How do I know if my car has park assist?
Park assist is typically indicated by bumper sensors, a parking icon or indicator on the dash or infotainment screen, and in some cases the ability for the car to help steer into a space. If you don’t see these signs, your car may not have Park Assist or it may require enabling or a higher trim level.
Physical indicators in the vehicle
These hardware clues are the most immediate way to tell whether Park Assist is built in. Look for the following components on the exterior and cockpit.
- Bumper sensors: small circular sensors embedded in the front and rear bumpers (often several per bumper) that detect distance to obstacles and trigger beeps as you approach objects.
- Camera system: a rear camera, and in many models a 360-degree or multiple-camera setup that helps with parking visualization.
- Park Assist controls or icons: a dedicated button or knob labeled “Park Assist” or “P” with sonar/wave icons, or an on-dash/infotainment indicator showing the feature is active.
In short, a combination of bumper sensors, a camera system, and a Park Assist control or clear on-screen indicator generally signals that the feature is installed.
Software indicators and how to test it
Beyond hardware, Park Assist visibility comes from the car’s software menus and its behavior when you try to park. Here’s how to check and try it out safely.
- Consult the owner's manual or the vehicle’s window sticker (Monroney) for explicit mentions of “Park Assist,” “Active Parking Assist,” or “Parking sensors.”
- Explore the infotainment or driver-assistance menus for entries named “Park Assist,” “Automated Parking,” or an icon resembling a car with a parking symbol.
- In a safe, empty space, initiate Park Assist if your car supports it (this may require selecting reverse or pressing a dedicated button). The system may guide you with on-screen lines and sounds and may offer steering input.
- Stay attentive: even when active, many systems require you to supervise and be ready to take control with the brake or wheel.
Software indicators and testing results can confirm whether Park Assist is functional on your specific trim and software version, as capabilities and availability vary by model and market.
What to do if you don’t see Park Assist
If you can’t find any hardware or software signs of Park Assist, verify through official sources. The feature may be unavailable on your trim, region, or model year, or it might be an optional upgrade. Checking the VIN-based spec sheet, contacting a dealer, or reviewing the manufacturer’s online specs for your exact vehicle can clarify.
- Check VIN or build sheet for Park Assist/Active Parking Assist as a listed option.
- Ask a dealer or reference the official model brochure for your market to confirm availability by trim level.
- Note that some implementations offer only parking guidance (visuals and alerts) without automatic steering; higher trims may add steering assistance.
If Park Assist is not available, you can still benefit from parking sensors and cameras, but automated steering into spaces may not be offered on your vehicle.
Summary
To recap, you’ll typically know you have Park Assist if your car has bumper sensors, a camera system, and a Park Assist indicator or button, with software prompts in the infotainment system. You can confirm via the manual, the vehicle’s spec sheet, or a dealer, and you should always test in a safe environment with the driver ready to take over. Availability and behavior vary by trim and region, so a few models may only offer parking guidance rather than full automation.
