Blind Spot Monitoring: A Standard Feature In Teslas?

Blind spots are a common issue for drivers, and while many cars now have blind spot monitoring as a standard feature, Tesla has been slow to include this in its vehicles. Blind spot indicators give drivers a visual or audio indication of another vehicle in a difficult-to-see location when changing lanes. While Tesla has relied on its Autopilot camera system and its visualisation features to provide drivers with more information on what might be in their blind spots, this requires drivers to look down at the vehicle's centre screen, rather than out of the windows or mirrors. However, Tesla has recently added a blind spot indicator to its Model 3 Highland, and the feature is included in the EU Model 3 Owner's Manual. This addition brings Tesla in line with other car manufacturers and improves driver safety.

The Model 3 Highland has a blind spot indicator

The Tesla Model 3 Highland has finally added a blind spot indicator, a feature that has been standard in many cars for years. This is a significant addition to the Model 3, addressing a common issue where drivers had to look at the centre screen instead of out of the windows or mirrors when changing lanes.

The new blind spot indicator is located in the upper speaker grill of the driver door, and can be turned on or off by touching Controls > Lights > Blind Spot Indicator. It lights up or flashes when a vehicle is in the blind spot, giving the driver a warning. This is a more streamlined and efficient warning system compared to the previous chime and camera systems.

While the Owner's Manual specifically mentions the driver door, some users have only seen the LED light on that side, indicating that the blind spot indicator might only be on the driver's side. This is an odd design choice, as driver side blind spots are more challenging to navigate, and it is unclear why the indicator would not be added to the passenger side as well.

The blind spot indicator in the Model 3 Highland is a welcome improvement, enhancing safety and providing a more intuitive driving experience. It is a step towards meeting industry standards and addressing customer expectations.

Blind spot indicators are a standard feature in many cars

Blind spot indicators are now a standard feature in many cars, giving drivers a visual indication of whether another vehicle is in a hard-to-see location when changing lanes. While Tesla has not had this feature until recently, it has relied on its Autopilot camera system and its visualisation features to provide drivers with more information on what might be in their blind spots.

The Autopilot camera system brings up a view of the side camera whenever a driver uses the turn signal, allowing the driver to see what's there. It also shows a visualisation of the area around the car and the other vehicles in that area. However, this means that drivers need to look down and to the side at the vehicle's centre screen instead of looking out of the windows or mirrors when making a driving manoeuvre.

The situation is a little different with the Model S and X, where these visualisations are provided in the driver's instrument cluster, an additional screen in front of the driver. This is easier for drivers to see than the centre screen, but it's still not ideal when a driver is looking to their left or right to change lanes.

Now, the new Model 3 Highland refresh includes actual blind spot indicators inside the speaker grille next to the A-pillar. When a vehicle is detected in the driver's blind spot, a vertical red bar appears on the image to warn them. This feature is long overdue, as blind spot indicators have been included in various vehicles for years. The first vehicle to ever use a Blind Spot Detection system was the 2001 Volvo SCC Concept Car, and Volvo installed the safety feature in the 2003 XC90 SUV, which was the first production car to utilise the indicator to warn drivers of a car that was travelling alongside it.

While the new Model 3 Highland now includes blind spot indicators, it is unclear if this feature will come to other Tesla cars any time soon.

Tesla relies on its Autopilot camera system and its visualisation features

Tesla has long relied on its Autopilot camera system and its visualisation features to provide drivers with more information on what might be in their blind spots. These features bring up a view of the side camera whenever a driver uses the turn signal, allowing the driver to see what's there, and shows a visualisation of the area around the car and the other vehicles in that area.

The Autopilot camera system is triggered when the driver engages the turn signal, at which point the touchscreen displays the image from the corresponding side repeater camera. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot in an adjacent lane, a vertical red bar appears on the image to warn the driver. For example, when the left turn signal is engaged and a vehicle is detected, a vertical red bar appears on the left side of the image. The driver can then move the image to a different location on the touchscreen.

The Autopilot camera system also provides a more overhead view of the blind spots when the image of the car in the visualisation is tapped once. This view can be temporarily switched to and shows the blind spots more clearly.

In addition to the camera system, Tesla's Autopilot features also include Lane Assist, which monitors the lane the vehicle is driving in as well as the surrounding areas for the presence of vehicles or other objects. When an object is detected in the blind spot or near the side of the vehicle, the touchscreen displays coloured lines radiating from the image of the car. The location and colour of the lines (white, yellow, orange, or red) correspond to the location and proximity of the detected object, with white being the farthest and red being the closest and requiring immediate attention. These coloured lines only display when driving between approximately 12 km/h and 140 km/h, and when Autosteer is active, they also display if driving slower than 12 km/h.

While Tesla's Autopilot camera system and visualisation features provide valuable information to drivers about their blind spots, it's important to note that they are not a replacement for direct visual checks. Drivers should still use side mirrors and perform shoulder checks to visually determine if it is safe to change lanes.

The Automatic Blind Spot Camera can be turned on/off

The Automatic Blind Spot Camera is an essential feature of Tesla's Autopilot system, providing drivers with a visual indication of their blind spots when changing lanes. This feature can be turned on or off by accessing Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Blind Spot Camera on the touchscreen.

When activated, the Automatic Blind Spot Camera displays a live feed from the corresponding side repeater camera on the touchscreen when the turn signal is engaged. This allows drivers to see any vehicles or objects that may be in their blind spot before making a lane change. A vertical red bar appears on the image as a warning if a vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane. Drivers can also move the image to different locations on the touchscreen by touching and dragging it to a shaded area.

While the Automatic Blind Spot Camera enhances safety and visibility, it is important to note that it does not replace the need for attentive driving and manual shoulder checks when changing lanes. Tesla recommends performing these checks in addition to utilising the camera system to ensure a safe lane change.

The Automatic Blind Spot Camera is just one of the many driver assistance features offered by Tesla. Other features include Lane Assist, which provides visual and steering assistance to help drivers stay within their lane, and the Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime, which alerts drivers with a sound when a potential collision is detected.

It is worth noting that some Tesla owners have expressed a preference for traditional blind spot indicators, such as lights on side mirrors, instead of the centre screen display. However, others have adapted to the Tesla system and find it effective. Overall, while the Automatic Blind Spot Camera can be a valuable tool, drivers should remain alert and utilise multiple sources of information to make safe driving decisions.

The Blind Spot Warning Chime sounds when a potential collision is detected

The Blind Spot Warning Chime in Teslas is a safety feature designed to alert drivers of potential collisions when changing lanes. This feature is especially useful when changing lanes quickly or in heavy traffic situations. The chime will sound when a vehicle or obstacle is detected in the target lane, providing an audible warning to the driver. It is important to note that this is not a standard blind spot monitoring system; instead, it acts as a collision warning system, alerting drivers only when a potential collision is imminent.

To enable the Blind Spot Warning Chime, drivers can access the settings through the touchscreen display. By navigating to Controls > Safety, drivers can find the Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime option and enable it. This setting is customisable, allowing drivers to choose the sensitivity and whether they want the system to take action. It is worth noting that the chime will only sound when the driver actively starts turning the steering wheel, indicating a potential collision.

The Blind Spot Warning Chime works in conjunction with other safety features in Teslas, such as lane assist and autopilot. Lane Assist provides visual alerts on the touchscreen, displaying coloured lines to indicate the proximity of objects detected by the system. It is important to note that Lane Assist features are intended for guidance only and should not replace the driver's own visual checks. Drivers are advised to use side mirrors and perform shoulder checks to ensure a safe lane change.

The Blind Spot Warning Chime adds an extra layer of safety, but it is not a replacement for attentive driving. Drivers should remain alert and perform the necessary checks when changing lanes. While the chime provides a helpful warning, it may not detect every potential collision, and external factors can affect its performance. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.

The inclusion of the Blind Spot Warning Chime in Teslas is a step towards enhancing driver safety. By providing both visual and audible alerts, the system assists drivers in making more informed decisions when changing lanes. However, it is important to strike a balance between relying on technology and maintaining situational awareness. Drivers should familiarise themselves with the system's limitations and continue to prioritise safe driving practices.

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