How do I know if my car has a blind-spot warning?
Most modern cars equipped with blind-spot warning display a small indicator in the corresponding side mirror that lights up when another vehicle is detected in your blind spot; some models also beep or flash a warning on the dashboard when you signal to change lanes. To be sure your vehicle has this feature, check the owner's manual, the window sticker, or the vehicle’s safety settings, and confirm with the dealer using your VIN if needed.
Understanding Blind-Spot Warning
Blind-Spot Warning (BSW), also known as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) or Blind Spot Detection (BSD), uses radar or camera sensors to monitor adjacent lanes. When a vehicle enters your blind spot, the system typically alerts you with a light in the side mirror, and in some cases with an audible chime or a dashboard warning if you attempt to change lanes. In many cars, BSW is part of a larger safety package that may include Lane Change Assist or Rear Cross-T Traffic Alert (RCTA).
How to Tell If Your Car Has It
Use the following checks to determine whether your vehicle is equipped with blind-spot warning.
- Look for a small indicator light in the side-view mirror. It usually glows amber or white when a vehicle is in your blind spot.
- Check the instrument cluster or a display in the gauge area for a blind-spot warning symbol or message when another vehicle appears in adjacent lanes.
- Note whether you hear a chirp, beep, or brief chime if you signal to change lanes while another vehicle is in your blind spot.
- Consult the vehicle’s features list on the window sticker (Monroney label) or in the owner’s manual for terms like “Blind Spot Monitoring,” “BSM,” “BSD,” or “Lane Change Assist.”
- Check the infotainment or vehicle settings menu for an option to enable/disable Blind Spot Monitoring or related features.
If you see any of these indicators or find the feature listed in the manual or settings, your car likely has blind-spot warning. If not, it may be an older model or a trim that does not include the feature.
How to Test It Safely
To verify the system works, perform a safe, controlled test with a passenger acting as a spotter. Do not test on busy highways; use a quiet street or empty parking lot.
- Have a partner drive a vehicle into your blind spot at a safe distance while you keep your eyes on the mirrors and surroundings.
- Signal your intention to move lanes and observe whether the side-mirror indicator lights up and whether the dashboard or instrument cluster shows a warning.
- Note if the system emits a chime or other alert when the vehicle enters your blind spot or when you attempt to change lanes.
- If you don’t notice a warning, check that the feature is enabled in the vehicle’s settings and consult the manual or dealer, as some cars require activation or may have it turned off by default on certain trims.
Regular testing after maintenance or changes to trim levels helps ensure the feature remains functional. If warnings don’t appear when expected, have the system inspected by a qualified technician.
Summary
Blind-spot warning is usually indicated by a light in the side mirror and may be accompanied by an audible alert or dashboard warning. To know if your car has it, check the owner’s manual, window sticker, and the safety/settings menu, and look for labels such as Blind Spot Monitoring, BSM, or Lane Change Assist. You can safely test the feature in a controlled environment with a partner acting as a spotter, ensuring you never test in busy traffic. If in doubt, contact the dealership with your VIN to confirm the exact features on your vehicle.
