Park Distance Control System in Cars: Working, Design & More

Automated driving features that provide convenience and hassle-free driving are becoming the norm of the automotive industry. Park Distance Control (PDC) is counted among these features. It is a parking assist program in modern vehicles that helps park cars properly.

In this guide, we will elaborate on PDC meaning in cars, its working and functionality.

What is Park Distance Control

Park distance control is a parking aid feature that supports drivers park their cars with more precision. It works on the basis of ultrasonic sensors in coordination with the car computer and dashboard screen. Ultrasonic sensors emit a series of rays that provide an image of surrounding space. The following paragraphs will provide complete details on how parking distance control works.

Theory

PDC parking sensors and submarine’s radar works on the same principle, sonar distance measurement technology. The sensors emit ultrasonic sound waves which return to the sensor and measure the distance between vehicle and object. This system can detect anything living or non-living in between the space and vehicles. The detection of all the objects in the way makes it an efficient system that prevents collisions while parking and saves you from dent and scratch repair.

Components

The basic components of PDC systems are similar in all the vehicles. However, there can be slight changes in these elements as per technological advancements. The core component of this system is the PDC control unit.

This unit controls each sound signaling device and sensor individually. It converts the data provided by the sensors into digital signals or messages.

The next element is the acoustic signaling device which generates audio frequencies using resonators and piezoceramics. Generally, the signaling devices are capable of generating approximately 1 kHz that converts into 50 kHz to 60 kHz ultrasonic frequency. Almost 9-16 volts of energy is supplied by the common power supply connected with the main data line.

Design and Working

Usually, the PDC parking sensors are installed at the rear end of the vehicle known as a 4-channel system. The sensors are activated automatically when the reverse gear is engaged. In a few modern vehicles, sensors are activated when parking assist is engaged by a push-button. These sensors emit and receive numbers of ultrasonic waves at a time. The received ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the car computer.

The car computer is programmed with a transit-time difference which is used to measure the distance. Along with trans-time, car computers also capture signals from neighboring sensors and then provide a precise distance between the car and objects around it.

working of distance control system — Distance control system emits signal and support in parking the vehicle properly

Drivers are alert about the distance using a sound signal that is beeping. This beeping starts at a distance of 160cm and becomes continuous at a 20 cm distance. The beeping will stop once your vehicle is at a safe distance or PDM is disengaged. The control of the electric power steering system during this process is dependent upon the technological advancement of your vehicle. If you have the latest self-driving vehicles the car will be parked autonomously.

Automatic Deactivation

Park distance control system is an intelligent system that works autonomously on the basis of data collected from surroundings. This automatic system can disengage itself autonomously for avoiding collisions or accidents. We have listed some of the reasons that disengaged the PDC automatically.

In some vehicles, it disengages when reverse gear is disengaged. This condition may vary from model to model.
If the vehicle speed exceeds the limit of 10km/h-15km/h.
When the vehicle is stationary for more than 5 seconds.

Faulty Park Distance System

The autonomous PDC system can malfunction due to external or internal faults. The following reasons can cause a faulty park distance control system.

Defects in ultrasonic sensors
Improperly functioning of sound signaling (beeping)
Faults in a car’s fuse box or engine unit
External damage to sensors

Some Practical Tips

There are certain rules and precautionary measures that enable adequate working of the park distance control systems.

Front and rear area shown on dashboard — Front and rear area of a vehicle shown on dashboard screen while parking

We have listed some practical tips that will increase the efficiency and life span of this system.

Clean the sensors properly using car cleaning products
Avoid water or other liquid penetrating the sensors
Avoid exposing the sensor to extreme temperatures
Do not use the system while driving a vehicle on gravel or uneven surfaces
The sensor can not detect certain objects like rope or snow
The park system will not work efficiently in extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, dust storm, or snowfall

This was all to explain PDC meaning in cars. This system is essential to park your vehicle in tight parking spaces in the metropolitan cities.

If you are interested in using this assistance, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE. We have also enlisted some considerable car models with this system:

Stay tuned to U AE’s top auto blog for more information on autonomous driving features.