How Self Parking Cars Work

Parallel parking is part of the driving test, and may also be something you have to do on a regular basis. Depending on where you live, self parking cars could come in useful for you. For example, if you live or work in a city, where parking can be a major problem. Imagine being able to park at the click of a button, that's what cars with self parking mechanisms will give you the ability to do.

Cars with self parking still require the driver's help, but make parallel parking much easier for the driver. The driver will still regulate the speed of the vehicle using the brake pedal. An on board computer steers the car for the driver. A signal lets the driver know when to stop while making the first maneuverer, and getting into position at the side of the car, ready to reverse back into the parking space. The driver puts the car into reverse, and moves the steering wheel slightly, the computer then takes over the power steering. The car is then automatically moved into the space backwards. There is another signal to let the driver know when to use the brakes, and put the car into drive . The car will then move forward adjusting the wheels for a perfect parking position. Some cars with self parking have a built in voice that tells the driver when to do each stage of the parallel parking maneuver.

Different cars also may have different features, such as, having object detection sensors in different places on the outside of the car. Other methods are the use of radar, or cameras mounted on the front of the car. These devices allow the car to detect, other parked cars, the parking space distance, and the distance to the curb.

There have been different versions and models of cars made with the self parking feature over the years. In 1992, Volkswagen made the IRVW, in this model the driver could get out of the car, and watch while the car parked on its own. The car was controlled from a computer installed in the trunk of the car. This model was never put up for sale though, as they estimated it would add $3,000 extra to the cost of the car. Toyota introduced a self parking option on their hybrid car in 2003. In 2006, the self parking option was available to British drivers. Seventy percent of British drivers have chosen the option on the Prius model car, and the introduction of this model is also going to be available in the United States at a later date.

There are advantages and disadvantages to owning a car with a self parking feature. Some drivers may enjoy the challenge of parallel parking, and some may even be good at this type of parking, It comes down to driver choice in the end. You may feel that you like all aspects of driving, and don't wish for technology to take over your driving skills. However, this method does sound like a good idea for people who have limited choices on places to park, and who would use this technology on a regular basis.