How to Calibrate Your Reverse Parking Sensors

Reverse parking sensors can literally save lives. By installing this new system into your car, you can avoid hitting poles, cars, and even other people. The sensors can tell you what is behind the car and will let you know when you are nearing an object so that you can avoid hitting it. This is a great feature, and while it should come standard with every car sold, it doesn't yet. Installing this system is a great idea for drivers of all ages, and you can even install it and calibrate it yourself. Here are a few steps to help you with the calibration once everything has been installed.

Step 1 - Consider Where You Drive and Park

Calibrating your reverse parking sensors has a lot to do with not only the size of your car but also the spaces you are parking in. Once the wires are connected, you will be able to see if your screen and sensors are showing you exactly what you need to feel comfortable driving. If you are not getting a clear enough sense, then you will want to change the location of the sensors.

Step 2 - Calibrate the Height and Placement of Sensors

This isn't as hard as you may think. All you need to do to make sure that the sensors are in the correct spot is to place them in the middle of the bumper and make sure that they are not turning up or downward. If the bumpers are more than 8 degrees facing downward, then you will need to compensate with an angled sensor.The sensor height should be between 17 and 32 inches, depending on the kind of car. Try to center them as best you can to mark the spot.

Step 3 - Connect the Controls and Beeper

Attach the red and black wires. Depending on the model, you will want to make sure that you are getting the wire colors right by checking the manual that comes with the sensors. After you attach the sensors to the beeper, you will then attach the beeper to the control panel using a blue connector (again, colors may vary).

After you are finished hooking everything up, you will want to mount the control in a place that is convenient for the driver. Now that it is hooked up, you can control your settings and calibrate it to your own needs, including how much space you would like before it beeps.

After that, you should test out your sensors and make sure that everything is hooked up correctly and functioning properly. When you begin backing up, your reverse parking sensors will automatically begin working as long as they have been measured correctly and put in the right spot. If you somehow have them in a spot that does not detect when you are reversing or the area around you, you will want to bring it in to get the wiring or placement of sensors fixed.

Once everything is working, you can hit the road knowing you will be much safer.