. Therefore, it requires no maintenance.       

Some of the cars have edges on the bumpers, projecting from the rest of the body. Most often these edges are battered, since the driver is unable to see the corners. The electromagnetic units are designed to avoid such collisions. The antenna of the electromagnetic system covers the entire length of the bumper, which detects objects at the corners and sides.      

Further, the electromagnetic parking sensors have no visible parts. These are fitted discretely and are hidden. It is only the driver who knows that it is fitted. It ensures that there is no problem with installation. The PD1 can be fitted without drilling the bumper and it is completely discrete and invisible when on the vehicle. With the electromagnetic sensors your car now has higher value and is a more desirable car.

EPS Parking sensor is an extremely sophisticated electromagnetic technology that detects the objects behind a vehicle. Electromagnetic parking sensors have been developed to prevent accidents by providing acoustics signals. The sensor in the device gets automatically activated once the back gear is inserted and assists in making the parking operation easier. Adding to facilities, the device offers an easy process of installation.    

The best electromagnetic parking sensor – PD1 from Parking Dynamics is installed through a 3-wire installation method. Moreover, it is provided with Universal Installation Instructions, which makes the process of installation not only easier, but also more safe and simple. Going through the instructions even a novice may accomplish the job of installation perfectly.

The Parking Dynamics PD1 systems are no drill, ultra discreet, reliable and high performance product, which can be easily fitted into a range of cars. The PD1 is compatible with most of the vehicles with plastic bumpers. However, it’s not a matter of concern even if the bumper is partly metallic.

For successful Electromagnetic Parking Sensor installation, you need to follow the process provided below:  

Mounting the Unit

To begin with, install the unit adjacent to the reversing light behind the trim and attach to the trim or body. However, it would better to choose the passenger side. Now, the antenna wire from the unit is passed through the hole (provided by manufacturer) with the grommet fitted joining the antenna on the bumper. However, if the hole is not provided it can be drilled, and the wire can be passed through it with the grommet. In case, there is no space behind the vehicle, the unit can be behind the bumper.        
      
Electrical Connections

The black wire is used for earth connection. It is connected to the ground chassis of the car. Attach the earth wire close to the light cluster at rear of the vehicle.   

The red wire is a 12V supply wire, which lightens up when the reverse gear is selected. It has to be connected to the light cluster situated at the rear of the vehicle. The white 4 pin of the connector should be plugged into the electronic control unit.      

The black twin wires have to be added to the spade terminal. Fit the white connector to the electronic unit and run wire with spade.  Connect it to an adhesive antenna with the connector. 

Mounting the Speaker

The speakers of the parking sensor can be mounted on the rear parcel shelf or the plastic trim or shelf with the help of adhesive mount. The unit has a good volume enough for a warning, even when it is mounted on the trim. It can be done through a push fit connection.   
 
Removal of Bumper

Most of the vehicle bumpers are made from plastic. Depending on the car, Electromagnetic Parking Sensor installation like PD1 can be accomplished by removing the bumper or just by relaxing the bumper by loosening the screw.  

If you are not willing to do it yourself, you can also hire a mechanic, auto electricians, or body shop technicians for installation, who will do the job, literally within minutes.