Parking assist systems help you park safely and comfortably. They use sensors or cameras to detect obstacles and guide you into spaces. Here’s how to get the most out of them:
- Familiarise yourself with the system. Read the owner’s manual to understand how your parking sensors or cameras work.
- Know the alerts. Beeping tones usually get faster or continuous as you get closer to obstacles. Some systems display visual guides on the screen.
- Use your mirrors and windows too. Parking assist supplements your senses but doesn’t replace checking your surroundings.
- Practise in an empty car park to get comfortable with the distances and sounds.
- Clean the sensors and camera lenses regularly. Dirt or mud can block them, causing false alerts.
- Be aware of low objects. Sensors may not detect curbs, posts or small bollards.
- Take it slow. Park at a controlled speed to give the system time to react.
- Trust but verify. Always be ready to brake manually if something feels off.
- Turn off auto-park in tight or unusual spaces. Some systems struggle with non-standard layouts.
- Remember you’re responsible. Parking assist is a tool to help you, not an autopilot.
Practise makes perfect. The more you use parking assist, the more comfortable you’ll become. Stay alert and use the tech to your advantage. For more plain-English guides, visit the Driver’s Lounge.
Hiran Alwis is an automotive lecturer and ADAS specialist with over 15 years of experience in diagnostics, advanced safety systems, and technical training. He founded ADAS Project to help everyday drivers and workshop technicians understand and safely use advanced driver assistance systems.