Curb detectors started out as curb sensors (or known as curb finders), which are springs or wires installed in a car and act like “whiskers.” It is installed to warn drivers that they are too close to the curb or other obstructions. These curb sensors are still used on some of the hot rods to achieve the 1950s look. It is also especially popular for cars that use white band tires, because these tires easily lose their white coating when they come into contact with the sidewalk or obstructions. Some of the curb probes have only one wire (or spring) and others have two to increase the contact surface. Curb sensors are often only found on the passenger side of the vehicle.
This is because the passenger side is primarily the side that is close to a curb during a parking situation. Other times these curb detectors are added only on the front wheels. There are no car model restrictions when it comes to installing curb detectors; any homeowner can install more than one curb detector if desired. They can be installed at the front and rear, and also on both sides of the car. Thanks to technological advancement, there are now similarly used curb sensors (or parking sensors).
The name differs according to use. Although the system has changed, the use remains the same: to warn drivers of obstacles or curbs. The only difference between traditional and modern detectors is that modern sensors work in terms of proximity to an obstruction, whereas traditional detectors work when it comes into contact with the obstacle. Curb sensors are usually installed in the car’s bumper to warn you when you are getting too close to objects. The sensors will emit an alarm or sound when they detect obstacles (such as a curb), and some have a digital display to show you the distance remaining before making contact with the object. On the other hand, there are also parking sensors – built-in sensors installed at the front and rear of your car. When the driver starts the car, the front sensor will be activated and the sensors in the rear will activate when the driver shifts into reverse.
Ultrasonic radio waves are sent from the wireless parking system control unit to sensors connected to the vehicle. The control unit computer will measure the distance between the obstacle or curb and your car. This is done by measuring the time it takes for the radio waves to return to the car from the obstacle. As mentioned above (and throughout the article), detectors function as an alert system. Wireless parking systems (curb / parking detectors) will warn drivers when approaching an obstacle through audible, visual, or both. Some visual systems will show the distance between the vehicle and the car when it is within four feet of the front or six feet of the rear.
On the other hand, the audio system will emit a warning beep when the front (or rear) of the vehicle is within two feet of the obstacle or curb. Through the advancement of technology, there are also many warning options to choose from. Some of the vehicles will emit a continuous tone to alert the driver, or some models display the word “stop” when the vehicle is within a foot of the curb. Do a Google search to find an aftermarket system that can be installed on your classic. Some fancy new cars even have rear cameras to help them see the distance between their cars and curbs.
Too many car owners, especially women, this has proven to be very helpful, as with any Mustang restoration, you have to take the time to get down to every detail, including the angle of the reversing camera. Homeowners should also keep in mind that different types of sensors work differently, so you should always understand the feature you want to install. Installing something you don’t need is certainly a waste of money.