How do I know if I have parking assist?
Parking assist is present when your car uses sensors and cameras to help you park; look for bumper sensors, a rear-view or 360-degree camera, and on-screen prompts. You can confirm by checking the owner's manual, the window sticker, the car’s infotainment menus, or by asking a dealer.
Parking assist spans a range of features—from alerting you to obstacles with beeps to fully automated parking that steers the car into a space. Availability and naming vary by brand, model, and trim, so the exact setup you have can differ widely.
What parking assist looks like on a car
Here are the most common physical and display indicators that your vehicle includes parking assist.
- Bumper-mounted sensors (small round discs) in the front and rear bumpers that beep as you approach an obstacle.
- A rear-view camera, often located near the trunk handle or license plate, with distance guidelines on the display.
- A 360-degree or bird’s-eye view system that stitches camera feeds into a top-down image on the infotainment screen.
- On-screen parking prompts, overlays, or steering cues when you’re reversing into a space or using parallel/perpendicular parking assist.
- Automated parking features with names such as “Park Assist,” “Auto Park,” “Parallel Park Assist,” or “Perpendicular Park Assist” listed in the vehicle’s settings or brochure.
Not every model includes every item; some features are optional, and some are bundled in packages.
How to confirm in your vehicle’s documentation
To verify definitively, consult official documents or the manufacturer’s system:
- Check the owner's manual for a section on Driver Assistance or Parking Assist.
- Review the Monroney window sticker for listed features like “Parking Sensors,” “Rear Camera,” “360° View,” or “Park Assist.”
- Use the car’s infotainment system to look for a Parking or Driver Assistance menu and see if Park Assist or Auto Park is listed and enabled.
- Enter the vehicle settings and look for terms such as “Park Assist,” “Auto Park,” or “Rear Park Assist.”
- If in doubt, contact the dealership with your VIN to pull the exact equipment list for your car’s trim and package.
Even with parking assist, the system is a help, not a substitute for attentive driving. Always monitor your surroundings and be prepared to take manual control.
Understanding limitations and user responsibilities
Limitations of parking assist
Parking assist relies on sensors and cameras, which can be blocked by dirt, snow, slush, or glare. It may misjudge space size, fail to detect low-profile obstacles, or be unable to operate in extreme angles or tight quarters. The driver remains responsible for safe parking and should supervise the system at all times.
What to do if you want parking assist but your car doesn’t have it
If your model doesn’t offer parking assist, you have options to explore with your dealer or a certified installer. Some manufacturers offer higher-trim packages that add parking assist, cameras, and auto-park features. Aftermarket hardware exists for sensors and rear cameras, but automated steering/parking features are less common to implement reliably and can affect warranties or vehicle integration.
Notes on aftermarket options
Before buying, verify compatibility with your vehicle’s electrical system, airbags, and infotainment setup, and check warranty implications. For many shoppers, upgrading to a model with built-in parking assist remains the simplest and most reliable path.
Summary
To determine whether you have parking assist, inspect for bumper sensors and cameras, check the owner’s manual and window sticker, explore the infotainment menus, and, if needed, ask the dealer using your VIN. Remember that parking assist is a helpful aid and does not replace safe driving or your own observation.
