Reverse Gear Frequently Asked Questions about Parking Sensor Kits

Frequently Asked Questions...

Before contacting us, please review this list of "frequently asked questions" to help get the answer to your question as quickly as possible. If you have already installed a kit and have a problem then please see our Troubleshooting section.

If you are not sure what kit to buy then check our Compatibility Matrix. Click HERE

Q. Why should I buy from Reverse Gear?

Here are a few good reasons:

> We only sell Parking Sensor kits.

This means our product knowledge is second to none.

> Quality kit at sensible prices.

It is in our interest to avoid problems, so we are choosy about what we sell. We buy in bulk and reduce operating costs to sell at the lowest prices possible.

> We sell accessories & spares for every model of Parking Sensor kit we have ever sold.

There is always the possibility that you may need a spare part at a later date, such as replacing a single sensor. If you cannot buy spares then you need to replace the whole kit.

> Our commitment to quality customer service.

Try us, if we disappoint you then we will give you your money back.

> Great Before and After Sales Service.

We are happy to answer any questions you have whether it is to help you choose a kit for your vehicle or answer questions regarding installation. Contact Us.

> We are an approved member of the Trading Standards "Buy with Confidence" scheme.

Click here for more information

Q. What does the kit consist of?

Our Reverse Parking assist systems contain everything you need for a quick and successful installation:

> Central Control Processor

> Sensors

> Internal Buzzer or Digital Display with built in Speaker

> Installation Instructions

> 12 Month Warranty

> Hole saw required for fitting recessed sensors

Q. Are the kits easy to fit?

The system is pre-wired and ready to plug together, the rear only systems require just two connections to the vehicle (1) Reversing light (2) Earth. The digital display kits and combined front & rear kits take a little longer to fit.

Q. Do I need any special tools?

No, you need the correct size Drill Bit to fit the Recessed Sensors, which we supply with the kit. You will also need a drill, pliers and a screwdriver set.

Q. Can I have my Parking Sensor kit fitted?

We have a number of fitters throughout the United Kingdom that we can refer you to. Click here for more information.

Q. Where can I buy spares and accessories?

We can supply replacement sensors, bypass relays, manual and smart switches. Click here to see the list of Accessories.

Q. What countries do you ship to?

All our prices include delivery for anywhere in the United Kingdom. We deliver anywhere in the EU although we charge carriage on orders outside of the UK

Q. Do you sell/deliver outside of the EU?

We can ship outside of the EU at our discretion. You are responsible for any duty or tax payable on entry to your country. Please contact us before ordering as there may be additional postage costs.

Q. I am located in the Channel Islands and therefore I am exempt from VAT. Can I purchase from you at VAT free prices?

Yes, as long as the delivery address is to a qualifying country. If you know the model and VAT free price then you can place a Special Order by contacting us

Q. You sell kits with 2 and 4 sensors. How many sensors do I need?

The more sensors you have the better the coverage (rather than accuracy). As a general guide;

> 2 sensors are suitable for small hatchbacks (ie Fiesta or similar size).

> 4 sensors for anything bigger (or vehicles with a towbar).

The more sensors you have, the better the coverage (width wise). The advantage of having 4 sensors is that it enables the corners of the vehicle to be covered. The disadvantage of having too few sensors may be that you could end up with a blind spot.

Q. Would fitting a Parking Sensor Kit to the reversing light bulb circuit interfere with the blown bulb indicator on the dash?

If you have a vehicle with bulb failure detection system then you will need to fit a Single By-Pass Relay, this protects the electrical system on vehicles with a bulb failure monitor or multiplexed wiring. A suitable relay is available to order from our accessories section. Click here for accessories...

Q. I have a vehicle that already has rear parking sensors. Do you have a kit that can be fitted just to the front?

It is possible to fit any of our Audible alert only reverse parking sensor kits to the front of a vehicle. There are two issues that need to be worked around:

(1) The kit needs to be powered via a switch to enable you to decide when you want the front sensors activated. This can be a manual aftermarket dash mounted switch or we can supply our Front Parking Sensor Smart Switch, to automatically power the front parking sensor kit when reverse gear is engaged and maintain power for approximately 30 seconds following the disengagement of reverse gear.

(2) Depending on the length of the vehicle bonnet it is likely that you will need longer sensor cables. The standard "sensor to CPU" cable length is 3 metres for 1820, 1830 & 1840 models, we can supply 7 metre cable lengths on request at no extra charge for vehicles with long bonnets (recessed sensors only).

Click Here for more information on our Front Parking Sensor Kit.

Q. I have a 4x4 with a spare wheel on the rear door, are your parking sensor kits suitable?

4x4 Owners are one of our biggest group of customers and have been fitted to just about every make and model of off-roader without problems. Our Sensors have a 90 degree viewing angle. Work out where you intend to fit the sensors and then draw an imaginary line 45 degrees up from the horizon line. If the wheel falls within the "sight" of the sensor then you will need to rethink where to position your sensors. We have Photos of 4x4s on our Photo Gallery

Q. I have a tow bar, which kit should I fit?

2 or 4 Sensor kits are suitable for vehicles with towbars. Avoid 3 Sensor kits as the middle sensor is normally positioned in the middle of the bumper, where the tow bar is.

Q. I need silver coloured sensors. Do you sell "off the shelf" coloured sensors?

A. All our sensors are supplied in black. If you want the sensors colour coded then it is necessary to spray paint the sensors using the exact same shade of silver as your car. There are so many shades of silver that it is impossible to obtain an exact colour match by purchasing "off the shelf" coloured sensors.

Q. Can the Sensors be colour coded?

Yes, all our sensors can be colour coded. We recommend two thin coats of spray paint (not to be applied with a brush). A coat of lacquer can be applied for metallic colours.

Q. How likely is it that the manufacturers warranty would be invalidated by fitting one of your systems?

We have had many customers ask their dealers this question. The standard answer seems to be that installing an aftermarket Parking Sensor Kit would NOT invalidate the manufacturers warranty. However, if as a result of a claim on the warranty they believed that the installation was either the cause of a problem or a contributor they would consider denying the claim for "whatever problem" was being claimed for under warranty. If you are concerned then we suggest you contact your dealer.

Q. Is there a front and rear system with audible alert only?

We have a Front & Rear Audible alert package. Click here for more details.

Q. The instructions state that the lowest I should mount the sensors is 50cm from the ground. The bumper on my car does not permit this, what can I do?

It is possible to mount the sensors lower by positioning them on an area of the bumper where the curvature of the bumper forces the sensors to face away from the ground. We recommend that you temporarily fix the sensors to the bumper with blue tack, then wire up the kit and perform a number of tests to establish the correct position before drilling any holes. We certainly do not recommend driving the vehicle while the sensors are temporarily affixed with blue tack. Angled collars are supplied with all our kits that can be used to angle the sensor face away from the ground.

Q. Is there anything I need to be aware of when fitting the sensors?

Location, Location, Location. The sensors must not be mounted too low to the ground or else you will get false readings. The Sensors should be spread evenly (horizontally) across the bumper. If you are fitting 4 sensors then the outer sensors should be mounted 15-20cm from the corner of the bumper.

Q. Can the recessed sensors be fitted in metal bumpers?

We only recommend a kit with Shield "S" Type sensors for mounting in metal bumpers.

Q. Are these Parking Sensor kits suitable for commercial vehicles?

All our systems operate at 12V. 24V to 12V voltage converters are available from our accessories department. Click here to see our full range of accessories.

Q. Can I see the different sensors mounted on a vehicle?

Have a look our photo gallery, these are customer vehicles fitted with our kits.

Q. Can we add a link to your web site? Can you can add a link from your web site to our site?

We would be happy to exchange links, please click here.

If you have an unanswered question. Contact us