Blind spot monitor sensor systems are diverse in features and technical specifications. Factory installed systems have many built-in premium features that help them stand out. But aftermarket monitors are now starting to compete with the firm’s standards.
Most aftermarket blind spot sensor firms provide customers extreme value at minimum rates. With increasing saturation in the market, the distinction in features elevates. Therefore, nowadays, you can get numerous features in a system and install some optional ones if you need them. Before getting into details of these functions separately, it is better for you to know what standard specifications an ideal blind spot monitor sensor system provides.
What Is A Perfect Blind Spot Monitor Sensor System?
Every blind spot system has the same specific function to detect obstacles and alert the driver. Yet, some high-end systems offer much more than that. The blind spots of every vehicle are not the same. So, the blind spot monitor sensor system is also specific according to cars. An ideal blind spot warning detection system monitors every blind spot of a vehicle with great precision.
As for the longer vehicles, the blind spot detection system must have a detection range greater than 50 meters. Otherwise, it will miss the moving objects that may cause unwanted collisions. Moreover, the extra features bring additional components with them. For that reason, the package of an ideal system contains an extensive list of components.
Ideal Blind Spot Monitor Kit:
The kit constituents directly impact the system’s efficiency. The quality of equipment decides the performance of the entire system. For instance, low-quality radar sensors decrease the detection accuracy and detection range. The blind spot monitor kit of an ideal system includes the following components.
● Millimeter Wave Radar Sensor:
It is the most vital part of the blind spot monitor sensor system as it directly impacts the detection range. The numbers of radars present in the package may differ. Some systems include a single radar for only one side. In comparison, some include two separate radars for each side. However, the blind spot sensor location of every radar inside the kit is specific.
● Indicator Lights:
Detection is the first step of the blind spot monitoring system working. After accurate detection, the digital algorithms direct the system to alert the drivers using indicator lights. Any light flashing indicates the obstacle warning on the vehicle’s respective side.
● Buzzer:
It is another component of the alert procedure of the blind spot monitor sensor system. Indicator lights are not enough for some drivers. So, the firms introduced a sound prompt buzzer that warns the driver and makes them conscious using a siren or sound. As for the placement, it is permanently installed inside the car on the dashboard.
● Wire Harnesses:
Vehicle based sensor systems are pretty specific in terms of wire harnesses. Every component has a similar wire harness that connects it with the main power supply. Some extra extension harnesses for longer vehicles help the driver link the power line and rear-facing blind spot monitor sensors.
● Double-Sided Stickers:
The primary purpose of the stickers is to attach the radars or light indicators to the surface. Before applying these, make sure the surface is dry and clean.
● Bracket For Radar:
Instead of stickers, some blind spot monitors have a bracket that helps to install the blind spot monitor sensor onto the vehicle. The material for bracket production is plastic as it does not block the microwaves. Using a bracket for attachment makes the radar firmer and steadier.
Standard Features Of An Ideal Blind Spot Monitor Sensor System
There are hundreds of sensor blind spot system options available in the market. Each has a specific set of functions that are absent in others. As for the ideal blind spot monitor sensor system, numerous features come inside the standard package. These are the ones that every driver must look for before buying a system.
BSD Blind Zone Warning:
The system’s most basic function is BSD, which detects objects vertically and horizontally. The horizontal detection range of an ideal system must be at least 4 meters. At the same time, the least limit for the vertical range is 10 meters.
The additional working requirements of the blind spot monitor sensor system may vary with the system type. Some monitors initiate the blind zone warning sequence whenever the engine ignites. However, some can work properly only after a specific speed limit. Any limit above 18 km/h is not suitable for the functionality of a blind spot system.
On top of that, some blind spot monitor sensor systems include a conditional status inside the feature. In this state, the algorithms initiate two different levels of alarm at two varying conditions. One alerting sequence is the first level in which only lights flash. The other one is the second level alert, in which a buzzer and light collectively alert the owner.
For instance, if the vehicle speed is greater than 10 km/h when the object enters the area, the blind spot monitor sensor system will initiate a first level alarm. But the turn signal must be off in this condition. In the second case, if the turn signal is on with the car speed above 10 km/h, the monitor will trigger a second level alert in case of detection.
Both these alerts will keep alarming the driver until the object leaves the area. Once the detection range is free of risk, the alarm will get canceled.
Rear-View Monitoring:
This feature works on highways and stationary vehicle monitoring. People often use it to reverse the car or park it in a tight spot. It uses unique transmission strategies of signals to measure the object’s distance before alarming the driver.
In almost every advanced vehicle, this feature is pre-installed by the car firm. If desired, the aftermarket blind spot monitor sensor system can also supply this function effectively in no time.
On highways, you may not consider it a useful feature; however, it would save you from a lot of trouble. Rear view monitoring will keep you aware of the approaching vehicles from the back and give you enough time to act accordingly.
The response rate to these systems may vary. Some blind spot monitor sensor systems can detect and alert the driver about approaching vehicles in less than a second. It gives you enough time to save yourself by moving out of the way.
LCA:
Lane change assist of the system helps the driver actively switch lanes with absolute safety. It is available in most blind spot detection sensor systems. However, its parameters of functioning may differ.
In this feature, the detection range changes with the change in vehicle speed. A decent blind spot monitor sensor system will have the following ranges for accurate detection.
- When the vehicle speed is 0 km/h, the detection range will be 4m horizontally and 10 meters vertically.
- When the vehicle speed is 18 km/h to 60 km/h, the detection range will be 15m to 20m longitudinally and 4m horizontally.
- If the vehicle speed exceeds 60 km/h, the detection range will jump up to 20m to 30m vertically. However, the horizontal range will stay the same.
If the speed keeps increasing from 18km/h to 60 km/h detection range will also increase gradually. The same is the case with 60 km/h conditions. A constant increase in relative speed will cause a constant upsurge in the active alarm range of the system.
Active Overtaking Alert:
This feature is functional only up to a specific speed limit. For some blind spot monitor sensor systems, it is 15 km/h, while some start at 18 km/h. The detection range also varies in it according to system types. An optimum blind spot detectors system will have a horizontal range of 4 meters and a longitudinal detection range of 10 meters.
It alarms the drivers about the vehicles in adjacent lanes when they are overtaking. Due to the alert, they refrain from switching back to the previous lane until the coast is clear. Same as BSD, it also has two different conditions with varying alarm levels.
If the vehicle is overtaking the other cars at speed greater than 10 km/h, the blind spot monitor sensor system will issue a first level alarm if there is any object in the detection area. The alarm will stay at the first level until the turn signal is off. Whenever the turn signal switches, the status of the alarm changes, and it transforms to a second level alert.
Optional Features Of A Blind Spot System:
The above detailed overview shows us that an ideal blind spot monitor sensor system will have specific features inside the standard package. Those were the functions one should always have on the road for safe transport as they ensure the safety of your vehicle and yourself.
In addition, there are some optional technical features that a driver may or may not choose for the vehicle. These functions bring extra benefits to the vehicle and help the driver to judge whether the object inside the area is a risk or not. Moreover, they provide extra safety to the vehicle and the driver.
● Camera Based Monitoring:
Radars are enough for your to monitor your blind spots. However, if you want to take the game up a notch, you may go for the camera based blind spot monitor sensor system. These monitors have built-in radars along with cameras that constantly monitor the road. Plus, the in-car installed screen portrays a live camera feed whenever needed.
Sometimes radars detect stationary objects inside the area that may or may not be a risk for the vehicle. The camera system helps you to look for yourself and decide whether the obstacle is a problem for you or not.
These blind spot monitor sensor systems are functional for reversing and rear view monitoring. However, one can use these for lateral view monitoring as well.
● 360 Degree Monitoring:
It is a special type of feature confined to distinct blind spot systems. The systems inside this category use radars or cameras to monitor 360 degree views of the vehicle. In general, there is no need for that as you only need the monitoring system for the blind spots. However, it can enhance your safety to some extent.
Furthermore, some blind spot monitor sensor systems use a single 360 degree view camera for observing the spots, which is not much efficient.
● Control Box Feature:
Most blind spot monitor aftermarket systems include this feature in their high-end monitor variants. It is a separate device that gives you extra control over your system, especially the alarm components. With its help, you can decrease or increase the brightness of indicator flashlights. Moreover, it can aid you in changing the volume of the buzzer sound.
● Parallel Parking Alert:
Unlike most features, this one start functioning at 0 km/h. The blind spot sensor for the car goes at the lateral and rear sides of a vehicle, which helps to park the car accurately. The radar sensors continuously emit waves that help it detect any stationary or moving object. As for the alert, the blind spot monitor sensor system uses indicator lights and buzzers for final warnings.
Another difference in the function is that it does not have a detection range as extensive as the others. During parking, the potential risks are around 4m to 10m distance; therefore, these radars have lower ranges.
Can You Add Premium Features Of A Pre-Installed System In Your Aftermarket Monitor?
Pre-installed blind spot monitor sensor systems come with some serious befitting perks. The firms try their best to achieve the maximum level of supremacy in customer satisfaction. So, these systems are loaded with extra features. For instance, factory installed systems have a pre-drive testing procedure that tests your system and alerts you in case of any error. It helps you to save yourself from any hazardous error before getting on the road. This feature is available in very few aftermarket blind spot monitor sensor systems.
Adding these features inside your aftermarket blind spot system is possible to some extent. You can add the missing features like cameras, screens, extra radars, and lights. However, it is impossible to add digital algorithmic features like BSD, AOA, and RCW (reverse collision warning). The only possible way to get your desired feature is to find an aftermarket blind spot sensor system with suitable functions and install it on the vehicle.
Are The Premium Features Obligatory For Every Driver?
Premium features bring unique benefits with themselves. So, everyone desires to have them in their car. But they aren’t much of a necessity for the drivers. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to protect yourself on the road, you won’t need these exaggerated features.
If you have additional features, they will surely make you safe. But these features are not included in the must-have list of system functions. If you are the person who prefers extra safety, then these are for you. Other than that, there is no particular need for optional features.
Is The Ideal Blind Spot System Worth The Extra Cash With All Its Optional Features?
A blind spot monitor sensor system has some standard functions that come inside the package within the price. But some firms provide you with your desired additional features if you pay extra.
Not every driver needs the optional features. These are obligatory for some, whereas an additional function to others. Commercial truck drivers need systems that have a massive blind spot detection range. However, you can compromise on the range comparatively if you have a small vehicle.
Same as that, not everyone needs extra 360-degree camera vision. If you think radar cannot precisely monitor your surroundings, you can go for full view monitoring. Otherwise, stick to the spots that really need the active detection service.
Long story short, if you are not hesitant to pay extra cash to increase your safety game, the optional features are for you. Apart from that, it would be an extra investment. For that reason, we can say that car blind spot sensor systems with optional features justify the extra cash to some extent.
Conclusion:
Every blind spot monitoring system comes with a set of particular functions. These traits help it distinguish itself from others. The more features a blind spot monitor sensor system has, the better safety it will provide the vehicle. Better quality features tend to increase customer satisfaction.
Remember that a greater number of features will elevate the blind spot system price. Plus, it is not must-have equipment for every driver. So, it is better to compare the system features with your vehicle to judge whether you need it or not. Before buying the blind spot system, ensure the service provider is a credible firm. Try to avoid startup aftermarket blind spot firms as they scam people with ludicrous words and bad-quality blind spot monitor sensor systems.
