Park assist is a system that comes with a variety of advanced driver assistance systems. It aims to make parking easier and more enjoyable. These systems are highly dependent on the individual driver and the car.
These systems are great for novice drivers or those who lack confidence in complex parking maneuvers such as parallel parking. You might live in densely populated areas and need extra protection.
These systems may prove to be beneficial if you properly use them. However, most customers who have these systems installed to their vehicles don’t use them very often.
It’s up to you to decide whether these systems are worth your consideration. However, you must remember that you are always at fault for any accident that might occur. These systems can be useful if you are careful about parking.
What is park assistance?
These systems typically include radars, parking sensors, cameras, and other devices. These systems come in a variety of levels, including the basic ones that require steering input and the most advanced that can park the car without driver input.
Park assist will automatically start searching for parking spots nearby when you engage it. If the system finds a suitable spot, it will scan the area and prompt you for permission to park. Once you have found the spot, align your car and engage the system.
You will be asked to shift from front to back or simply hold a button. Follow all instructions and be aware of what is happening around you. Particular attention should be paid to pedestrians and moving traffic.
Your car will inform you when you should do something. Before you agree to it, make sure it is safe. The process is usually quicker than it would be without these systems. Once you have parked your car, the system will automatically disengage so you can get out of the car.
Reliability of Park Assist
These systems are reliable, according to AAA UK’s extensive study. The study found that parking assistance can reduce wheel curbing by up to 81%, which is quite impressive.
These systems also reduce the time required to park a vehicle. The study also found that efficiency and maneuverability are greatly improved.
These systems aren’t perfect. They can reduce wheel curbing but they also increase wheel curbing risk when you get out of your parking spot. This is because these systems often park too close to the curb.
These systems are not perfect, no matter how reliable they may be. It is important to keep an eye on everything and ensure that safety standards are met. Legally, if something happens, it is your fault and not that of the system.
The system and the car in question
The only objective view on whether park assist is necessary is that of the car, not the driver. For example, the Nissan Micra is small and easy to see from. The turning radius is also greater than necessary.
Others, such as a 7-seater SUV or a sports car, are much larger and therefore harder to see from. Some sports cars have rear-view obstructors that are dedicated to their design.
These systems are more practical for vehicles with limited amenities, especially when you consider the car’s value. A long wheelbase S-Class is a great option for those who aren’t experienced drivers.
The system is an important part of the equation, as it can be upgraded to different levels of sophistication. The Mercedes S-Class, which is now available in a new version, can automatically approach and exit a parking space to arrive at a drop-off spot. Other systems are limited to steering when it’s safe.
FAQ Section
Do park assist systems come as standard?
These systems are often included in expensive optional equipment lists for driver assistance systems. Although basic levels may be offered by some manufacturers, they are rarely used.
You will need to pay at least $500 for state-of the-art parking assistance. Sometimes these packs can run into the thousands.
How often does one use park assistance?
It’s not as often as you might think. Although the number of cars with these systems suggests that people use them often, it’s not true. Parking assistance is a feature that many newer cars have. You can buy it to unlock more features, such as a 360-degree camera.
Most people park on their own and don’t need additional parking assistance. Parallel parking isn’t very common because many people don’t live in the area.
Is park assist safe?
Although it should, there is no way of knowing for sure. These systems can sometimes misinterpret reality, which can cause serious injuries and damage claims. To maximize safety, you must always be on top of the system and make sure you brake if necessary.
Although these systems are often portrayed as taking the stress out of daily commutes, it is not true. Your attention level should be much higher when using them. You should never rely on any assistance system to replace your efforts. The safety level will be significantly higher.
What does the Parking Assist do?
Park Assist assists drivers to park more precisely by using guidance system technology that is superior to ultrasonic or other camera-based solutions.
Does Park Assist really work?
In our testing, Park Assist worked well in most cases. However, it was more effective in car parks with symmetrical spaces rather than in less crowded locations. Parallel parking on curves can confuse self-parking systems.
Which car has parking assist?
Some examples of cars with parking assist:
- Lincoln MKC.
- Jeep Cherokee.
- Toyota Prius.
- Lexus LS 460.
- Ford Focus.
- Lincoln Navigator.
- Land Rover Range Rover.
- Jaguar XE.
Can Park Assist be added to a car?
Although many vehicles come pre-installed with sensors, we can still add them to any vehicle on the road today. The sensors are mounted in the bumpers at the front and back using holes made with a special drill bit. This allows for a perfect fit.