Kia Sorento: Blind Spot Monitoring System Explained

The Kia Sorento is a popular vehicle that has been in production since 2011. Over the years, Kia has introduced various advanced safety features to the Sorento, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor (BSM) and a Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BSCW) system. These technologies aim to enhance driver safety by providing alerts about vehicles in adjacent lanes or blind spots, potentially preventing collisions. The BSM system offers a video feed in the digital cluster when a vehicle enters the driver's blind spot, acting as a second pair of eyes. On the other hand, the BSCW system uses sensors and provides audible and visual warnings to notify the driver of potential hazards. While these systems are designed to assist drivers, it is important to remember that they do not replace the need for safe driving practices and constant awareness of the surroundings.

How does the Kia Sorento's Blind-Spot View Monitor work?

The Kia Sorento is equipped with advanced Blind-Spot Collision Warning technology, which is designed to notify the driver if another vehicle has entered their blind spot and is at risk of a collision. This system is intended to supplement safe driving practices and prevent accidents.

The Blind-Spot Collision Warning system uses sensors located on the rear bumper and side mirrors to detect if there are any vehicles within the driver's blind spot or in adjacent lanes. If another vehicle is detected, an audible warning and signal will appear on the side mirror. These warnings may differ depending on the model of the vehicle. To activate the system, press the 'Blind-Spot Collision Warning' button. Once the vehicle reaches 30km/h (approximately 19 mph), the Blind Spot Collision Warning icon will appear on the dashboard, indicating that the rear and side radar sensors have been activated.

The Kia Sorento also offers a Blind-Spot View Monitor as part of a package of advanced driver-assistance technologies. This system provides the driver with a "second pair of eyes" by eliminating left and right blind spots. When the driver indicates to change lanes with another vehicle in their blind spot, the system displays a high-resolution video feed on the left or right side of the digital instrument cluster, while still showing the car's current speed. This video feed is provided by wide-angle, high-resolution cameras hidden in each door mirror housing, offering a wider viewing angle than the mirrors alone.

It's important to note that the Blind-Spot Collision Warning system has limitations. For example, it may not function properly on curved roads or tollgates, in bad weather conditions, or when foreign substances are present on the rear bumper or mirrors. Additionally, the system is designed for highway use and may not detect vehicles travelling at significantly different speeds. It is also important to always practice safe driving behaviours and not solely rely on the system when changing lanes.

What is the Blind-Spot Collision Warning?

The Blind-Spot Collision Warning is an advanced driving assistance system designed to help prevent accidents by providing drivers with a real-time update on their driving situation. This system uses sensors located on the rear bumper and side mirrors to detect if there are any vehicles within the driver's blind spot or in adjacent lanes. If a vehicle is detected within a certain proximity or is not visible in the driver's blind spot, the system alerts the driver through visual and/or audible warnings.

The Blind-Spot Collision Warning system in the Kia Sorento is known as the Blind-Spot View Monitor (BSM) or Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA). This system is designed to give the driver a "second pair of eyes" by eliminating left and right blind spots. When the driver indicates a lane change and there is a vehicle in their blind spot, the BSM displays a high-resolution video feed on the left or right side of the digital instrument cluster, providing a clear view of the other vehicle. This video feed is provided by wide-angle, high-resolution cameras hidden in each door mirror housing, offering a wider viewing angle than traditional mirrors.

To activate the BSM or BCA system on your Kia Sorento, press the 'Blind-Spot Collision Warning' button. Once the vehicle reaches 30 km/h (approximately 19 mph), the Blind Spot Collision Warning icon will appear on the dashboard, indicating that the rear and side radar sensors have been activated. If a vehicle is detected in the blind spot or a potential collision is detected, a warning signal will illuminate on the side mirrors. Additionally, if the driver switches on the turn signal in the same direction, an audible warning will also be activated.

It is important to note that the BSM or BCA system is designed for highway use due to frequent lane changes and fast speeds. However, it may not function properly under certain circumstances, such as when the sensors are blocked by foreign material, the vehicle height is altered, or in areas with strong electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to the owner's manual for a comprehensive understanding of the system's limitations and to always practice safe driving habits, even when equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems.

By offering the Blind-Spot Collision Warning system, Kia prioritises the safety of its drivers and other road users, providing valuable assistance to help avoid potential collisions.

What are the limitations of the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist?

The Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) in the Kia Sorento is an advanced driver assistance system that helps prevent collisions with vehicles in the driver's blind spot and intervenes if it detects an impending crash. While this system is designed to enhance safety, it does have certain limitations that drivers should be aware of:

• Weather Conditions: The BCA system may not function optimally in inclement weather conditions such as heavy snow or heavy rain, or when driving on a wet road surface with puddles.
• Obstruction of Sensors: If the rear corner radar or sensor is covered or obstructed by foreign material, such as snow, rain, dirt, or vehicle luggage, it can reduce the system's detecting performance or temporarily disable it.
• Temperature Extremes: Extreme temperatures, whether high or low, around the rear corner radar can impact the proper functioning of the BCA system.
• Fixed Obstacles: The system may not operate normally when the vehicle is near fixed objects such as sound barriers, guardrails, double guardrails, central dividers, entry barriers, street lamps, signs, tunnels, or walls.
• Road Conditions: Driving on curved, narrow, or inclined roads can affect the system's performance. The BCA may not detect vehicles in the next lane or may incorrectly detect the ground or structures. Similarly, when driving on merging or dividing roads, the system may not detect vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Vehicle Height: Changes in vehicle height due to heavy loads or abnormal tire pressure can impact the BCA system's effectiveness.
• Trailer or Carrier Installation: Installing a trailer or carrier around the rear corner radar can interfere with the system's operation and should be avoided.
• Bumper Damage: If the bumper around the rear corner radar is damaged or the radar is out of position, the BCA system may not function properly.
• Electromagnetic Interference: Strong electromagnetic waves can cause the BCA system to turn off or malfunction.
• Specific Vehicle Types: The BCA system may not properly detect certain types of vehicles, including motorcycles or bicycles, flat trailers, large vehicles (buses or trucks), and low-height vehicles (sports cars).
• Moving Obstacles: The system may not always detect moving obstacles such as pedestrians, animals, shopping carts, or baby strollers.
• Braking Control Limitations: The BCA system's braking control may be compromised when driving over bumpy or slippery surfaces, when tire pressure is low or a tire is damaged, or when abrupt lane changes are made.

It is important to note that the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist system is designed to supplement safe driving practices and should not be solely relied upon. Drivers should remain attentive to their surroundings and adhere to safe driving guidelines even when this system is in use.

How does the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist work with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning?

The Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) is a safety feature designed to help detect and monitor vehicles approaching in the driver's blind spot area. It warns the driver of a possible collision with a warning message and an audible alert. The BCA is activated when the vehicle reaches 30km/h (approximately 19 mph).

The BCA uses sensors in the rear bumper and side mirrors to check for vehicles in the driver's blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, the BCA will provide a warning signal on the side mirrors. If the driver then switches on the turn signal in the same direction, the warning signal will remain on, and an audible warning will be activated.

The BCA can also apply the brakes to prevent a collision. If the driver attempts to change lanes while the BCA warning is activated, the system will apply the brakes on the opposite wheel to prevent the vehicle from switching lanes. Additionally, when driving forward out of a parking space, if the BCA detects a collision risk with an approaching vehicle in the blind spot, it will help avoid a collision by applying the brakes.

The BCA system may not function properly under certain conditions, such as when the sensors are obscured or damaged, the vehicle speed is very high, or when the vehicle height is altered. It is important to note that the BCA is not a replacement for safe driving practices, and drivers should always use their mirrors and look over their shoulders when changing lanes.

What are the differences between the various blind-spot collision technologies?

The Kia Sorento is equipped with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist technology. This system works in tandem with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning, which notifies the driver if there is a vehicle within their blind spot or if there is a possibility of a collision. When the driver indicates to change lanes, and there is an illuminated visual and audio warning from the Blind-Spot Collision Warning, the Collision-Avoidance Assist system will apply the brakes on the opposite wheel to prevent the lane change and the potential collision.

There are a variety of blind-spot collision technologies that vary from pre-installed monitors to self-installed monitors, and systems that can recognise if a trailer has been connected to the vehicle. These systems use either radar, ultrasonic waves, or cameras to help the driver understand their surroundings.

One example of a blind-spot monitoring technology is the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which is available on the Kia Telluride and Kia K900 in the US. This system provides a high-resolution video feed on the digital instrument cluster, giving a wider viewing angle than the mirrors and providing a clear view of other vehicles. This system is linked with the car's turn signal and provides a video feed when the driver indicates to change lanes with another vehicle in their blind spot.

Another example is the Hyundai Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, which uses an array of sensors in the rear bumper to track vehicles in close proximity. When moving forward, these sensors identify vehicles in blind spots or adjacent lanes. When reversing, the sensors notify the driver of vehicles approaching from the sides. The active warning system may include flashing mirror indicators, an audible warning tone, or a vibration in the steering wheel.

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