Blind Spot Monitor: Is It Covered By Car Warranty?

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is a safety feature that uses sensors to detect vehicles in a car's blind spots and alerts the driver. This feature is designed to prevent accidents during lane changes or merging by increasing the driver's awareness of nearby vehicles. While BSM was initially only available in high-end luxury cars, it has now trickled down to economy cars and is either standard or available as an option in most modern vehicles.

If you own an older vehicle that is not equipped with BSM, you can consider installing an aftermarket system. These systems typically use sensors mounted on the rear bumper or side mirrors to detect vehicles in the blind spots and provide visual or audible alerts to the driver. While professional installation is recommended, it is also possible to install an aftermarket BSM system yourself.

When it comes to car warranties, it is important to note that the coverage may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific terms of the warranty. In some cases, BSM may be covered under the warranty, especially if it is a factory-installed system. However, in other cases, such as when the BSM system is installed by a third party, there may be risks of voiding the warranty. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the warranty terms and consult with the vehicle manufacturer or dealer to understand the coverage and any potential risks associated with aftermarket modifications.

Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems

An aftermarket blind spot monitor is a great addition to older vehicles that lack certain technologies. These systems can increase driving awareness, assist drivers of larger vehicles, prevent crashes, and increase response time.

The aftermarket blind spot monitoring system is not as common as a factory-installed system, but it is becoming more widely available as more companies enter the market. These companies offer custom-designed kits for a variety of vehicles.

The two main components of an aftermarket blind spot monitoring kit are the sensors and the indicators. The sensors are the eyes of the system, and they use technologies like sonar, radar, and lidar to detect hazards outside the vehicle. Once the sensor detects an approaching vehicle, it triggers the indicator to alert the driver. Indicators typically include visual LED lights and an alarm.

When choosing an aftermarket blind spot monitor, it is important to consider the type of indicators you prefer, such as visual or audio signals. Most kits have similar features, but the indicators may vary.

The installation process for an aftermarket blind spot monitor can be complex, and professional installation is recommended. However, it is also possible to install it yourself with the right tools and instructions.

The cost of an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system can vary, with solid systems ranging from $300 to $500. The installation process can also add to the overall cost, with professional installation costing at least $200.

Blind spot monitoring and warranty

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is a safety feature that uses sensors, typically radar or ultrasonic, to detect vehicles approaching from the sides or rear of your car. These sensors send alerts to the driver, usually through visual indicators on the side mirrors or dashboard, or sometimes through audible alerts.

The primary goal of BSM is to prevent accidents during lane changes or merging by increasing driver awareness of nearby vehicles. The larger your vehicle, the bigger the blind spot and the more helpful BSM can be.

BSM is now available at every price point, from budget-friendly to luxury vehicles, and is offered as a standard or optional feature. If BSM isn't standard on a vehicle, it's likely available as a stand-alone option or in an option package.

Aftermarket BSM solutions are also available for older vehicles or those not equipped with it from the factory. These solutions often include sensor kits that can be mounted on the rear bumper or integrated into the side mirrors, replicating the functionality of factory-installed systems.

When it comes to warranties, it's important to note that built-in BSM is typically covered under the manufacturer's warranty. However, installing an aftermarket BSM system may void parts of your vehicle's warranty, depending on the manufacturer's policies. Therefore, it is crucial to review your vehicle warranty terms and consult with your manufacturer or dealer before proceeding with any aftermarket modifications.

In the case of the 2022 Toyota Sienna, some owners have reported issues with the RCTA and Blind Spot Monitor systems being disabled while driving. The dealer attributed this to the sensor being out of alignment due to the bumper being bumped, which was not covered under the warranty. However, other owners have disputed this, suggesting that it is a design flaw and should be covered under the warranty.

Overall, BSM is a valuable feature that enhances driver safety and awareness. It is important to understand the warranty implications and consider both built-in and aftermarket options when deciding to include BSM in your vehicle.

Blind spot monitoring sensors

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is an active driver aid that warns you when a vehicle is approaching in an adjacent lane. It is particularly useful when changing lanes or merging, which cause roughly 9% of all reported vehicle crashes each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

BSM systems use sensors and sometimes side-mounted cameras to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot. The sensors are usually embedded in each side of the vehicle's rear bumper. They can be radar, ultrasonic, sonar, lidar, or a combination of these.

The indicators that warn the driver of a vehicle in their blind spot usually consist of a yellow warning light, often appearing on the outboard rearview mirror or the vehicle's A-pillar. Some systems also provide an audible alert, and some will even nudge the driver away from the lane marker or steer the vehicle back towards the centre of the lane.

Aftermarket BSM kits are available for older cars that don't have the technology built-in. These kits typically include sensors, warning lights, and audio alarms. They can be purchased from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Crutchfield, and cost between $300 and $500.

Types of blind spot monitoring systems

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) systems are designed to keep an eye on the space just off the rear quarter areas of your vehicle. These spots can hide vehicles approaching in an adjacent lane because many drivers improperly set their car's outboard mirrors. Merging into another vehicle's lane is a common cause of crashes.

There are two types of BSM systems:

• The less-intrusive system provides an alert, usually a visual warning found on the outboard mirror or the A-pillar on the side with potential danger. More involved versions will also sound an audible warning if you engage the turn signal on that side.
• The more intrusive system pairs the alert with steering assistance. This type of system may also engage the brakes on one or more wheels to nudge you away from any potential danger. If you attempt to merge into a lane already occupied by another vehicle, this system will issue a visual and audible warning and steer you back to the centre of your lane.

Aftermarket BSM kits are available for older cars, with prices ranging from $300 to $500. These systems are designed to be universal and can be used regardless of the age, make, and model of your vehicle. They typically include sensors and indicators, with the sensors acting as the eyes of the system. Common technologies include sonar, radar, and lidar, which sense the exterior environment. Some systems also have cameras inserted into the side mirrors that relay information to a computer. Once the sensor detects an approaching vehicle, it triggers the indicator, alerting the driver to the potential hazard.

While BSM systems can be extremely useful, they are not a substitute for mirrors and checking your blind spots. They are designed to be used as a helpful additional feature, and it is still important to be a cautious driver.

Benefits of blind spot monitoring

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is an active driver aid that helps prevent accidents by alerting the driver of vehicles in their blind spot. It is especially useful for larger vehicles, which tend to have bigger blind spots.

Benefits of Blind-Spot Monitoring:

Increased Driving Awareness

BSM provides drivers with extra coverage, constantly monitoring spots that are hard to track while driving. This is particularly useful when changing lanes or merging, which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accounts for roughly 9% of all reported vehicle crashes each year.

Assists Drivers of Larger Vehicles

The larger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spot, and the more beneficial BSM becomes. BSM can reduce stress for drivers of larger vehicles by monitoring areas that are difficult to see.

Prevents Crashes and Minimizes Damage

BSM can prevent accidents by alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spot. In a 2017 article, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that blind-spot monitoring reduces lane-changing accidents by 14% and injuries from lane-changing crashes by 23%.

Increases Response Time

BSM tends to be more accurate than mirrors alone, allowing drivers to recognize potential dangers faster and giving them more time to respond.

Relieves Stress of Driving in Close Quarters

BSM can relieve some of the stress of driving in heavy traffic or multi-lane highways by providing early warnings of potential dangers.

Frequently asked questions