Feature · 3 min read
Self-Parking Assist Explained
Steers the car into a space while you control the pedals and gears.
What is Self-Parking Assist?
Self-Parking Assist takes over the steering to slot your car into a parallel or bay parking space. You still operate the brake, accelerator and gear selector — but you don't have to touch the wheel.
How does it work?
Driving slowly past a row of cars, the system's side sensors measure the gaps and decide whether your car will fit. When you accept the suggested space, the electric power steering motors turn the wheel through the manoeuvre while telling you when to change gear.
What does it feel like?
Quite unnerving the first time — the steering wheel spins on its own. Once you trust it, parallel parking on a tight street becomes a stress-free, hands-off exercise.
Benefits
- ✓Removes the awkwardness of parallel parking
- ✓Faster than most humans in tight spaces
- ✓Avoids kerbing the wheels
- ✓Newer systems can also pull out of a space
Limitations
Needs reasonably standard parking-bay markings or two parked cars to measure between. Snow, leaves or unusual layouts can confuse the sensors.