Blind Spot Monitor Installers: Who Does The Job?

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that helps prevent accidents by notifying the driver of vehicles that appear within their blind zone. While BSM was initially only available in high-end luxury cars, it has since trickled down to economy cars, and can also be installed aftermarket. Aftermarket BSM kits are available for a range of prices, with the most affordable systems selling for $250 and under, and the most expensive systems costing $500 or more. While professional installation is recommended, it is possible to install a BSM system yourself.

Blind spot monitors can be installed on older vehicles

Aftermarket blind spot monitors can increase driving awareness and assist drivers of larger vehicles by providing coverage of areas that are difficult to see. They can also help prevent crashes by alerting drivers to potential hazards in adjacent lanes.

The installation process for aftermarket blind spot monitors involves placing sensors on both sides of the vehicle's rear bumper and connecting them to indicators inside the vehicle, such as LED lights and audio alarms. While professional installation is recommended, it is possible to install these systems yourself with the help of online tutorials and by consulting the owner's manual.

It is worth noting that blind spot monitoring systems are not a substitute for proper mirror usage and cautious driving. They serve as an additional safety feature, providing drivers with an extra set of eyes on the road.

They are an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)

Blind-spot monitoring is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that helps prevent lane-changing crashes, which account for about 9% of all reported vehicle crashes each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). ADAS are technologies that assist drivers with the safe operation of a vehicle and increase car and road safety. They use automated technology, such as sensors and cameras, to detect nearby obstacles or driver errors and respond accordingly.

Blind-spot monitoring, in particular, keeps an eye on the space just off the rear quarter areas of your vehicle, alerting you if a vehicle is approaching in an adjacent lane. This is especially useful when many drivers improperly set their car's outboard mirrors, which can result in merging into another vehicle.

ADAS can enable various levels of autonomous driving. They are proven to reduce road fatalities by minimising human error, avoiding crashes and collisions, offering technologies that alert the driver to problems, implementing safeguards, and taking control of the vehicle if necessary.

ADAS may provide adaptive cruise control, assist in avoiding collisions, alert drivers to possible obstacles, warn of lane departure, assist in lane centring, incorporate satellite navigation, provide traffic warnings, provide navigational assistance through smartphones, automate lighting, or provide other features.

Blind-spot monitoring systems typically work in conjunction with emergency braking systems to act accordingly if any obstacles come into the vehicle's path. A rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) usually works with the blind-spot monitoring system, warning the driver of approaching cross-traffic when reversing out of a parking spot.

ADAS are categorised into different levels based on the amount of automation. At Level 0, ADAS cannot control the car and can only provide information for the driver to interpret on their own. Level 5 is ADAS driving fully autonomously; a steering wheel is optional because the car can drive and navigate without human assistance.

They use radar, sonar, and lidar to detect hazards

Blind-spot monitoring systems (BSM) use a combination of technologies, including radar, sonar, and lidar, to detect hazards and alert drivers. These systems are designed to assist drivers by monitoring blind spots and providing warnings about potential hazards in adjacent lanes or when changing lanes.

Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) is a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. In blind-spot monitoring, radar sensors are typically embedded in the vehicle's rear bumper and detect vehicles approaching from the rear in adjacent lanes. Radar systems can differentiate between front-pointing and rear-facing transmitters to avoid interference from other vehicles' systems.

Sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging) uses sound propagation to navigate and communicate underwater. While less common, sonar is used in some blind-spot monitoring systems, particularly for parking and at slower speeds.

Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and create high-resolution maps. In blind-spot monitoring, lidar systems scan the surrounding environment, detecting objects and hazards. Lidar is more expensive and found in higher-end vehicles, but it is less susceptible to interference from other vehicles due to its ability to generate unique transmit signals.

These technologies work together to provide drivers with an early warning system, increasing driving awareness and response time, ultimately enhancing safety on the road. While blind-spot monitoring systems are valuable, it's important to note that they don't replace the need for cautious driving, proper mirror usage, and checking blind spots manually.

Aftermarket blind-spot monitoring kits are available for older vehicles that lack built-in systems. These kits typically include sensors and indicators, with visual and audio alerts. Professional installation is recommended, but it is possible for experienced individuals to install them with the right tools and instructions.

They increase driving awareness and response time

Blind spot monitors are an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that can increase driving awareness and response time. They are designed to notify the driver of potential dangers in their blind spots, such as vehicles in adjacent lanes, and increase their response time by providing early warnings. This can help prevent accidents and increase the driver's confidence and safety.

The systems use sensors, usually radar, sonar, or lidar, to detect objects in the vehicle's blind spots. These sensors act as the eyes of the system, constantly monitoring areas that the driver may not be able to see directly. When an object is detected, the system triggers an indicator, typically a combination of visual LED lights and an audible alarm, to alert the driver of the potential hazard. This early warning gives the driver more time to respond and take action, such as braking or steering to avoid a collision.

The benefits of blind spot monitors are particularly noticeable in larger vehicles, where blind spots tend to be bigger and driving can be more stressful due to limited visibility. By providing additional coverage and early warnings, blind spot monitors can significantly improve driving awareness and response time, leading to safer driving.

Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems are available for vehicles that did not come with factory-installed monitors. These systems can be purchased from various retailers and are often universal, compatible with a wide range of vehicle models. Professional installation is recommended for these systems, but some drivers may choose to install them themselves with the help of instructions provided by the manufacturer.

They can be installed professionally or by the driver themselves

Blind spot monitors can be installed professionally or by the driver themselves. While professional installation is recommended, it is possible to install an aftermarket blind spot monitor yourself. This can be a fairly involved process, however, and having a kit installed by a professional will cost at least $200.

If you are considering installing a blind spot monitor yourself, you will need to have a few tools on hand and follow a series of steps. Firstly, place the measuring tape parallel to your vehicle's wheels and then take out the calibration cloth from your system, placing it behind the vehicle aligned with the measuring tape at a 90-degree angle. Next, use a level to draw a straight line on the rear bumper of your vehicle. This will help you to mark the correct position for the sensors.

After this, you will need to remove the rear bumper and, in some cases, the taillights. Clean the calibrating positions in the inner rear bumper with a cleaning cloth and rubbing alcohol. Place the magnets included in the system on the marked lines, playing around with the placement of the sensors until they are at the correct angle. Mark the spot inside the bumper where the magnet rests with a marker, then apply adhesive to the sensors and stick them in place.

Finally, mount the LED indicators inside your vehicle's cabin, ensuring they are placed where you can easily see them without taking your eyes off the road. Adjust the volume to a level that will alert you without being too loud or startling.

If you encounter any issues or have any questions during the installation process, it is recommended to reach out to a service center or a professional installer for assistance.

Frequently asked questions