Many people find backing into a parking spot or just getting out the driveway difficult, especially if you are not able to see clearly to the rear of the car. The challenge is to not hit something or someone, so you back up slowly, sometimes inch by inch until you have parked comfortably or you have gotten out the drive. Having some kind of indication as to your position at the rear of your car will help, so it is wise to have a parking sensor on your car for such daily situations.
Installing a Parking Sensor on Your Car
The experts indicate this task to be very simple, so there is nothing to deter you from becoming a DIY person on this project. Things needed for the job:
- Drill
- Drill Bit Buffer
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil or Marker
- Protective eyewear
- Car manual
- Dual-sided tape
The position of the sensor is very important; if it is placed facing at a slightly upward angle, or a slightly downward angle, it will not be effective. Remember the sensors are designed to focus on the object or direction it is facing and you really want them to focus directly forwards. So, measuring correctly on the rear bumper will allow you to install the sensors exactly as required.
Using a measuring tape and pencil, mark the correct placing on either side of the bumper. Using the dual sided tape also mark the position you have measured and marked with the pencil. Affix the sensors onto the tape, making sure they do not shift. Install the sensor placement wires into the control box of your parking lights. In order to install them correctly, here is where the car manual comes in handy. If you are not an electrical person, it is advised you ask a friend to help with this part of the job. If unsure what to do, you stand the chance of being electrocuted from the electrical current running from the battery.
After the sensor placement wires are installed, drill the holes for actually placing the sensors. The rough edges and shards from the edge of the holes must be cleaned away as this will scrape the bumper and leave unsightly marks. Pass the wires from the sensor through the holes you have made and connect them to the wires in the control box. Secure the sensor control box in the trunk of the car at a place that will be safe from damage. The dual-sided tape is ideal for securing the control box in place so it will not move around in the trunk while driving. The warning sirens are preferably installed in the trunk as well, as they can be very loud when activated. Securing them with the dual-sided tape will also prevent them from coming loose at any time.
Use the dual-sided tape to secure the LCD monitor on the dashboard. Remember to clean the dashboard of any dust to ensure the tape securely fixes to the unit. Connect the monitor wires to the control box and use tape to secure them in place and run them through the car to the trunk. Remember these wires will be hidden based on how well you lay them throughout the car.
After completing the installation of your parking sensors, it is advised to have a trial run around the neighborhood to ensure they work the way you want them to.