13 best PDCs

Parktronic or parking sensor - a set of sensitive sensors with electronic communication, designed to assist the driver in maneuvering in a limited free space. The number of tasks PDC includes notification of the danger of collision with objects by giving a sound signal and the distance to the intended interference. Not so long ago, this device required an optional installation after purchase: technological holes were cut in the bumper and communication channels (wires and cables) were laid from the sensors to the receiver. However, car manufacturers are now integrating parking devices directly from the conveyor: this approach allows you to avoid outside interference in the integrity of body parts, and also to minimize the risk of improper connection.

Due to the oversaturation of the market with constantly updated Parktronic models, car owners often face the problem of choice, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to compromise between quality, price and functionality. The editors of the journal expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ drew attention to this nuance, and conducted an independent study of the segment. As a result of lengthy surveys, the rating of the 14 best Parktronic has been formed, the selection of which was made taking into account the conclusions of staff experts and analysis of consumer feedback.

How to choose parking sensors

When choosing a parking sensor, we strongly recommend to pay attention to seven key features:

Alert method. The standard classification option, according to which all Parktronics are divided into three types:

1. sound - The principle of their action is based on the intermittent sound signal when approaching the barrier. At the same time, the closer the sensors are to the conditional interference, the higher the frequency of repetition of sound pulses, and when the distance is reduced beyond the safe limit, the sound becomes completely continuous. The lack of such a system is obvious: with a large acoustic noise in the cabin of the car (music or loud conversations), the driver may not react to the signal given;
2. optical - the role of the warning elements in this case is given to the LEDs, which (usually) are activated at the moment when the car starts to move in reverse. As the sensors get closer to the jamming objects, the indicators begin to change color: in the standard version, green indicates the absence of any danger, yellow indicates the beginning of approach to the obstacle, and red indicates a critical reduction in distance and collision risk. To increase the reliability of optical Parktronic often equipped with a sound system of parallel action.
3. digital - parktronics, characterized by the highest information content. Their receivers are equipped with an LCD display, which shows which side is the obstacle, as well as at what distance. Very often, information from the rear view camera is also displayed, if the parking radar supports this kind of integration. Like optical parktronics, such devices usually include an audible warning to increase the reliability of the system as a whole.

Mounting method. Installation of parking sensors can be made in three constructive variations:

1. Rear parking sensors - installation method, which involves the integration of sensors in the rear bumper of the car. The activation of the system as a whole occurs when reversing;
2. front parking sensors - installation is carried out in the front bumper, and the activation of the sensors occurs when you press the brake pedal;
3. combined parking sensors - a system that combines the principles of the first two. It responds both to the brake pedal and to the beginning of the car’s reversing. Usually, the sensors are installed according to the “2 + 4” scheme (two at the front and four at the rear), but the most advanced systems with control of blind zones are parktronics with the “4 + 4” scheme.

Type of execution. A very interesting aspect of the classification of Parktronic, which divides them into two broad categories:

1. tape - the field of control for the approach here is formed by a special electromagnetic tape, which is glued to the base of the bumper. Very informative, but extremely impractical system: when the tape fails, its complete replacement is required.
2. standard - control in this case is carried out using discrete sensors mounted in special mounting holes on the bumper. More practical to use, since when a single element fails, the system can continue to work in normal mode.

Data transfer method. Like most electronic systems, Parktronic are

1. wire - sensors and the receiver, through the electronic block, are connected among themselves by means of wires. Fairly reliable performance, but extremely inconvenient in terms of installation.
2. wireless - electronic unit and warning system are interconnected by radio frequency modules. Data transmission occurs at certain wave frequencies, and in terms of installation such parktronics have very significant advantages. However, their disadvantage is expressed in susceptibility to outside influence on the signal and possible discontinuity of the action.

The number of sensors. According to this parameter, from 2 to 8 sensors can be installed on board the car - it all depends on the particular PDC model and customer preferences. Of course, the more tracking elements a device incorporates, the higher the chances of a driver to avoid unpleasant hassles during parking.

Diameter of sensors. A parameter that plays a particularly important role in replacing one or more sensors that have failed. As a rule, a special milling cutter is always supplied complete with parking sensors, with which you can drill the mounting holes in the bumper of the car. The size of these holes varies from 18 to 22 millimeters.

Detection distance. Another important aspect of choice, focused on the degree of caution of the driver. The minimum detection range of obstacles in modern devices can vary from 10 to 30 centimeters, and the maximum - from 1.5 to 2.5 meters. If you do not have a rich driving experience, we strongly recommend choosing parktronics with the widest detection interval.

In addition to the mandatory list of parameters, you should pay attention to additional functions of parking radar, such as:

1. the possibility of self-diagnosis - the device automatically checks the sensors, and in the event of one or more fails, signals the driver;
2. volume controls - the presence of control buttons to adjust the comfortable level of the sound alert;
3. voice speaking - the standard pulse signal is replaced by a female or male voice;
4. The “hitch” function is a special sensor setting that allows you to adjust the distance to an obstacle, taking into account protruding parts of the car. Also eliminates false positives;
5. Connecting the rear view camera is one of the most recent integrations, allowing you to monitor the situation behind the car.

Top Parktronic Rating

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Parktronic with LED display	1	AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE	7 320 ₽
	2	PARKCITY Ultra Slim	4 990 ₽
	3	SteelMate PTS410M8	5 300 ₽
	4	ParkMaster 34-4-A	4 850 ₽
	5	AVS PS-128U	2 889 ₽
The best parking sensors built into the rearview mirror	1	SPARK 8M	8 120 ₽
	2	Parkmaster 22-4-A	3 790 ₽
The best parking sensors with rear view camera	1	AVS PS-842U	4 990 ₽
	2	ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 cam	7 750 ₽
	3	Sho-Me Y-2835L	3 400 ₽
Best Parktronic with display	1	AAALINE LCD-18	11 973 ₽
	2	ParkMaster 238	9 490 ₽
	3	PARKCITY Paris	4 550 ₽

Best Parktronic with LED display

AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE

Rating: 4.9

The AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE Parktronic is the honored leader of the rating, a kind of AVS PS-128U iteration that uses internal sensors to minimize the risk of their failure. The digital indicator has a lot in common with the above model, but added in visibility due to small "cosmetic" changes. The number of sensors did not exceed 4, and they are located on the rear bumper.

The scanning distance of the AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE has slightly decreased due to the location of the sensors (0.3 - 2.0 meters), but the measurement accuracy has increased to 1 centimeter, which is a good result and is suitable for beginners to drive. Together with the LED and digital display, a voice warning system is implemented, as well as a flexible adjustment of the touch sensors to adjust the distance with respect to the protruding elements of the body. Due to the desire of developers to reduce the cost of the final product, perhaps the biggest miscalculation was made: namely, the wireless communication system of the receiver and sensors did not get implemented. However, this annoying nuance is leveled by the high degree of reliability of the device - we are talking about 5-7 years of stable operation.

PARKCITY Ultra Slim

Rating: 4.8

PARKCITY Ultra Slim uses a “lightweight” visual concept, very pleasant for users, which partly explains its high popularity. The familiar display scale has acquired a rounded shape, and only the central segment with digital display remained unchanged. Scanning distance in the model is 0.3 - 2.5 meters - quite standard and occurring more than once during our rating.

Only the space behind the car is subject to tracking using the parking radar, and the control is carried out by the standard number of sensors - four. The diameter of each of them is 14 millimeters, but the size of the bore is 18 millimeters. As is the case with the two previous nominees, the bar can be bolted to the ceiling, since the digital display supports 180-degree rotation. The cost is small, which is the main advantage in the case of PARKCITY Ultra Slim. In general, the model is interesting, functional and reasonably durable, for which the majority of users love it.

SteelMate PTS410M8

Rating: 4.7

The third line of the rating goes ... in fact, the full analogue of ParkMaster 34-4-A. With the only difference that the model from SteelMate costs about 1 thousand cheaper. In the arsenal of the PTS410M8, there is also the possibility of turning the display of indicators to fix the strip on the ceiling, and the same spacers to compensate for the angle of the bumper, and even the lack of voice tracking of the digital alert.

The scan distance of 4 sensors on the rear bumper here is 0.3 - 2.5 meters with an error of 10 centimeters unchanged. Stability of work is high, no less than quality of performance.But the self-test is not declared - perhaps, SteelMate could not copy the competition completely. In general, there is nothing more to talk about here: we have already seen everything else, and except for this boredom, a descriptive spectacle will not be able to cause.

ParkMaster 34-4-A

Rating: 4.6

The essence is the same as AVS PS-128U, ParkMaster 34-4-A is more expensive and has a slightly later release date, and therefore has not had time to lose consumer relevance. But objective “weaknesses” make themselves felt: first, unlike the competitor, the device can scan only the area behind the car (using 4 sensors), and second, the measurement distance is several points smaller.

However, ParkMaster 34-4-A also has its unique advantages. This is the ability to rotate the display for mounting the strip on the ceiling, and a flexible system of sensor settings for triggering, and even self-diagnosis. The sensor package also has bumper angle compensators, which can be affixed and fastened in the mounting holes with a diameter of 18.8 millimeters. All this and much more forms the final cost of the product at 4.5 thousand rubles (minimum price), comfortable enough for most consumers.

AVS PS-128U

Rating: 4.5

As it often happens, as time passes, market leaders leave their formerly occupied positions, giving way to more modern and functional devices due to the notorious moral obsolescence. Exactly such a situation befell the parking sensor AVS PS-128U, offering users to monitor the situation in front and behind the car. The scanning distance was also at the highest level: from 0.3 to 2.5 meters, without taking into account the accuracy of measurements.

In parallel with the LED display, AVS PS-128U offered only a voice alert, which was more than enough for parking in a restless and fussy environment. Despite the fact that the device still shows excellent results, the excitement around it began to rapidly subside. Especially after the release in every sense of the enchanting AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE - but we still have time to get to it. Whatever it was, and the former remnant of glory plays a role, and nothing can cancel the relevance of the PS-128U even at the present time.

The best parking sensors built into the rearview mirror

SPARK 8M

Rating: 4.9

The laid on parking indicator of an average price segment, being worthy alternative of a regular rear-view mirror. The SPARK 8M system provides detection of possible obstacles not only from behind, but also from the front of the car, supporting the installation of sensors according to the 4 + 4 scheme. Unfortunately, without a radio module, so you should suffer a lot with neat wiring through the entire cabin - the good thing is that the reliability of the system allows you to do without replacements and repairs long enough (3-year warranty).

The SPARK 8M detection interval varies from 0.1 to 2.5 meters with a measurement error of up to 10 centimeters. This is the best option for inexperienced drivers who feel badly the size of the car, but at the same time, quite "cunning", because such an error can play a cruel joke.The diameter of each sensor is 21.5 millimeters - a rather non-standard size, but there is a cutter for dressing holes in the kit. It is also worth mentioning the joint operation of sound and optical alerts, the presence of a sound controller and memory in remote elements.

Parkmaster 22-4-A

Rating: 4.8

A parking sensor in the form of a mirror model of a rear-view mirror was ranked among the best as the most affordable and affordable option among its kind. According to the established tradition of Parkmaster, 22-4-A is available in various color variations, one way or another suitable for the basic colors of car bodies. It scans the area only at the back, and only at a distance of 0.3 to 1.5 meters. But it also has a very accurate sensor calibration, the measurement error of which does not exceed 1 centimeter.

From the more specific, but no less enjoyable Parkmaster 22-4-A functions, users distinguish between the combined action of digital and voice warning systems, as well as the possibility of self-diagnosis with a warning about the “dump” of one or several sensors. The wiring of the device is wired, which makes installation very problematic, but with reliability in the long term, everything is in order - there is no need to engage in constant wire search. As a result, the model cannot boast of outstanding working parameters, however, it has a couple of top functions in itself. The accuracy of the work did not disappoint, which, in conjunction with the price, is a definite benefit.

The best parking sensors with rear view camera

AVS PS-842U

Rating: 4.9

AVS PS-842U has been present in the domestic market for quite some time, but it is still not going to lose its high-quality brand. Made in the form of a 4.3-inch display on a stand, this parking sensor transmits video from a camera installed either under the glass in the cabin or outside the vehicle to the cabin. In addition, its upper part is occupied by a standard digital indicator, which is superimposed over the video sequence - a controversial idea, since at a quick glance it is very difficult to separate one from the other. Fortunately, in this case, the manufacturers have provided a pleasant voice notification.

As for the quantitative performance indicators, the AVS PS-842U is active at a distance of from 0.5 to 2.5 meters, giving an error of 10 centimeters. Provides scanning exclusively from behind, believing that the driver’s front panel feels good in the dimensions of the front of the car. Connection is standard, wired, eliminating the effect of interference, but forcing tinkering with the cabling to the salon. Frankly speaking, this model seems to be quite boring, but this “dullness” provides a high degree of reliability, proven by years of successful sales.

ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 cam

Rating: 4.8

The second line of the rating goes to the mounted ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 cam parktronic, surpassing the leader in the obstacle detection component of the distance. Here it is from 0.1 to 2.5 meters with an error of no more than 10 centimeters. This parameter left an imprint on the total cost of the model, as well as the “embedded” function for diagnosing the health of tracking sensors.Included are 4 pieces, and the diameter of each is 22 millimeters.

With other things being equal, the owners of ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 note one annoying nuance that was revealed at the stage of operation in conditions of heavy traffic. The fact is that the digital display and video series are not accompanied by an audible warning, which makes it very difficult to navigate in space when it is necessary to monitor the situation on the road from several sides at once. A small advantage of the device is the presence of memory in the sensors - their calibration for the detection distance is stored in the block settings, which allows not to resort to it over time. From the point of view of quality, parking sensors turned out to be very good, but aspects of performance do not allow raising it to the leader.

Sho-Me Y-2835L

Rating: 4.7

One of the most cost-effective Parktronic with a rear-view camera, earned a place in the rating due to the high demand in the retail market. The built-in display Sho-Me Y-2835L has a diagonal of 3.5 inches, which is why the presence of a rear-view camera can be called purely nominal. To analyze what is happening behind the car, the driver needs to pretty much look at the picture, leaving the control of the situation on the other side to chance.

For the accuracy of determining obstacles in the way of a car, there are 4 standard sensors that are sensitive enough for a budget model. The warning range in them ranges from 0.3 to 2.5 meters, with an error within 10 centimeters. In addition to the transmission of the video sequence, the Sho-Me Y-2835L is equipped with an audible warning system - not the most pleasant, but giving an understanding of how close the interfering object is to the parking lot. Of course, one cannot speak about leadership in this case - even the top models from Sho-Me do not reach such a high status. However, the fact of popular love is obvious: Y-2835L is acquired almost as often as AVS PS-842U.

Best Parktronic with display

AAALINE LCD-18

Rating: 4.9

The unquestionable leadership in the rating of PDCs with a display deserves the AAALINE LCD-18 - a device that combines all the principles of warning and adds to them a much greater clarity. A color display with four color marks, a digital distance indicator, as well as tracking of blind spots, is recognized by users as the most convenient among their own kind. The situation is monitored at the front and rear of the vehicle due to the location of the sensors according to the 4 + 4 scheme.

The detection range of obstacles in the AAALINE LCD-18 is 2 meters, and the minimum distance to the obstacle is limited to 0.3 meters. This is not bad, even with a 10-centimeter error. In general, of the entire set of advanced technologies, this Parktronic lacks only wireless communication - the number of wires and the need for their accurate installation are very annoying. In terms of price and quality, this model fits into the category of the best in the whole segment, and in terms of reliability, it bypasses its closest competitors.

ParkMaster 238

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the rating goes to ParkMaster 238, a magnificent visually-designed Parktronic, made in strict black and white style with a large selection of color solutions for masking sensors.It provides the ability to control blind spots in both the front and rear, activating sensors by pressing the brake pedal or when the car is in reverse. The detection and signaling distance is quite modest 0.3 - 1.5 meters. But the measurement accuracy is beyond praise: the magnitude of the possible error is only 1 centimeter.

Of the additional features of the ParkMaster 238, users highlight the presence of self-diagnosis, which is a very useful thing in the case of eight sensors. It is also good that the visual part received a soundtrack - all alerts from the device are voiced in a pleasant, non-annoying voice. The quality of work does not cause complaints, as well as the durability of use. The cost in this case is also in line with expectations, but they tend to have a large variation in the retail market.

PARKCITY Paris

Rating: 4.7

Extremely cheap representative of the display PDC, until some time occupied exclusively the leading position in various consumer ratings. PARKCITY Paris offers users to monitor the state of the driveways behind the car with 4 sensors, each of which sends a signal to the dynamic interface of the receiver. In this case, the distance of detection and signaling of an obstacle varies from 0.3 to 2.5 meters with an accuracy of 10 centimeters.

The main advantage of PARKCITY Paris over competitors is the wireless type of connection. Installation is carried out by simply milling the seats with a diameter of 18 millimeters on the bumper, as well as the subsequent activation of the signal display unit. In this case, the digital notification here is duplicated by voice commands with the ability to adjust the volume. All control indicators are displayed on a blue display field, which also adds clarity and some kind of diversity. From the “price / quality” position, this parking sensor is the best offer of the market, albeit in a number of aspects and inferior to more complex competitors.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.