It seems like cars get smarter every day, and parking sensors are just another product of advancing safety technology. But relying too much on these sensors can be a major mistake that causes fender benders that might otherwise have been avoided. To prevent auto collisions while backing up, Kilani Fender in Wahiawa, HI, recommends that you not rely exclusively on your parking sensor.

There are two types of parking sensors: ultrasonic and electromagnetic. Ultrasonic parking sensors rely on sound, much like a sonar system or a bat's echolocation. By emitting sound waves and analyzing the sound that bounces back, they determine whether there are objects behind the car and how close they are and alert the driver with a sound. Electromagnetic sensors create an electrical field behind the car, then analyze the field to see if there are any objects blocking it. This system will also emit a sound to warn the driver, often changing in intensity as objects grow closer.

Although parking sensors can be a helpful supplement to a driver's awareness of their surroundings, these same sensors can cause problems if they're the only thing between you and a fender bender. It's easy for these systems to miss small objects. If not installed correctly and properly maintained and cleaned, the system may fail to detect large objects. Parking sensors can help as a supplement to visual checks, but they shouldn't be used to replace them.

Kilani Fender offers auto body repairs and refinishing in the central Oahu area. If your car needs repairs after a fender bender, call them at (808) 621-4888 or message them online.