Front Parking Sensors - Detailed Feature Explained | V3Cars
In this Feature Explained article, we’ll present the most detailed analysis of the front parking sensors in your car. We’ll list out the pros and cons, explain how it works, provide the typical cost of getting front parking sensors from the aftermarket, and repair and replacement costs of front parking sensors. Based on this analysis, we’ll suggest if you should add this feature to your car or skip it.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Front Parking Sensors?
The pros, or advantages, of front parking sensors are:
- Minimises chances of scratches or bumps
- Makes parallel parking easy
- Makes parking into a tight spot easy
The shortcomings, or issues, of front parking sensors are:
- Parking sensors ruin the look of a car to some extent
- If you have to replace the sensor, then you will most likely need colour-matched sensors
- Electromagnetic parking sensors are expensive to repair or replace although they’re rare in mass market cars
Also Read: Rear Parking Camera - Detailed Feature Explained
What Are Front Parking Sensors?
Front parking sensors are small devices that are located on the front bumper of a car. Front parking sensors measure the proximity to objects at the front of your car and warn the driver via audible beeps. The beeping tone gets faster and more frequent as you get closer to the object or obstacle behind you. In short, front parking sensors locate objects or obstacles that the driver cannot view from inside the cabin.
How Do Front Parking Sensors Work?
There are two types of front parking sensors in the market currently - ultrasonic sensors and electromagnetic sensors. Ultrasonic front parking sensors make use of sound echo to detect and calculate the distance between the car and other objects. These sensors are placed on the front bumper of the car to ensure that acoustic waves can travel uninterrupted. Ultrasonic front parking sensors alert the driver of any object or obstacle by emitting audible beeps inside the cabin. The frequency of the beeps increases as you get closer to the object or obstacle ahead of you. Ultrasonic front parking sensors may not be able to detect flat or small objects. Hence, you must not rely on them entirely for your parking needs.
Electromagnetic front parking sensors, on the other hand, emit an electromagnetic field to detect objects at the front of the car. These sensors can be placed inside the bumper of the car. Thus, you won’t need to drill holes in the front bumper like with the case of ultrasonic front parking sensors.
How Expensive Is It To Repair Or Replace Front Parking Sensors?
The cost of repairing or replacing the front parking sensors on a car varies based on the manufacturer. Thanks to updated safety regulations in India, all new cars sold in the country get rear parking sensors as standard. However, front parking sensors aren’t part of the mandatory safety equipment list.
If you’ve damaged a sensor, it will cost you Rs. 2,000 or more to replace them. However, some manufacturers require you to replace the entire array of sensors and the wiring in the case of a damaged sensor. This could set you back by Rs. 8,000 or more depending on the model.
What Is The Cost Of Aftermarket Front Parking Sensors?
The most basic aftermarket front parking sensors typically cost as little as Rs. 600 at most car accessories shops or online retailers. However, the prices tend to go up based on the features they offer. For example, front parking sensors coupled with a camera and a 4-inch screen retail for Rs, 2,000 or more. Maruti Suzuki offer front parking sensors as an official accessory for the new 2022 Brezza for around Rs. 5,000.
How Easy Or Complex Is It To Install Aftermarket Front Parking Sensors?
Based on the type of system, it can be really easy or super difficult to install front parking sensors on your car. To install aftermarket front parking sensors, you will need to drill holes into the front bumper, install the sensors and then route the wiring properly. Hence, it is best to leave this job to a professional. An important thing to remember while shopping for aftermarket sensors is to find ones that match your car’s bumpers colour.
What Cars Get Front Parking Sensors From The Factory?
Skoda Octavia, Kia Carens, Toyota Camry and Kia Sonet are some of the cars, which get front parking sensors from the factory.
Verdict - Should I Get Aftermarket Front Parking Sensors?
Like rear parking sensors, front parking sensors are beneficial for any driver, especially if you drive a car with a long bonnet. Since it enhances convenience by making parking easier, we would recommend this feature but it’s not very high on our priority list. Rear parking sensors and/or camera, on the other hand, are absolute must-haves in our opinion. You could get front parking sensors fixed from most aftermarket car accessories dealers for Rs. 2,000 - 5,000. Sedans, SUVs and large MPVs with long bonnets benefit the most from front parking sensors when packing the car in tight spaces. Hatchbacks generally have a shorter front bonnet length and most drivers don’t feel the need for this feature during regular use.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahesh Yadav
Mahesh is a fan of compact, quirky and underrated vehicles that punch above their weight. Multix, Nano and Navi are his favorites.
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