Posted on February 29th, 2016 Aftermarket Tech: Bringing Your Car’s Safety into the 21st Century Who says you can’t teach an old car new tricks? Whether you purchased your car yesterday or have been cruising in the same ride for decades, aftermarket technologies can help upgrade your vehicle’s overall safety. We’ve highlighted some of the top technologies that you can add to your car to keep you and your passengers safer on the road. Back-up Cameras There are multiple reasons the will require all new vehicles to have back-up cameras starting May 1, 2018. One of them is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that (not including injuries prevented) once the entire on-road vehicle fleet has rear-view systems.
What does a back-up camera do? Alternatively referred to as rearview camera, rear visibility system or wireless back-up camera, back-up cameras enable drivers to see a wider view of what’s behind them when backing up., back-up cameras can reduce the blind zone by about 90 percent on average. Back-up cameras activate when the driver shifts into reverse, displaying a video feed of the immediate area behind the car. How do I add a back-up camera to my car?
Dodgy earth I had this when installing my aftermarket amps all I did was use a screwdriver to. Reverse Light and parking sensors not. Motorcycle Reviews.
If your car was built in the past decade, it may already have a compatible dashboard display screen that can be used with aftermarket back-up camera kits. Your dealer or local auto or electronics store may be able to install a back-up camera for you; or, you may be able to purchase a system from an auto vendor store that you can install yourself. If you opt for a DIY approach, be sure to get the right information from the right sources. Also note that the project will take about three hours and will require a fair amount of research and expertise. Here are a few helpful articles on how to properly install an aftermarket back-up camera to your car:.
Blind Spot Monitor Blind spot monitors (BSM) are one of the newer safety features to hit the market. This feature will warn you if a car – or sometimes other objects – is in your left or right blind spot. When activated, warnings will appear in your sideview mirrors or in the windshield frame. Some advanced versions of this feature may give you an audible warning (or other type of warning) if you use your turn signal and there’s a vehicle in your blind spot. Blind spot monitors may also be called blind spot information systems, blind spot detection or blind spot warning.
How do blind spot monitors work? Most blind spot monitors use radar sensors, but some use cameras. The sensors are usually located under the rear bumper or sideview mirrors. The sensors monitor approximately one lane width on both sides of your car.
How do I add a blind spot monitor to my car? Due to the complicated nature of an aftermarket installation process, it’s recommended to have a professional install your blind spot monitor. For many kits, the process entails manipulating vehicle wiring, so we recommend that you work with an experienced technician.
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There are a few different retrofit kits available on the market. Here are resources describing the installation process:.
Parking Sensors Parking sensors alert you when you come within close proximity of objects surrounding a car. A series of warning sounds – usually beeps – will alert you when you come too close to an object. This technology can be very useful when backing into tight parking spots. How do parking sensors work? Parking sensors use electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors to read the distance of objects surrounding the car. The closer the car gets to a stationary object, the more frequent the alerts become. Note that parking sensors aren’t capable of detecting cars or other moving objects about to enter your backing path – this is a task that’s better suited for a feature such as.
How do I add parking sensors to my car? There are several aftermarket parking sensor kits available that don’t require you to drill into the car or manipulate internal wiring. It‘s always recommended that an experienced auto professional install additional safety features; however, many non-invasive parking sensor kits can be installed on your own. Before adding parking sensors to your car, be sure to research the following items:. Your vehicle: Make sure that the parking sensors you purchase are compatible with your car. Number of sensors: Typically, the number of sensors that come in kits may vary.
Ask yourself if you only need rear sensors, or if you would benefit from a front and rear sensor combination. Quality: There are many parking sensor products on the market – but not all of them will ensure the same level of performance and safety. Before you purchase, make sure that you thoroughly research the quality of the kit. When in doubt, consult your local auto technician to understand the best options for your vehicle. Serious about adding parking sensors to your car?
Be sure to also check out these helpful resources:. Warning: include(includes/site-logo.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/mcdworg/publichtml/wp-content/themes/usmangroup/includes/sidebar-single.php on line 214 Warning: include: Failed opening 'includes/site-logo.php' for inclusion (includepath='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/mcdworg/publichtml/wp-content/themes/usmangroup/includes/sidebar-single.php on line 214 What? MyCarDoesWhat is all about active safety features – those new technologies in cars that flash, beep, vibrate and more. Some features can even stop or steer your car for you in emergencies.
Cars can’t drive on their own – yet – but in the meantime, today’s cars are more awesome than they’ve ever been. Car tech is changing rapidly around us. We designed this site so you can stay up-to-date and get educated on how these features work (and, hopefully, have fun in the process).
Modern cars often come with parking sensors, little proximity sensors that detect nearby objects such as other vehicles, pedestrians, posts, and barriers. These systems help alert the driver as to how close she is to the items in order to avoid bumping them. They’re used at low speeds to improve parking.
Most sensors are either electromagnetic or ultrasonic. Some are both. Vehicles that did not come equipped with parking sensors can have them added on as an aftermarket improvement. Doing so requires a little work, but can significantly increase the resale value and daily usefulness of the vehicle. Those often parking in tight spaces or difficult locations will find parking sensors to be a boon.
The first step in installation is to source good sensors that match both needs and vehicle. Getting is a must, as you don’t want them to deteriorate over time or stop working altogether. First, test the system to be sure it’s going to work with your vehicle before you install it.
Most parking sensor kits will tap into the reverse lights on your vehicle and will install by piggybacking on the reverse light harness. Once the sensor control box is plugged in, put the vehicle in reverse (keeping a foot on the brake, of course) and make sure the sensors are activating. Now begin installation by selecting where the sensors will be put on the vehicle. Most systems are rear-oriented, meaning they are aiming outwards from the rear of the vehicle for backing situations. Measuring the length of the bumper and using the guide that will be included with your sensor kit, mark locations for optimum angles of coverage. There will usually be at least two facing directly backwards and then one or two for each direction laterally (left, right). Some systems may also include front bumper sensors.
Once the locations are marked, follow the directions with the kit to drill or punch holes to install the sensors into the bumper guard or fender. Clean rough edges with an emery board or light file so that sharp edge points don’t cut wiring. Install the sensors as directed by the kit instructions and then begin wiring. Most control boxes mount near where they are powered, which is usually at the rear of the vehicle in the trunk or cargo space.
Secure the box and run all sensor wires to their appropriate locations on it. Then add the warning siren and test. When satisfied that it works, locate the siren as directed in the instructions, mount and secure.
Various systems have details that may change, but installation of a DIY aftermarket parking sensor kit is relatively easy.