Park information is a safety feature that helps you steer into parking spaces
Park information is an automated steering system found in many newer vehicles that takes over the wheel to guide your car into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. When you set up it, the system uses sensors around your vehicle to detect an available space, then controls the steering while you manage the gas and brake. It is designed to reduce the difficulty of parking in tight spaces, especially parallel parking on busy streets.
The feature comes standard or as an option on vehicles from manufacturers like Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and others. Each brand names and operates it slightly differently — Ford calls it Active Park information, BMW calls it Parking Assistant, and Mercedes uses Parktronic — but the basic function is the same. The system does not drive the car forward or backward; you remain responsible for accelerating and braking.
Park information is always available when you need it, but many drivers prefer to turn it off either temporarily or permanently. You may want to disable it if you prefer to park manually, if the system is behaving unpredictably, or if you find the steering intervention distracting or uncomfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Park information uses vehicle sensors to detect parking spaces and automatically steer your car into them while you control the pedals.
- The feature is named differently by each manufacturer but works the same way across most modern vehicles.
- You can turn Park information off through your vehicle's infotainment system, usually in the settings or driver information menu.
- Turning off Park information does not affect other safety features like backup cameras or collision warnings.
- The process takes seconds and can be done while parked or while driving, depending on your vehicle model.
How to turn off Park information in your vehicle
The exact steps depend on your vehicle's make, model, and year, but the general path is the same. Start by accessing your vehicle's main menu or infotainment screen — this is usually the touchscreen in your center console or a menu you navigate using steering wheel buttons. Look for a settings option, often labeled "Settings," "Vehicle Settings," or "Driver information."
Once in settings, find the driver information or safety features submenu. This section may be called "Driver information," "Safety," "Parking," or "Convenience Features." Within that menu, locate "Park information," "Active Park information," "Parking Assistant," or whatever your manufacturer calls it. Select it and choose "Off" or toggle the switch to the off position.
Some vehicles allow you to disable Park information only for the current drive, while others save the setting permanently until you turn it back on. Check your owner's manual or the on-screen prompts to understand whether your vehicle will remember your choice the next time you start the engine.
Where to find Park information settings by vehicle brand
| Manufacturer | Feature Name | Menu Path |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Active Park information | Settings > Driver information > Active Park information |
| BMW | Parking Assistant | iDrive > Settings > Driver information > Parking Assistant |
| Mercedes-Benz | Parktronic | COMAND > Settings > Driver information > Parktronic |
| Audi | Park information | MMI > Settings > Driver information > Park information |
| Volkswagen | Park information | Infotainment > Settings > Driver information > Park information |
These paths are typical but may vary slightly depending on your vehicle's model year and software version. If you cannot find the setting using these steps, consult your owner's manual or contact your vehicle's manufacturer support line.
What happens when you turn Park information off
Disabling Park information removes only the automated steering function. Your backup camera, parking sensors, and collision warning systems remain active and will continue to work as normal. You will still see the parking space detection alerts and sensor displays on your screen if those features are enabled separately.
Turning off Park information does not affect any other driver information features your vehicle has, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, or automatic emergency braking. Each feature operates independently, so you can disable one without touching the others.
If you change your mind later, you can turn Park information back on using the same menu path. The process is identical — just toggle the setting back to "On" or "Enabled."
Why you might want to disable Park information
Some drivers find that Park information steers too aggressively or makes corrections that feel jerky or uncomfortable. If the system is making you anxious rather than confident, turning it off removes that distraction and lets you focus on manual parking.
Others disable it because they prefer the control and feel of parking themselves, or because they live in an area where the sensor-detected spaces do not match actual parking availability. In crowded urban parking, the system may detect a space that is too small or not actually available, leading to false starts.
In some cases, drivers turn off Park information temporarily because the sensors are dirty or the system is malfunctioning. If your Park information is steering incorrectly or not detecting spaces at all, disabling it while you have the vehicle serviced prevents the system from interfering with your parking.
Troubleshooting Park information problems
If Park information is not working when you try to use it, the most common cause is dirty or obstructed sensors. These sensors are usually located around the bumpers and sides of your vehicle. Wash your car thoroughly, paying special attention to the areas where sensors are mounted, and try again.
If the system still does not work after cleaning, check whether it is actually enabled in your settings. Some vehicles default to "Off" after a software update or battery disconnect. Navigate back to the driver information menu and confirm that Park information is set to "On."
If Park information is enabled and the sensors are clean but the system still will not set up, the issue may be a sensor malfunction or a software glitch. In this case, consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's troubleshooting steps, or contact a dealership for diagnosis and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off Park information affect my warranty?
No. Disabling a safety feature through your vehicle's settings menu does not void your warranty or affect any other systems. You are straightforward choosing not to use a feature that is available to you.
Can I turn Park information off while I'm driving?
Most vehicles allow you to access settings while driving, though some features may be locked for safety reasons. Check your owner's manual to see whether your specific vehicle allows menu navigation while in motion. It is safer to pull over before making changes.
Will Park information turn back on by itself after I turn it off?
No. Once you disable Park information, it stays off until you manually turn it back on. Some vehicles reset certain settings after a battery disconnect or software update, but this is rare.
What if my vehicle does not have Park information?
Older vehicles and base model trims typically do not include Park information. If your vehicle did not come with the feature, there is no setting to disable. You can check your owner's manual or the vehicle's specifications to confirm whether your model includes it.
Is it safe to park without Park information?
Yes. Park information is a convenience feature, not a safety requirement. Millions of drivers park safely without it every day. Turning it off does not make parking less safe — it straightforward means you are handling the steering yourself, as drivers have done for decades.