Intro
Do you have a car with a blind spot monitor but still do not feel safe? With the increase of technology, vehicles are becoming advanced day by day. Cars have been evolving since the first car was invented. Safety is the main concern when talking about driving, even after the invention of blind spot monitoring systems. Cars have been provided with extra equipment to increase safety. But like all other machines and gadgets, this system can also have errors.
Here in this article, we will discuss some common problems in cars with the blind spot monitoring system. So, you are fully prepared for it beforehand. Also, we will tell you some easy ways to solve the problems.
What Are The Common Problems In Cars With Blind Spot Monitoring Systems?
Blind spot monitoring system is basically a system for protecting a car and driver from any crash or accident. So, does it mean you can fully rely on it? To be honest, no. Blind spot monitors are gadgets useful to detect the surrounding vehicles. These will only notify you about the surrounding cars; the action is on you.
Also, these are simple gadgets that can have errors anytime. It may be a technical or calibration issue, but it’s worth noting before it is too late. So, we have enlisted some common problems of blind spot detection systems. Make sure you understand the system before using it.
Common Problems In Cars With Blind Spot Monitor
Cars with blind spot monitors may have some issues sometimes. It can result in a malfunction at critical times, like driving in heavy traffic. So, it’s vital to know these problems beforehand. Here are the most common issues found in blind spot monitoring systems.
Stops Working Randomly
A few technical snags can appear in cars with blind spot monitors every now and then, the same as any other reliable electronic device. The reason may be an internal wire, or your blind spot monitor may have gotten old.
So, imagine a situation where you are driving a car on a busy road, and you know that the blind spot monitor beeps, but you don’t know where the vehicle is coming from. It is a common malfunction where the system fails to illuminate the light or indicates at the wrong side. This issue in blind spot monitoring can cause damage. You can get confused and might meet with an accident.
Issues With The Speed Limit
It is crucial to realize that the blind spot monitor enhances driver visibility for the system to accurately gauge the speed of vehicles around the driver. If the speed of your car is low, then the system may not detect the vehicle. It is in the case when speed is too low, like 20 mph. However, it is not an error; still worth noting.
Failure Of Sensor
Just like human beings, machines also have life spans. The machinery works by the combination of different parts. Likewise, cars with blind spot monitors have several parts working together to detect vehicles. Sometimes, radars fail to see the surrounding objects. It can be a wiring problem or the wrong placement of radar sensors. In any case, it is wise to contact an expert and have a quick checkup.
Loose Sensors
Another possibility is that your sensors are not properly installed. They risk shorting out if they are not correctly fastened. The blind spot monitoring system will then stop functioning. It is not good for you since you can’t count on your system to function in an emergency. So, always seek professional help to install the radar sensors. Or follow our step-by-step guide to understand proper installation.
Electrical Problem
An electrical malfunction is the final potential problem affecting cars with blind spot monitoring systems. Modern automobiles require a functional electrical system. You might not know how to reset it if there is a problem or if any fuse is loose. If so, you’ll need to seek the help of a nearby repair or workshop. Electrical problems are a little complex, so aim for professional help in this case.
What are the solutions?
For most problems, it is wise to ask for professional assistance. However, you can try it first for yourself to save repair costs. Sometimes, these simple solutions turn out to be a remedy. So, here are some ways through which you can try to solve blind spot detection systems.
Calibration
The term “calibration” is now often used in the collision industry. Understanding what it means is crucial. It is an excellent solution to several problems. Calibration is simply setting everything according to your car and road. You instruct the radar sensors on where to look and where they are in reference to the vehicle during calibration. In this manner, the car’s internal computers reprogram all cameras and sensors to function correctly, following the new needs of the vehicle.
Blind spot monitoring system sensors must be calibrated as a result of damage. The manufacturer has various specifications and repair procedures for it. To ensure that the systems continue to function effectively even when there are disturbances, all ADAS must be appropriately calibrated.
Calibration is done in two ways:
- Static Calibration
- Dynamic Calibration
Static calibration
This kind of calibration takes place inside the site where the car is parked. You must first locate the thrust line and position the vehicle in front of the monitoring gadgets. All tools use a set of targets that the car’s sensor reads in order to recalibrate accurately. But it’s crucial to have the correct height and distance between the targets. According to the requirements, you must also consider several additional factors. Even though the ADAS tools have unique setup procedures, accuracy during this stage is crucial for reliable outcomes.
Dynamic calibration
The dynamic calibration in cars with blind spot monitors is done on the road. It’s because most sensors function while you’re driving. Dynamic calibrations initially begin at the shop, where the testing methods assist in identifying disruptive blind spot monitoring features. Depending on what system you are calibrating, you will proceed to the dynamic calibration process after this. This action will assist in finishing the calibration procedure. As the automobile will be moving, the system can be precisely reset, preventing any problems with the car’s safety.
Requirements For the Calibration
These are some parameters important to perform a good calibration of the blind spot monitoring system.
- The space you select must be 15 meters in length and 10 meters in width. It is according to the car’s size and the floor space to perform the process of static calibration.
- The floor must be smooth and even. It will keep the reflexes of the vehicle arrayed and prevent errors.
- Keep the lighting even too. Lighting is essential for the sensor’s activity. The minor changes in the light, like reflection, can affect the sensor too.
- You should also keep shadows and reflections in mind while performing the calibration. Select a place where the walls are the same and dark in color to help the confused sensors.
It is challenging to perform calibration on your own. In cars with blind spot monitoring systems, experienced experts and cutting-edge technology are crucial if there’s any problem in the system working. In order to avoid any displacement, getting professional help looks more practical for the car’s good working and safety.
Fixing The Blind Spot Monitoring System
Calibration is fine if there is a minor collision that doesn’t do much harm. But when cars with blind spot monitoring systems show big damages, it is time to replace the system. Many companies in the market offer these devices. They also have a user manual along with them, but it is better to seek an expert’s help if you can’t get what’s explained in the manual.
Following are some steps that you can use to replace the monitoring system to fix the errors.
- Keep the calibration cloth and measuring tape perpendicular to each other. The calibration cloth is present in your system. The tape’s direction should be aligned with your car’s tire.
- On the vehicle’s back bumper, draw a straight line. You can precisely accomplish this by positioning it equal to your car using a level. Remember that the level and the calibration cloth should line up.
- Putt off the taillights and the rear bumper
- Utilize a clean cloth to wipe out the inner rear bumper’s calibration settings.
- Place the magnets that came with the system, positioning one inside the bumper and the other outside the shield. They would therefore be attracted to one another. They ought to be at about a 20-degree angle to the bumper of your car.
- Point out the spot where the magnets rest.
- Using adhesive tape, stick the sensor inside the bumper.
- Put the LED indicators where you can see them readily within your car’s interior. Some kits include suggestions for placement based on the system.
- As you don’t want to be disturbed when it activates, test the system and loudness. So it’s vital to adjust.
Resetting The Blind Spot Monitoring System
Many users opt to reset the blind spot monitor in order to ensure accurate operation. Here are some simple steps to reset blind spot monitoring systems.
Check The Operation
See whether the blind spot monitor detects the surrounding objects. If no, try to increase the speed because some systems have speed limitations. They get active after your car reaches a certain speed. The speed limitations are usually mentioned in the operation manuals provided with the systems.
However, if the system was not detecting objects after checking the speed limit, then ask for professional help. It indicates towards a wiring problem. Therefore, it is suggested to hire a professional for installation.
Disconnect The Car’s Battery
One of the quickest and simplest ways to restart the blind spot monitor device is to disconnect the battery. Of course, the reset option is also available on this display. In any case, removing the battery will totally reset the system.
For restarting other components, this specific process is most frequently employed. The car must be powered off before the battery can be disconnected.
Plus, it is strongly advised that the user have specific safety components, including gloves, for this operation. Simply unplugging the negative and positive terminals on the vehicle battery’s top will do the trick.
Reconnecting The Battery
After a few minutes, the battery must finally be plugged in. Turn on the car and the blind spot monitor as soon as the battery is connected. The blind spot monitoring system may sometimes need to be patient for a few minutes. It is due to the system’s need for time during some initialization and configuring processes.
Some Drawbacks To Blind Spot Car Detection System
Apart from the issues that can arise, this system also has some drawbacks or flaws that it comes with. Some of them are the following.
Visual Warning Light
The visible warning light is yet another possible downside in cars with blind spot monitoring systems. Some automobiles have a light in the side-view mirror that serves as the visual signal. A driver can have trouble seeing the little light symbol. Bright lights and other environmental factors could make it extra harder to see the light. The visual warning signal on other car models is a bigger light mounted in a better viewing area, like side-mirror mounts or windscreen pillars. Drivers may more easily be warned of potential threats thanks to the bigger, better-located signals, regardless of environmental factors like lighting.
Audible Alerts
As was already indicated, audible alerts frequently only go off after the driver has signaled a turn in cars with blind spot detection systems. This automatic intervention has the disadvantage that drivers usually do not use turn signals. Because many drivers fail to use their turn signals, which would activate the warning signal itself, hidden threats cannot be loudly signaled to them.
The reliability of blind spot monitoring system
Using technology to make a better way to live life is a perfect approach. The same is the case with cars with blind spot monitoring systems. They work with a system of sensors and radars, but this is just technology that can have errors. Nobody cares about you the way you care about yourself. That’s why you do not fully rely on your blind spot monitors. Even if they are working you should always be mindful of other cars when changing lanes.
It has been discovered that cars with blind spot monitor systems have fewer accidents. As reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Loss Data Institute, have reduced lane-change crashes by 14% and those that resulted in injuries by nearly 25% decrease.
What Is The Cost Of The Whole Fixing Process?
Undoubtedly, installing driver-helping systems equipment like blind-spot monitors can be pricey. These days, even the cost of repairs has increased. The manufacturers’ expenses for research and development are the leading cause of this. To cover the losses, the cars with blind spot monitoring system owners have to pay heavy amounts to fix the errors.
These systems can cost twice as much to fix after a minor crash. The pricey sensors and their strict calibration needs are the main causes. These safety elements, which are frequently disregarded, are found in vulnerable areas of the car, including the bumpers, rear sides, and side mirrors.
According to a different study, the average cost of fixing the rear radar sensor might range from $850 to $2,050. The front radar sensors, meanwhile, can cost anywhere between $900 to $1,300. The front or rear parking assist system ultrasonic sensors can be fixed for $500 to $1,300. In comparison, replacing windshields without cameras can cost as much as $1,500.
Luxury vehicles typically have a blind spot detection system. Although these systems are thought to make cars more inexpensive, developing and installing them costs money for the auto industry. Because not all vehicles are equipped with this system, installing additional blind spot system equipment is necessary.
Safety is still critical. Although repairing this delicate system can cost hundreds of dollars, it is getting cheaper with time. Within a few years, it is expected that every car will have access to this technology as an essential but reasonably priced alternative.
Conclusion
Blind spot monitoring is a beneficial system to help you drive safely. They give excellent reliability to the people who love to take long drives all over the city. However, they can have issues. Their solution is possible if you know the proper cause or seek professional help.
The fixes come with simple resetting and whole calibration processes that can only be done in workshops. You have also read that some natural flaws exist in cars with blind spot monitoring. Ultimately, we recommend you be mindful of the cause of the issue and fix it accordingly. Also, always be careful even if your system is working well.
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