by Joshua Thomas
For many car owners, reversing and parking is a difficult thing to do. This is mostly because you have a limited vision and barely know what is going on behind your vehicle when you try to park your car.
Fortunately, this problem can easily be solved by installing a car parking sensor system.
What this does is emit a sound or flash a light so as to warn you of any objects present behind your vehicle during the reverse process. This will prevent you from having a potential costly accident.
If you're looking for the best aftermarket car parking sensor system, we have exactly what you need below!
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. N-Vision Hopkins 60100VA (Best Overall) |
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2. ZoneTech PS0001 |
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3. Ekylin LED068-CE |
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4. Frostory 5841730659 |
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5. Eunavi PZ303 |
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6. Tvird PK-SENS-SL-V2-8S |
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7. Auto Safety 5841838857 |
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This N-Vision car parking sensor system is a basic but popular model. This model demarks itself from the competition for being very easy to install.
It is a simple unit with only 2 sensors and has a sound signal obstacle detection notification system only with no light display on the receiver. The audible beeping sound is quite loud, but the loudness cannot be adjusted.
In addition, this sensor system is mostly made out of plastic and the sensor is prebuilt to the frame of the unit. The only caveat is that the N-Vision is quite expensive, especially when compared with other models.
However, it is quite accurate and will immediately warn you of any obstacles found at the rear of your vehicle. Since this is a wired system, you will need to connect it to a 12 V power source.
One good thing about this top-rated car parking sensor system is that the plastic frame is of standard size, so you will have no problem installing it on either a car, truck or an SUV.
It comes as a full installation kit out of the box, including a detailed manual on how to use this parking sensor system.
Despite all this, its range distance of 0 to 5.5 feet is definitely not the best we have seen for the price. We recommend it for those who need a basic sensor in their vehicle.
Pros
Cons
The ZoneTech is a versatile car parking sensor system that comes with an audible sound system that outputs a loud beep as well as an LED display that will show you in graphical detail about whether it is safe to reverse with your vehicle or not.
Indeed, this model has a colored led system that is very easy to read and use. It has 7 indicator levels that will show you clearly if you are approaching an object or not.
One of the best things about this model is that it comes with a complete kit and you even get a drill bit with this purchase.
Moreover, the sensors are high-quality and weatherproof, so you can safely install them outside of your vehicle. Also, the installation of this car sensor system is also extremely easy as it uses standard connectors.
The only caveat we note is that this model is quite basic and the provided wires are quite thin, making them difficult to splice.
Despite a few shortcomings here and there, this model remains one of the best aftermarket car parking sensor systems that you can buy.
Pros
Cons
Just like the model above, the Ekylin is almost an exact carbon copy. However, what differentiates this model is its wide range of colors.
Indeed, you can purchase different sensor colors so as to match the color of your vehicle.
It is also regarded as one of the best front and rear car parking sensors becauses of its ease of installation, as you can install the 4 sensors both at the front or at the rear.
As mentioned above, you get 4 sensors which are weatherproof and have an accurate range distance detection of 0.9 foot to 6.6 feet.
With such a generous distance, you will have no problem detecting objects at the rear of the vehicle for up to a distance of 6.6 feet.
Best of all, you get a 3-year warranty with this purchase. Above all, it is an extremely affordable car parking sensor system and yet does not sacrifice quality even for such a low price.
The only caveat is that the sensor must not get dirty to work accurately.
Pros
Cons
The Frostory is an upgraded car parking sensor system that has a working voltage of 10 V to 16 V DC. This is quite an improvement especially considering that other models still work on 12 V only. Therefore, this unit will be able to work in a wide range of vehicles, from cars to trucks, no problem.
In addition, it comes with 4 sensitive sensors that allow it to have a distance range of 1 foot to 4.9 feet. This value is definitely the best we have seen, but it is still more than enough for most people, especially if you are reversing at a normal speed with your vehicle.
The only caveat we have with this system is that it does not come with an LED display, but only has a sound signal.
However, the beeping sound is high quality and it produces different types of beeps depending on the distance you are from the object. The closer you are to the object, the louder it will sound.
All in all, this unit is a top-rated car parking sensor system mostly because of its affordable pricing, sensor color flexibility, and high-quality build construction. Sure, it does not have a display and the range is not the best, but it is still pretty decent.
Pros
Cons
Even if a car parking sensor system is not a very expensive car accessory, it will be difficult to beat the price of the Eunavi. Indeed, this model is definitely the best car parking sensor system when it comes to price. It is simply unbeatable!
Moreover, despite being so low in the pricing, it still does not sacrifice build construction or quality, as it has almost the same durability as more expensive sensor systems.
You get a LED display with 7 color levels that will quickly and easily show you the status of your reverse.
Since you get 4 sensors with this purchase, you wide a lot of options for the installation. You can install it both at the front or at the rear.
Additionally, this unit will output a loud beeping sound that will warn you of objects behind your vehicle as well.
Best of all, this is an upgraded model that has a more powerful CPU. Therefore, it is also more sensitive and the obstacle detection notification system in real-time.
Note that you do get all installation accessories out of the box, but customers have mentioned that the drill bit does a poor job. You may need to use a better quality drill bit for the installation.
Pros
Cons
In terms of ease of use and build quality, the Tvird is pretty similar to other models on the market. However, one feature that makes it very different is its LED display that uses colored dots instead of colored lines which is typical in other parking sensor systems displays.
Moreover, you can purchase the 2017 model that has upgraded sensors that are more waterproof and have better durability. Additionally, you also get a reverse camera with this model as well.
Since this is a wired parking sensor system, it comes with a drill bit that has the perfect size for instilling the sensors.
Moreover, the wires are also quite big and are easy to splice for installation. There is nothing to solder as it is a click and connect system that makes it very easy to install by even absolute beginners.
All those factors help justify the higher than average price of the Tvird.
Pros
Cons
Despite having a generic look, this Auto Safety unit comes with 4 waterproof sensors that can show real-time notifications by sound and colored LED. Moreover, the sensors are made from quality materials and are durable as well.
In addition, you also have the possibility to buy up to 7 different models with this parking sensor system.
Furthermore, the LED display system has 7 bars that will clearly show you if it is safe to reverse or not. This will prevent you from making an expensive accident, especially if you are not very good at reversing your vehicle.
Best of all, the range of 0 feet to 8.2 feet is one of the best on the market despite being a little bit pricey. With such a long distance range, you will have no problem reversing in all safety.
Pros
Cons
First and foremost, you need to identify the type of vehicle that you will be installing the car parking sensor on. This is because some vehicles already have a car parking sensor system installed by default.
If you're planning to use an aftermarket sensor system, then it is always a good idea to ensure that it is of superior quality and has better functionality than the one that already comes with your vehicle.
On the other hand, if your car does not have any parking center systems, then go ahead and install a model of your choosing.
There are basically 2 types of car parking sensor systems on the market. The wired sensor system and the wireless system. Both have its advantages and disadvantages.
The wired car parking sensor system is very reliable in the sense that its receiver can make an audible sound or display a light signal in real-time.
Additionally, it will not suffer from interference if you're using your radio or other radio signal everything devices.
The main caveat with the wired car parking sensor system is that it comes with a long wire and will need a proper car parking sensor system installation which takes time and effort to do.
The wireless system is the easiest one to use. Simply install your sensors at a good spot behind your vehicle, and you are good to go. It isn't that difficult, and you do not have to go through complex wire installations.
However, it is usually more expensive than the wired sensor system and may suffer from interference from radio waves. It is definitely not as reliable as a wired system.
Efficiency is an important aspect to consider in a car parking sensor system. This is because you want your sensor system to work all the time and not sometimes. Therefore, it needs to be an efficient system.
Additionally, a warning system that the car parking sensor system uses is also important. If you are more of them an audible person, then it is better to go with a car parking sensor system that emits a sound.
On the other hand, if you are more responsive to visual stimuli, then a model that displays a light like an LED display system is more appropriate for your need.
In addition, many top-rated car parking sensor systems incorporate both an LED display system as well as emit a beep sound for more flexibility.
In general, a car parking sensor system is very user-friendly as well as does not require complex installation processes.
In fact, the most difficult task of the car parking sensor system installation process is wiring the unit together. This is what will take most of your time and effort.
If you want the easiest car parking sensor system on the market, then it is probably best to go with a model that is wireless. With a wireless system, you will not have to go through complex installation processes as there is no wiring with this type of unit.
In any case, for both the wired system as well as the wireless one, you will need basic tools like a drilling machine to drill holes for instilling your sensors.
It isn't very difficult to do and most car parking sensor systems come with a drill bit as well as a detailed manual that will instruct you how to install the system.
Weather resistance is an extremely important aspect of a car parking sensor system. Especially when it comes to the sensors. This is because the sensors of this system are usually outside of the vehicle and exposed to the weather day in and day out.
Therefore, it needs to be weather resistant and made from a material that does not corrode when it comes into contact with water. In most cases, the sensors have a plastic shell that is durable and weatherproof.
Not all sensors are the same. Some sensors are extremely sensitive at close proximity while others have a larger range distance. There is no specific coverage area.
It will all depend on your need and purpose. In most cases, the range of object detection of a car parking sensor system is usually between 0 feet up to 8.2 feet.
One of the main advantages of the car parking sensor system is its price. Indeed, this is a very affordable car accessory that anyone can buy.
Expect to get a high-quality car parking sensor system for around $20. Some reputable brands may have a higher price but in general, it shouldn't be more than $50.
Read More: 10 Best Parking Aids
Hopkins 60100VA nVISION Back Up Sensor System - Walmart Link
TadiBrothers Wireless Parking Backup Sensor System with Sound (TB-S058W) - Walmart Link
Esky Upgraded Version Car Rear View Reversing Backup Camera with 135° Perfect View Angle - Walmart Link
New 4 Parking Sensors LED Display Car Reverse Backup Radar System - Walmart Link
EKYLIN Car Auto Vehicle Reverse Backup Radar System with 4 Parking Sensors Distance - Walmart Link
LED Car Roof Star Projector, CAR ROVER Universal Ceiling Decoration Light Interior - Walmart Link
XD-066 LED Display Car Reverse Backup Radar with 4 Parking Sensors - Walmart Link
STKR Concepts 00-246 Adjustable Garage Parking Sensor Aid, Dark Gray - Walmart Link
Hopkins 60100VA nVISION Back Up Sensor System - eBay Link
TadiBrothers Wireless Parking Backup Sensor System with Sound (TB-S058W) - eBay Link
Esky Upgraded Version Car Rear View Reversing Backup Camera with 135° Perfect View Angle - eBay Link
New 4 Parking Sensors LED Display Car Reverse Backup Radar System - eBay Link
EKYLIN Car Auto Vehicle Reverse Backup Radar System with 4 Parking Sensors Distance - eBay Link
LED Car Roof Star Projector, CAR ROVER Universal Ceiling Decoration Light Interior - eBay Link
XD-066 LED Display Car Reverse Backup Radar with 4 Parking Sensors - eBay Link
STKR Concepts 00-246 Adjustable Garage Parking Sensor Aid, Dark Gray - eBay Link
The car parking sensor system is an absolute must-have for those who own a vehicle. If anything, this system adds an extra layer of security when reversing or parking with your car.
You can choose to go with a model that sends an audible beep sound or flashes a light on your dashboard. Whichever model and type of car parking sensor system you choose to go with, you will quickly learn to rely on them when reversing.
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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