Skip advert
Advertisement
Tips and advice

What is Park Assist?

What does Park Assist do and how can it save you stress and money?

It might sound like science fiction but cars that park themselves using a feature called 'Park Assist' have actually been around for years.

One of the earliest autonomous systems to appear in cars, self-parking goes a long way to reducing stress for drivers who dread parallel parking. The latest systems can also take care of bay parking, help you exit a space and even park your car in narrow spaces without you sitting in it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

What is AEB?

Not only does this make life easier, it can also be a big help in modern cars with restricted visibility, and in large vehicles like SUVs and pickups where the back bumper can be hard to judge. Ultimately this technology can even save owners hundreds or even thousands of pounds, because dings and dents to bodywork are often very expensive to put right.

How does Park Assist work?

Park Assist systems use a series of sensors and cameras dotted around the vehicle that can detect a parking space, and even check that it's big enough for your car. When a suitable space is found, it will be indicated on the dashboard or infotainment screen.

Press a button to select it and with basic Park Assist fitted, the car will automatically take control of the steering while the driver remains in control of accelerating slowly forwards and backwards, following visual and audible instructions.

What is cruise control?

More advanced systems can also take care of the accelerator and brake pedal, for an even more relaxed parking experience. BMW, Mercedes and Tesla take things a step further; on their high-end models it's even possible to get out of the driver's seat and control parking remotely via the keyfob or a smartphone app. This can be especially useful for tucking the car into a very narrow space or garage.

In our testing, we've found that Park Assist generally works very well, but that it's far more successful in car parks with symmetrical spaces than in more haphazard locations. Self-parking systems can also be confused when parallel parking on curved roads.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024