Do You Need a Parking Sensor with a Rearview Camera?
2 Answers
You still need a parking sensor. Here is more information about the rearview camera: 1. The rearview camera can only display images within a fixed range, while the parking sensor can detect a larger area. When reversing the vehicle, the parking sensor can enhance safety and will emit an audible alert when encountering obstacles. 2. The vehicle's rearview camera only activates automatically when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear. During normal driving, the rearview camera cannot be used. It effectively provides a video feed of the rear of the vehicle to improve safety during reversing. 3. When installing a rearview camera, you can also opt for a 360-degree panoramic camera system. The 360-degree panoramic camera can be used not only during reversing but also during normal driving, allowing you to observe the surroundings of the vehicle and improve safety, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions.
I believe that while the rearview camera can display the scene behind the car, it often becomes blurry and prone to blind spots in low-light conditions such as at night or during rainy and foggy weather. On the other hand, the parking radar detects nearby obstacles through sound waves and emits warning sounds to alert you, making it particularly suitable for detecting children, pets, or low-lying objects. Relying solely on the camera might leave you unprepared in complex environments, such as when pedestrians suddenly appear in parking lots or when low obstacles on the side of the vehicle are not captured by the camera. Therefore, it's best to use both systems together, as an extra layer of protection can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. For example, I once had a driving experience where the camera showed a clear space while reversing, but I still hit a fire hydrant. After installing the radar, it helped me avoid several minor mishaps. Safe driving is the top priority, and installing a radar isn’t expensive—you can even do it yourself. Don’t skimp on this small expense to ensure peace of mind when parking.
