Volkswagen's Blind Spot Monitoring: What You Need To Know

Volkswagen has a Blind Spot Monitor feature available in some of its models. This feature helps to alert the driver of vehicles in their blind spot before changing lanes, making lane changes and overtaking safer and easier for the driver. The Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors on the rear bumper of the car to monitor the rear side surroundings in an area of approximately 65 feet and is active from a speed of 9 mph. As soon as the sensors detect another vehicle within their warning zone, the driver is notified of the potential danger by an LED light illuminating in the corresponding side mirror. The Volkswagen Atlas, Tiguan, and Golf are some models that offer this feature.

Radar sensors in the rear bumper monitor the rear side surroundings

Radar sensors in the rear bumper are an essential component of modern safety systems in vehicles. These sensors monitor the rear side surroundings, providing drivers with vital safety alerts and enabling safety manoeuvres. In the case of Volkswagen, the Blind Spot Monitor is a helpful tool that alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spot before changing lanes. This feature is available as an option on the 2018 Tiguan as part of the Driver Assistance package, and it comes standard on the SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims.

Radar sensors in the rear bumper of a Volkswagen work by emitting radio waves and detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle approaching from the rear or an obstruction. These sensors are typically installed inside the rear bumper, one on each side. It is important to keep the surface of the rear bumper near the radar sensors clean and free from stickers or other items, as this can impact their performance.

The rear radar sensors have some limitations in detection ability. For example, under bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog, the system may not operate optimally. Additionally, the system may struggle to detect small objects, such as motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians. It is also important to note that if the rear bumper receives a severe impact, the radar sensors may be affected, and the system may no longer function properly. In such cases, it is recommended to stop the system immediately and have the vehicle inspected by an expert repairer.

Overall, the radar sensors in the rear bumper of a Volkswagen play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the driver and other road users by providing valuable information about the rear side surroundings.

The system notifies the driver of potential danger via an LED light in the mirror

Volkswagen's Blind Spot Monitor is an innovative feature that enhances driver safety by alerting them to vehicles in their blind spot before changing lanes. This system, available in select Volkswagen models, uses two radar sensors located at the rear corners of the vehicle to monitor the blind spots on both sides. When another vehicle enters the blind spot, the system notifies the driver by illuminating an LED symbol on the corresponding side mirror. This LED symbol serves as a visual alert, flashing more brightly if the driver activates the turn signal on that side, indicating a potential lane change.

The Blind Spot Monitor is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. It only activates for adjacent vehicles and does not respond to stationary objects or oncoming traffic. The system is included in the Driver Assistance package, which is available as an option on some Volkswagen models and comes standard on higher trim levels like the SEL and SEL Premium.

The LED notification in the side mirror is a crucial aspect of the Blind Spot Monitor. By illuminating an LED symbol in the driver's peripheral vision, the system provides a clear and immediate warning without causing distraction. This visual alert ensures that drivers are promptly aware of potential hazards in their blind spots, allowing them to make safer lane changes and overtaking maneuvers.

The placement of the LED symbol in the side mirror is carefully designed to catch the driver's attention without obstructing their view. The flashing light serves as a simple yet effective method of communication, ensuring that drivers receive timely notifications of vehicles entering their blind spots. This feature is especially useful on busy roads or highways, where quick and informed decisions are essential for safe driving.

Overall, the Blind Spot Monitor in Volkswagen vehicles is a valuable safety feature that assists drivers in making more informed decisions. By notifying the driver of potential dangers via an LED light in the mirror, the system simplifies lane changes and overtaking, reducing the risk of accidents caused by blind spots. This technology demonstrates Volkswagen's commitment to enhancing driver safety and creating a more secure driving experience.

Blind Spot Monitor is available on select models through the Driver Assistance package

Volkswagen's Blind Spot Monitor is a helpful tool that alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spot before changing lanes. This feature is available on select models through the Driver Assistance package.

The Blind Spot Monitor functions using radar sensors in the rear bumper of the vehicle. These sensors monitor the rear side surroundings in an area of approximately 65 feet and are active from a speed of 9 mph. As soon as the sensors detect another vehicle within their warning zone, the system notifies the driver of the potential danger by illuminating an LED light in the corresponding outside mirror. If the driver then operates the turn signal on the same side, the LED light flashes more brightly to make the driver aware of the increased hazard.

The Blind Spot Monitor is particularly useful when overtaking. If a vehicle is overtaking with a difference of more than 6 mph, the LED light is not illuminated. The faster a vehicle approaches from the rear, the earlier the LED light illuminates.

The Blind Spot Monitor is available from the Atlas SE in combination with the Rear Traffic Alert. It is also available as an optional feature in the 2018 Tiguan's Driver Assistance package, which includes rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. On the higher SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, all of these features come standard.

The system only works with adjacent vehicles, not oncoming vehicles

Volkswagen's Blind Spot Monitor is a helpful tool that improves the driver's overall view and makes lane changes and overtaking safer and easier. The system uses two radar sensors located at the rear bumper of the vehicle to monitor the rear side surroundings in an area of approximately 65 ft. and are active from a speed of 9 mph.

The Blind Spot Monitor System will notify the driver whenever another vehicle is in the blind spot by flashing an LED symbol on the side mirror. The mirror in which the LED symbol lights up is relative to the side of the vehicle the other car is on. It is important to note that the system only works with adjacent vehicles and will not activate for stationary objects or oncoming vehicles. This means that the system is designed to assist with lane changes and overtaking, but not with head-on collisions or potential collisions with oncoming vehicles.

The system is available on select Volkswagen models through the Volkswagen Driver Assistance package. Some VW models that come standard with the VW Blind Spot Monitor include the Atlas SE, Atlas SEL Premium, and Tiguan.

The Driver Assistance package also includes a rear cross-traffic alert system

The Driver Assistance package is an optional add-on for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. It includes a range of safety features, such as a rear cross-traffic alert system, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features are designed to assist the driver and improve safety on the road.

The rear cross-traffic alert system, in particular, is a valuable addition to any driver's safety arsenal. When backing out of a parking space, the system uses radar sensors to monitor the traffic situation, even when the driver's view may be obstructed by larger vehicles. If there is an approaching vehicle, the system warns the driver with an acoustic signal and a text notification on the display or touchscreen. Should the driver not react in time, the system can activate the emergency braking function to avoid or minimise the impact of a collision.

The Blind Spot Monitor, another feature of the Driver Assistance package, also uses radar sensors to monitor the rear side surroundings of the vehicle. When another vehicle enters the blind spot, the system notifies the driver by illuminating an LED light in the corresponding side mirror. If the driver then operates the turn signal, indicating a potential lane change, the LED light flashes more brightly to alert the driver to the hazard.

The Driver Assistance package is a valuable investment for any Volkswagen owner, offering peace of mind and enhanced safety on the road. The rear cross-traffic alert system and Blind Spot Monitor work together to provide a more comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings, making lane changes, overtaking, and parking safer and less stressful for the driver.

Frequently asked questions