Kia Soul: Blind Spot Monitoring Feature Explained

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent accidents by notifying the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot or if a vehicle has switched lanes and is at risk of a collision. Kia offers this feature in some of their vehicles, including the Kia Soul, however, it is not included in the lowest package for their vehicles. This has been a source of frustration for some customers who believe that all safety features should be included as standard in modern cars. While Kia does offer Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist technologies, these systems may not always function properly due to various limitations and interferences.

Blind-Spot Collision Warning: a safety system that uses sensors to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot

The Kia Soul is a popular choice for those seeking a fun and reliable car. While some models do offer Blind-Spot Collision Warning, not all of them do. This advanced driving assistance system helps prevent accidents by notifying the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot or if a vehicle has switched lanes and is at risk of a collision. This system uses sensors located on the rear bumper and side mirrors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot or lanes beside them. When a vehicle is detected, an audible warning and signal appear on the side mirror, alerting the driver to the potential hazard.

The Blind-Spot Collision Warning system can be activated by pressing the designated button. Once the vehicle reaches 30km/h (approximately 19 mph), the icon will appear on the dashboard, indicating that the rear and side radar sensors are active. This provides the driver with real-time updates on their driving situation, helping to prevent hazardous situations. If a vehicle is detected in the blind spot or a potential collision is detected, the warning signal on the side mirrors will illuminate, and an audible alert will sound if the driver indicates to change lanes.

It is important to note that the warnings may differ depending on the model of the vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the driver's manual to understand the specific warning signs and whether the system is available. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the sensors clear of any dirt, snow, or other objects that may obstruct their function.

While the Blind-Spot Collision Warning system offers valuable assistance, it is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Drivers should remain attentive to their surroundings and follow safe driving procedures.

For those considering the Kia Soul, it is worth checking the specific model's features to confirm the inclusion of Blind-Spot Collision Warning. While some models may not have it as a standard feature, it could be available as an add-on or in higher trim packages. Overall, the Kia Soul offers a range of safety features that enhance the driving experience and provide peace of mind on the road.

Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist: a technology that works with the warning system to apply brakes and prevent collisions

The Kia Soul is a popular choice for drivers seeking a fun and reliable vehicle. While some models offer advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance systems, it is important to note that not all Kia Souls are equipped with these features as standard.

Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist is a technology that works in conjunction with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning system in select Kia vehicles, including certain trims of the Kia Soul. This advanced driver-assistance system is designed to help prevent accidents by notifying the driver and applying brakes when necessary.

When the Blind-Spot Collision Warning system detects a vehicle in the driver's blind spot or the risk of a collision, it provides an audible warning and activates a signal on the side mirror. If the driver then activates the turn signal and begins to change lanes, the Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist system takes over. It will apply brakes on the opposite wheel to prevent the vehicle from switching lanes and avoid a potential collision.

To ensure the system functions properly, it is important to keep the rear bumper and sensors free from foreign materials such as snow, rain, or dirt. Additionally, the system may not operate as expected under certain circumstances, such as inclement weather, driving on curved or inclined roads, or when detecting certain objects like motorcycles or bicycles.

While the Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist technology can provide an extra layer of safety, it is important to remember that it does not replace safe driving practices. Drivers should always remain attentive and aware of their surroundings, as the system has limitations and may not detect all potential hazards.

Limitations of the system: circumstances under which the blind-spot monitoring may not operate normally

The Blind-Spot Collision Warning system in Kia Souls is designed to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. However, there are certain limitations to the system, and it may not operate normally under specific circumstances. Here are some circumstances under which the blind-spot monitoring in a Kia Soul may not function as expected:

• Inclement Weather: Heavy snow, heavy rain, or other severe weather conditions can impact the performance of the system.
• Obstruction of Sensors: If the rear corner radar or sensor is covered with foreign material, such as snow, rain, dirt, or debris, it can reduce the system's effectiveness.
• Temperature Extremes: Extremely high or low temperatures around the rear corner radar can affect the system's performance.
• Obstructions by Fixed Objects: Driving near fixed objects such as sound barriers, guardrails, central dividers, street lamps, tunnels, or walls can interfere with the system.
• Narrow Roads or Overgrown Vegetation: Driving on narrow roads with overgrown trees or grass can limit the system's field of view.
• Large Open Areas: Driving in areas with few vehicles or structures, such as deserts or meadows, can impact the system's effectiveness.
• Wet Road Surfaces: Driving on wet roads or through puddles can affect the system's performance.
• Close Proximity to Other Vehicles: If another vehicle is driving very close behind, or passes by your vehicle in close proximity, the system may not detect them accurately.
• High-Speed Vehicles: If another vehicle is travelling at a very high speed and passes by quickly, the system may not have sufficient time to detect and warn the driver.
• Lane Changes and Acceleration: The system may not operate normally when your vehicle or the vehicle in the adjacent lane changes lanes or accelerates rapidly.
• Trailer or Carrier Installation: Attaching a trailer or carrier around the rear corner radar can block the sensors and impact the system's performance.
• Obstructions on the Bumper: Objects on the bumper, such as stickers, bike racks, or other items, can obstruct the sensors and affect the system.
• Damage to the Rear Bumper or Radar: If the rear bumper or radar is impacted, damaged, or knocked out of position, the system may not function properly.
• Vehicle Height Changes: If your vehicle's height is altered due to heavy loads, abnormal tyre pressure, or other factors, the system may not operate accurately.
• Detection of Certain Objects: The system may not always detect or correctly identify motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, or low-height vehicles.
• Braking Control Limitations: Factors such as driving on bumpy or slippery roads, low tyre pressure, damaged brakes, or abrupt lane changes can impact the effectiveness of braking control.
• Curved, Merging, or Inclined Roads: Driving on curved, merging, or inclined roads can affect the system's ability to accurately detect vehicles in adjacent lanes.

It is important to note that while the Blind-Spot Collision Warning system in Kia Souls is designed to enhance safety, it should not be solely relied upon. Drivers should always remain vigilant, follow safe driving practices, and use their mirrors and turn their heads to check for vehicles in their blind spots.

Lane Change Detection: a feature that was available in the 2016 Kia Soul

The 2016 Kia Soul has Lane Change Detection, a feature that assists drivers in changing lanes safely. This system uses sensors located on the rear bumper and side mirrors to detect vehicles in the adjacent lanes and alerts the driver through visual and/or audible warnings.

The Lane Change Detection system in the 2016 Kia Soul can be customised to provide different levels of alerts depending on the driver's preferences. The system can be set to provide only visual warnings, such as a blinking light on the outside rearview mirror, or a combination of visual and audible alerts. The latter includes a warning message, an audible alert, and steering wheel vibration, which vary depending on the collision risk level.

It is important to note that while Lane Change Detection can be helpful, it is not a substitute for safe driving practices and proper mirror adjustment. Properly adjusted mirrors can eliminate blind spots, providing a seamless panoramic view of the surrounding traffic. Additionally, drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and maintain safe driving speeds, especially when changing lanes.

The 2016 Kia Soul also offers other advanced driver-assistance systems, such as Lane Keeping Assist, which helps prevent the vehicle from moving out of its lane. This system uses a front window camera to detect lane markers and alerts the driver through visual and audio cues if they stray from their lane.

The Lane Keeping Assist system in the 2016 Kia Soul has different alert modes, including Active Lane Keeping Assist, Standard Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Departure Warning. Each mode provides varying levels of feedback and alerts to help correct steering and prevent lane drift. Drivers can customise these settings according to their preferences and driving conditions.

Alternative options: adjusting mirrors or using stick-on convex circles to reduce blind spots

While Kia does offer Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist systems in its vehicles, you may be interested in some alternative options to reduce blind spots in your vehicle. These options include adjusting your mirrors according to recommendations or using stick-on convex circles.

Adjusting your mirrors

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has published a paper recommending how outside mirrors can be adjusted to eliminate blind spots. They suggest tilting the side mirrors outwards so that the viewing angle of the side mirrors just overlaps with that of the cabin's rearview mirror. This setup negates the need to glance over your shoulder when changing lanes or to install an expensive blind-spot warning system.

However, some drivers may find it disorienting to not be able to see the flanks of their car in the side mirrors. This method of mirror adjustment may take some time to get used to, but those who have made the switch swear by it.

Stick-on convex circles

Another option to reduce blind spots is to use stick-on convex circles, also known as blind-spot mirrors. These are small, convex mirrors that can be adhered to the corners of your vehicle's side mirrors, providing a wider field of view. They are typically equipped with adjustable swivel mounting brackets, allowing you to position them according to your preferences.

There are several highly-rated blind-spot mirrors available on the market, including those offered by Marlbston, UtopiCar, AmFor, Ampper, and LivTee. These products range in price and features, with some offering 360-degree rotation and sway adjustments. When choosing a blind-spot mirror, consider the size, shape, and compatibility with your vehicle's side mirrors.

Blind-spot mirrors are easy to install and can significantly enhance your visibility when changing lanes or backing up your vehicle. They are an affordable and effective solution to improve your driving experience and safety.

Frequently asked questions