Must-Have Gadgets for a Stress-Free Parking Experience

Figuring out how to park can be one of the more stressful experiences of learning to drive, as a chunk of accidents do happen inside of car parks. According to the AA, around 20% of all insurance claims come from accidents that have happened in a car park. New or inexperienced drivers add to this statistic, as most minor accidents happen while a car is attempting to park or has already parked.

There have been a lot of technological advancements over the past decade with the growth of new technology being in its quickest state. These new technologies have been able to help drivers park safer than ever before, as there are now plenty of gadgets available.

With that being said, let’s explore the most must-have gadgets on the market for drivers who are looking to improve their parking experience.

 

Parking Sensors

Physical sensors have been around since the 1970s, but have since seen huge improvements and have even been installed into some models of cars like the Toyota Prius.

These new gadgets can be installed on the rear bumper and will automatically activate once the vehicle starts to reverse. Once your vehicle gets too close to a wall, fence or other obstacle, the sensors will let off a loud sound to alert the driver of any potential collision. The driver can then stop before they get involved in an accident.

There are different types of parking sensors that drivers can use, including:

 

• Ultrasonic Sensors: These are the most common type of sensors and can detect any nearby object that you could drive into. It will release a loud screech to notify the driver.

 

• Electromagnetic Sensors: These create a magnetic field around the rear bumper, which will release a loud sound if anything breaches the field. They can usually detect objects that other sensors can’t.

 

• Rear-facing Cameras: Instead of using automatic sensors, some drivers rather opt for a camera installed on the rear of the vehicle that can see if any obstacle is getting too close.

 

Reversing Camera Kit

A step up from normal rear-facing cameras, drivers can opt for a reversing camera kit that comes with a big touch screen that is installed onto the dashboard of the vehicle. The camera can be placed on the back of the car to give you a clear view of where you are going when you reverse. This can be especially useful in car parks where there can be a lot of traffic that can interfere with your parking.

Drivers should look at getting the wireless versions of these devices rather than spending time threading wires through the vehicle. There are plenty of options available, with the more expensive camera kits having more features and better camera quality. The AUTO-VOX M1 Car Reversing Camera seems to be a big hit with motorists.

 

360-Degree Camera

Drivers also have the option of installing a 360-degree camera in their vehicle so that they can have a full view of each side of the car. These cameras are usually paired with parking sensors for total parking safety. Once your vehicle comes close to an obstacle, on any side, you will be able to see a visual representation of this on your dashboard device. It will also give you pointers to guide you on where to go to avoid crashing into the obstacle.

These cameras can also come with a recording feature so that you can capture if anything sinister happens to your vehicle. If you are involved in a parking accident that wasn’t your fault, this footage could be crucial to your legal case if you wish to pursue one. It can also help if other motorists are making false claims about your driving or parking.

 

Smart Parking Apps

If you’re tired of trying to park your vehicle in busy city centers or car parks, you can use smart parking apps to locate available parking spaces which can help you avoid the busier parking areas. 

These apps can be particularly useful in cities that have specific car park features for drivers, such as the car park in Leeds. It’s one of the largest car parks in the UK and features electric vehicle charging bays, family spaces, and disabled parking. Smart parking apps will be able to let you know how many spaces are available for a specific type of bay.

Some of these parking apps also give you the ability to pay for parking spaces on the go with contactless payment. JustPark and ParkMe are two of the most popular parking apps, which help drivers quickly locate the best parking spaces and pay for them before they park. This makes the whole parking experience smoother and more secure.

 

Garage Parking Essentials

Stressful parking doesn’t just come from parking in busy areas or car parks, it can also be from parking in your garage as it can sometimes be a tight squeeze. Only 70% of the garage can actually be used for parking a vehicle. Luckily, there are plenty of garage parking gadgets available to ease your parking experience. You also need to make sure you focus on water damage restoration to keep your car dry and safe. These include:

• Parking Guide and Protector Sets: These can be installed onto the walls or floor of your garage to help you park perfectly. They create a guide for your car to follow and help you seamlessly fit it inside the garage.
• Parking Signal: Similar to the design of traffic lights, these gadgets glow red, yellow and green to notify the driver when their vehicle gets closer to the wall mounted sensor.
• Door Guard: These guards can provide your interior with extra levels of padding, which can be a big help when opening your car door in smaller garages.
• Laser Parking: Mounted on the ceiling, these lasers will glare down onto your vehicle and help you stop in the perfect place.
• Smart Wall Guard: This guard is great for stopping unneeded damage to the rear of your vehicle as it will absorb most of the impact of reversing
• Smart Parking Mat: Made from polyethylene, these parking mats have two different-sized bumps that prevent your vehicle from moving further and stops a potential accident.