Toyota BSM | Blind Spot Monitors
Toyota BSM, Blind Spot Monitors use radar to detect hidden vehicles within your blind spot, providing a visual warning that helps drivers change lanes safely. This is one feature I make sure to mention to the customer if it’s on the vehicle. Even if it’s unimportant to them, who doesn’t want to feel safe in a car they want to purchase?
When it comes to driving safety, having an extra set of eyes on the road can make all the difference. That’s where Blind Spot Monitors (BSM) come into play. In addition to advanced safety features like the Star Safety System™ and Toyota Safety Sense™3.0, many Toyota models are equipped with Blind Spot Monitors (BSM) to provide drivers with added confidence and awareness on the road. Let’s dive into what Blind Spot Monitors exactly are and how they work to enhance safety during everyday driving.
Table of Contents
Overview of Toyota Blind Spot Monitors
Blind Spot Monitors (BSM) are a key safety feature available in numerous Toyota vehicles, designed to assist drivers in detecting vehicles that may be lurking in their blind spots. These blind spots, often located behind the vehicle’s C-pillar, can be difficult to spot using just the side and rearview mirrors. BSM utilizes radar sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect vehicles in these blind spots. When a vehicle is detected, BSM illuminates a warning indicator on the appropriate sideview mirror, alerting the driver to the potential danger.
BSM doesn’t stop there. If the driver activates the turn signal despite the visual warning, the mirror indicator will flash, providing an additional alert to the driver. This feature is particularly useful when changing lanes on the highway or navigating through crowded parking lots.
Enabling and disabling BSM is a breeze in most Toyota vehicles. Through the vehicle’s Multi-Information Display (MID), drivers can easily access the settings menu and toggle the BSM feature on or off. However, it’s worth noting that on some models, BSM and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) cannot be individually enabled or disabled. In such cases, a dedicated physical button on the dashboard may be used to control the BSM system.
How to Activate Toyota BSM
> 1. Ensure the vehicle is on. (it doesn’t have to be running)
> 2. Locate the Multi-Information Display (MID) screen on the dashboard. This is typically located in the center of the instrument cluster.
> 3. Use the controls on the steering wheel to navigate to the Settings menu on the MID screen. This may be labeled as “Settings,” “Vehicle Settings,” or something similar.
> 4. Once in the Settings menu, look for the option related to Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) settings. This could be listed under a submenu such as “Safety” or “Driver Assistance.”
> 5. Select the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) option to access its settings.
> 6. Depending on your vehicle model, you may have the option to toggle the BSM feature on or off directly from this menu. Use the controls to select the desired setting.
> 7. If the BSM feature cannot be individually enabled or disabled in your vehicle, check if there is a dedicated physical button on the dashboard labeled “BSM” or “Blind Spot Monitor.” Press this button to activate or deactivate the BSM system.
> 8. Once activated, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system will start working immediately, using radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and alerting you with visual warnings on the sideview mirrors.
> 9. Confirm that the BSM system is active by checking for the illuminated BSM indicator on the side-view mirrors. This indicator will illuminate whenever a vehicle is detected in your blind spot.
> 10. You’re all set! With the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system activated. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing Toyota has your back.
Key Features of Toyota BSM
1. Radar Sensors: Blind spot monitors use radar sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the vehicle’s blind spots.
2. Visual Warnings: When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system illuminates a warning indicator on the appropriate sideview mirror, alerting the driver to the potential danger.
3. Flash Alert: If the driver activates the turn signal despite the visual warning, the mirror indicator will flash, providing an additional alert to the driver.
4. Activation Speed: Blind spot monitor functionality is available when surrounding vehicles are traveling at speeds above 10 mph.
5. Integration with Other Systems: Blind Spot Monitors may integrate with other safety systems in the vehicle, such as the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) system, to provide comprehensive coverage and assistance while driving.
6. Customizable Settings: In most Toyota vehicles, the blind spot monitor system can be enabled and disabled through the vehicle’s Multi-Information Display (MID) or a dedicated physical button on the dashboard.
7. Enhanced Safety: By providing drivers with awareness of vehicles in their blind spots, blind spot monitors help enhance safety on the road, reducing the risk of collisions during lane changes and maneuvers.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Now standard across the lineup are Blind Spot Monitors (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) for a safer, more convenient driving experience. New Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) facilitates stop-and-go driving on congested roads by controlling acceleration, braking, and steering within a speed range of 0 to 25 mph. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is an advanced suite of safety features designed to keep drivers and passengers safer on the road. These innovative technologies help avoid accidents altogether. Here is a list of components within the suite:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS): Detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, providing warnings and emergency braking if needed.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): Warns drivers of unintentional lane departure and may provide corrective steering.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed accordingly.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane using lane markers and preceding vehicles.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): Detects and displays road signs to enhance driver awareness.
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): Provides braking or steering support to maintain distance and stay in lane.
Recap of Toyota Blind Spot Monitors
In conclusion, blind spot monitors are a crucial safety feature in Toyota vehicles, providing drivers with added confidence and awareness on the road. With radar sensors detecting vehicles in blind spots and visual warnings alerting drivers, these systems enhance safety during lane changes and maneuvers.
Next week, I dive into Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and how it works in conjunction with Blind Spot Monitors to further enhance safety on the road. Until then, drive safe, and keep it under a hundred. (mph lol)
Frequently Asked Questions
A blind spot monitor (BSM) is a safety feature that uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots.
Blind spot monitors emit radar signals to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. When a car is detected in the blind spot, the system alerts the driver with visual warnings, typically on the sideview mirrors.
Blind spot monitor functionality is typically available when surrounding vehicles are traveling at speeds above 10 mph.
Yes, in most Toyota vehicles, the blind spot monitor system can be enabled and disabled through the vehicle’s Multi-Information Display (MID) or with a dedicated physical button on the dashboard.
If the turn signal is activated despite the visual warning from the blind spot monitor, the mirror indicator will flash, providing an additional alert to the driver.
Blind spot monitor functionality is typically available when surrounding vehicles are traveling at speeds above 10 mph. However, the system may not detect vehicles that are stationary or moving at very low speeds.
While blind spot monitors can significantly reduce the risk of collisions during lane changes and maneuvers, they are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with proper mirror checks and safe driving practices.
Note: Always refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for more detailed information about your specific vehicle. Safe driving practices should always be followed. For more details, contact your local Toyota Dealer or visit Toyota.com.
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
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