Tesla is known for its innovative and advanced features that make driving safer and more enjoyable. One of these features is the blind spot monitoring system, which helps drivers avoid collisions when changing lanes or making turns.
Quick Glance:
- Tesla’s blind spot monitoring system uses ultrasonic sensors and cameras to display alerts on the screen’s left side.
- Some models shifted to Tesla Vision by removing radar in 2021-2022.
- Tesla’s system provides a 360-degree view and alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spot.
- A Blind Spot Camera was added in a 2021 update.
- The system enhances safety, convenience, and confidence for drivers and complements other Tesla features like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving.
Ultrasonic sensors cost $20 to $100, while repeater cameras may have cost up to $500 but are now typically covered under warranty.
In this article, we will explain how Tesla’s blind spot monitoring system works, what its benefits are, how to use it effectively, and many more.
What is Tesla Blind Spot Monitoring?
Tesla’s blind spot monitoring system uses Ultrasonic sensors and cameras located throughout the car. The sensors are positioned around the car’s perimeter. Repeater cameras are installed throughout the Tesla.
Traditionally, cars use lights on the mirror to indicate another vehicle at the blind spot. However, Tesla’s blind spot surveillance system displays all alerts on the screen’s left side.
In 2021, Tesla started the shift towards Tesla Vision by removing the radar from the Model 3 and Model Y. This was later followed by the Model S and Model X in 2022.
How Does Tesla’s Blind Spot Monitoring System Work?
Blind spot monitoring systems on Tesla vehicles provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle. This perspective is depicted on screen.
However, Tesla, manufactured between 2016 to 2021, is equipped with ultrasonic sensors located throughout the vehicle. The sensors are positioned around the perimeter of the vehicle.
Also, Tesla vehicles have blind spot assist lighting on the side mirrors. However, they also employ a distinct but practicable method to conceal Tesla’s blind spot.
Here’s how Tesla blind spot monitoring function:
- While driving, the main touchscreen will display in red any vehicles presently in your blind spot.
- If you want to change lanes and activate your turn signal, an audible warning will alert you to vehicles in your blind area.
- Tesla’s Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance option automatically steers the vehicle back into its original lane to avoid a collision.
- Additionally, with the 2021 holiday update, Tesla made the Blind Spot Camera standard on all Tesla vehicles. Now, when you indicate a lane change, a tiny box displays a camera angle of your vehicle’s blind spot on the primary touch screen.
- The Blind Spot Camera knows whether to display the right or left side based on the selected signal.
What Are The Benefits Of Tesla Blind Spot Monitoring System?
Tesla’s blind spot monitoring system has several benefits for drivers, such as:
- It increases safety by reducing the risk of lane change accidents.
- It enhances convenience by allowing drivers to check their blind spots without the assistance of mirrors via the car’s cameras and central display screen.
- It improves confidence by giving drivers more information and control over their surroundings.
- It complements Tesla’s other features, such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, which rely on sensors and cameras to navigate traffic.
How to use Tesla Blind Spot Monitoring System Effectively?
To use Tesla’s blind spot monitoring system effectively, drivers should follow these tips:
- Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before changing lanes or making turns, even if the system does not alert you of any vehicles or objects in your blind spots. The system is not infallible and may not detect everything.
- Adjust your settings according to your preferences and driving conditions. You can turn on or off the Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance feature. To do that:
- Go to the Controls.
- Then select Autopilot.
- Then turn on or off Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance.
You can also turn on or off the Automatic Blind Spot Camera feature. To do that:
- Go to the Controls.
- Then go to Autopilot.
- Turn on or off Automatic Blind Spot Camera.
- Keep your sensors and cameras clean and clear of any dirt, snow, ice, or debris that may interfere with their performance.
- Be aware of the system’s limitations. The system may perform poorly in adverse conditions, limited light, high speeds, or complex traffic situations. Motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and stationary objects may not be detected by the system.
Related Post: Does Tesla Have Blind Spot Warning? Everything You Need to Know
What is Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance?
Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance is a feature that guides a Tesla car back into its lane if it senses that the car is leaving its lane and a crash is about to happen or if the car is close to the edge of the road.
This feature is designed to prevent accidents caused by unintentional lane departures or drifting. Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance operates when driving between 40 and 90 mph (64 and 145 km/h) on roads with clearly visible lane markings.
The Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance feature is automatically activated at the start of each drive but can be deactivated for a single drive.
What is the Replacement Cost of the Ultrasonic Sensor and Repeater Camera in Tesla?
The price for replacing a parking sensor in your Tesla may vary. However, Ultrasonic sensors usually cost between $20 to $100.
On the other hand, Tesla might charge customers around $400 to $500 for replacements of repeater cameras, which are part of the blind spot monitoring system. However, Tesla has changed their policy, and they are now fixing these cameras free of charge under warranty.
Note: The price may differ depending on complexity, place, model, etc. It is recommended to contact a Tesla service center for more up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Does Tesla have a blind spot warning?
Yes, the main touch screen will display red cars in your blind spot as you drive. When changing lanes and turning on your signal, an audio warning alerts you to cars in your blind spot.
Can I configure a Blind Spot Chime on my Tesla?
Yes, a ‘Blind Spot Chime’ can be configured so that it is not necessary to glance at the touchscreen to determine if a vehicle is in a blind spot.
What is Tesla Vision?
Tesla Vision is Tesla’s camera-based Autopilot system that relies on cameras instead of radar or ultrasonic sensors to provide Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, FSD capability, and active safety features.
Are there any limitations to Tesla’s blind spot monitoring system?
Yes, for a short period of time during the transition to Tesla Vision, some features such as Park Assist, Auto Park, Summon, and Smart Summon may be temporarily limited or inactive on Tesla Vision vehicles that are not equipped with ultrasonic sensors.
Read More: Do All Tesla’s Have Autopilot? [Explain]
