Car lovers like to keep old and vintage cars. Obviously, in this modern world, the old vehicles are what show and remind us of the beauty of the ancient vintage world. But unfortunately, one does not feel completely safe while driving them.
Whether it is a developing country or a developed one, the roads and streets are filled with heavy traffic. The old cars can’t compete with new vehicles’ security and hazard detection systems. You can feel this if you are someone who has a beautiful old car but does not show it off to the world due to heavy traffic.
In this article, we will tell you about retrofit blind spot monitor systems so you can make your old cars reliable too. So, let’s dive into it.
What is a retrofit blind spot monitoring system?
Retrofit blind spot monitor prevents you from accidents in traffic. It alerts you about blind spots or threats that are not visible to you. When you change lanes or turn, you might not see the other vehicles and do it abruptly, but this is a critical time. You might get a severe injury. So to be safe in these times, you can retrofit an aftermarket blind spot detection system in your vehicle.
When you give turn signals, this radar technology detects moving objects. As a result, the system provides both audible and visual alerts. The blind spot monitor retrofit comes in the form of a kit.
Following are some of its characteristics:
- Visual and audible arts
- LED indicators fitted to A-pillar
- No drilling of bumpers for installation. Installed in the right and left corners of the rear bumper
- You can use it in sizes in conjunction with the most rear bumpers
They come in the form of a blind spot monitor kit. Since it is not a built-in system, it keeps upgrading. Different companies offer customized aftermarket blind spot detection systems.
Sensor
Sensors are the eyes of retrofit blind spot monitoring systems. It is made up of different technologies to keep an eye on the threats for you. The most common technologies are lidar, radar, and sonar. Their function is to sense the surrounding vehicles and give alerts.
Sensors are present on the sides and the back at an angle, so it covers all blind spots of the vehicle. More precisely, detecting the obstacle sensors also measures the distance from them. They can detect up to three meters.
Some vehicles have cameras mounted in the side mirrors that provide data to a computer. When something comes into the sensor’s field of view while you’re moving at a certain speed, the sensor activates the indicator. Since you must watch both sides of the car, you will require two sensors to run the system properly.
Indicator
The indicator is just as crucial as the sensor since, without it, you will not know whether the sensor picked up a hazard. Although indicators can take many shapes, most aftermarket kits have an alarm and visible LED lights that alert you. Additionally, you might be able to adjust the alarm’s volume.
The best systems contain a sensor that creates a beam that bounces back when it hits the side of another vehicle. You get a warning when any beam rebounds to the system, alerting you to the danger. Remember that having a check on your blind spots and using your mirrors is still necessary even with the most reliable retrofit blind spot monitoring system. Use the monitoring system as an additional helpful feature while maintaining your cautious driving habits.
Speakers
Last but not least, the package also includes a speaker. It makes an audible tone whenever an object is detected in your blind zone when you are trying to turn or change lanes (while your turn signals are engaged).
Importance of retrofit blind spot monitoring system in old cars
Blind spot detection retrofit can be significant for old vehicles. The old cars that do not have any mechanism for driver protection have higher risks of catching accidents. So, you should retrofit the blind spot monitoring system.
The retrofit blind spot monitor is a new invention. The companies altered the perceptions of average drivers as soon as they joined the vehicle business. These systems actively detect dangerous approaching objects as a piece of aid equipment and warn the driver.
A driver cannot keep an eye on the entire road. The car’s structure and design restrict the driver’s field of vision. The owner of an old vehicle is seated inside a non-transparent vehicle structure and is operating the vehicle. The vehicle’s intricately sculpted contours obscure several regions from the driver’s view. The blind spot mechanism steps in to address the issue at hand.
No matter how skilled a motorist becomes, comprehensive road monitoring is never possible. The only solution that can assist in reducing errors is an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system. Also, the specific side view mirrors with blind spots somewhat address the issue. However, they will never be as effective as the whole system.
In today’s world, technology is constantly evolving. A retrofit blind spot detection system has been available in the aftermarket for a few years. They continue to develop with each passing year. The companies release a new function each year that makes collision detection even more necessary.
It can provide you with the following benefits.
- Increase driving awareness: you can watch all four sides around your vehicle with the help of mirrors and windows. But still, there are blind spots that are invisible to the eyes. This system provides awareness about all that spots and protects you.
- Alerts about larger vehicles: A blind spot monitor helps you avoid hitting another car traveling in the same direction. It also reduces the risk of hitting a car in the next lane by monitoring the space around your vehicle.
- Makes you responsive: The blind spot monitoring system is much faster than your manual detection of dangers through the windows. It gives you a better sense of responding to situations like speed breakers or turning the car.
Installation of The Retrofit Blind Spot Monitoring System
Old cars usually do not have any threat detecting system, but still, you can do blind spot monitoring retrofit. One thing you should keep in mind is that factory-installed blind spot detection systems are always better than retrofits. Still, you can add them to the old cars. This way, you can incorporate the technology that the old vehicles lack. You can feel safe in your car with better response time and increased awareness and can drive in peace.
There are also universal blind spot monitor systems that fit into many vehicles regardless of their models or capacities. Also, as we mentioned before, there are different types of kits.
We would always recommend that you should take help from a professional, but when you have to do it yourself, you can:
- Arrange the measuring tape equal to the wheels of your car. Place the calibration cloth behind the vehicle after removing it from your system. Make sure it is 90 degrees apart from the measuring tape.
- Please pick up a level, and rest it up against the car. It must also line up with the calibration cloth. Make a straight line with a marker on the car’s back bumper.
- Take off the back bumper. The taillights may also need to be removed.
- The calibrating places in the inner rear bumper should be cleaned with a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol.
- Place one of the two system-supplied magnets on the outside of the car along the lines you highlighted. Put one inside the other so they are drawn to one another. Don’t be scared to experiment with the sensor positioning. They have to be angled away from the bumper of your car at about a 20-degree angle.
- Mark the location where the magnet lies within the bumper with the marker.
- Cover the sensors in glue before being attached to the interior of the bumper.
- Install the LED indicators inside the interior of your car. It would be best to put them n a location where you can see them without taking your eyes away from the road. For specific kits, placement suggestions for the indicators are included.
- Volume is changeable. Make sure the system is working correctly by testing the book. When it activates, you don’t want to get uncomfortable.
If your vehicle has a metal body, we suggest utilizing the Metal Plate or intelligent battery pack. They both offer free wiring and plug-and-play functionality. Use the provided metal plate and 3M tape if your car is made of another material. Also, please wipe the vehicle’s surface before attaching the metal plate.
Difference between in-built and aftermarket blind spot detection system
The in-built blind spot detection system has factory-designed parts. They are already present in the car, while the aftermarket blind spot detection system is installed later. The in-built system is more reliable and usually higher in price as compared to the aftermarket system. Also, the in-built system is not present in the old cars. Therefore, people call it factory designed.
Repairing the in-built blind spot detection system is also higher in cost compared to the aftermarket. Aftermarket blind spot detection systems can be installed in any car. Its repair is also easy. Plus, it is cheaper in terms of cost.
Different features of aftermarket blind spot monitoring system
The aftermarket retrofit blind spot detection system has different features. Some can have many parts, and some can have minor components. Here are some of their standard features:
Lane Changing Assist
This feature, frequently referred to as LCA, aids the driver in safely changing lanes while on the highway. Side mirrors are inadequate to monitor side lanes because of the blind areas. To see the surrounding roads before completely changing lanes, one needs a blind spot system.
Longer automobiles with more blind spots need the usage of a retrofit blind spot monitor. It dramatically helps the driver by removing the burden of worry from their shoulders. In most cars, it doesn’t start working until you pass a specific speed restriction, like 16 miles in an hour.
Rearview Blind Spot Detection
It is a simple but crucial component that protects the car from rear crashes. This approach is typically helpful for parking a car. It can alert you if the vehicles are coming in your direction when backing up.
Only retrofit blind-spot monitors with microwave radar at the back of the car can use the rearview BSD feature. In contrast to LCA, this feature’s technology begins recognizing the objects as soon as the vehicle is changed to reverse gear. As a result, the system will start warning you if anything blocks your path while going reverse.
Early Collision Detection
This feature enables the system to detect the hazard and alert the driver more quickly. There are typically two early warning settings on car blind spot systems. These two modes have different detection zones and speed limits.
The alarm mechanism is activated early for collision avoidance. Early notification of the drivers allows them to react to the situation and prevents potential collisions. This feature significantly lowers the rate of unwanted collisions.
Range of Detection
It is also an essential feature of a blind spot detection system. It is defined as the distance up to which the system can detect any hazard. We are aware that different millimeter-wave radar systems have various frequency bands. The detection range likewise alters as a result of such variation. The quality of radar also varies in the area of detection.
The device’s detection range is also affected by any obstructions in its path. Because metal bumpers restrict the functional alarm area of most radars, they only function with plastic bumpers.
The intended detection range is a requirement for aftermarket blind spot monitoring devices to be considered cost-effective. Also, a larger detection area is needed for longer vehicles. The optimum blind spot monitor has lateral side detection ranges of 10 to 15 meters and rear side detection ranges of 35 to 50 meters.
Choosing an Aftermarket Blind Spot Monitor
Another brilliant feature of this collision detection system is that they are weather resistant. But there are also some parameters that you should consider while buying the aftermarket blind spot monitor kit. Here are some of them:
Blind Spot Sensor Accuracy
The accuracy of the blind spot sensors is one feature that differs somewhat among different systems. The accuracy of a blind spot detection system essentially refers to how well the sensors can disregard false alarms (items that don’t represent a hazard) while still noticing everything else. High-quality blind spot sensors always provide superior accuracy. Lowering the false alarm rates is possible by the use of sophisticated algorithms. They can effectively distinguish between false and positive alarms.
The Ease of Installation
The installation process depends on the kits. You can install indicators and sensors easily with the help of some fasteners and drill bits present in the kit. We recommend professional installment. But if you buy to install it yourself, you must purchase an easy one. Make sure you follow the installation manual strictly. Otherwise, the system can malfunction at critical times.
Expenses for blind spot monitor retrofit
We have discussed all aspects of this collision avoidance and detection system. Now everyone wants to know how much it costs to install a blind spot monitoring system. It depends on the type you use. It is expensive if you install it for larger vehicles such as buses and trucks. But one should not think much if he is spending for the safety of life. Another good thing after retrofitting blind spot monitors is that this system is cheaper than the built-in system.
The most affordable blind spot monitor kit is the one that costs $250. But for the low price, the quality is not good too. For example, the indicators and sensors are not much good quality. They are too basic. One also has to make compromise the accuracy and functionality of this system.
Then comes the mid-range of $250 to $500. It has comparatively better quality and functionality. These blind spot monitors still are lesser accurate than the built-in detection systems. The highest quality blind spot monitoring systems start from $500. These systems have the best accuracy and dependability. The internal control uses advanced controller programming to lower the false alarms. This blind spot monitor kit is better than all.
Conclusion
The retrofit blind spot monitor is a great option. If you have an old car or your car does not have any collision avoidance system. There are plenty of options available in the market, and you can choose what suits your vehicle. We have also told you how to select the best one for you.
Retrofit blind spot detection system is indeed beneficial for cars. It is a universal rule that you have to pay more to buy high quality. Installing blind spot detection in your car is once in a while thing. One should choose this retrofit blind spot monitor kit carefully and not compromise on security.
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