Does Blind-Spot Monitoring Work in Rain? Explained

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) systems are becoming more popular in modern cars as they detect other vehicles in the blind spot and alert the driver to avoid collisions.

However, there is a common question that is asked by many BSM users which is whether blind-spot monitoring works in rain or not. The answer is – yes, the BSM system still works in rain. But it may not work perfectly in rainy or snowy weather if the sensor is covered by water or snow.

If you have the same question in your mind then don’t worry, we are going to give you a detailed and analyzed answer to this questing in this article. So, let’s quickly read this article by the end to get your answer.

How Does Blind-Spot Monitoring System Work?

Before going into any further details about whether blind-spot monitoring work in the rain or not, let’s quickly learn how the BSM works. It will help you get the answer to the question.

The Blind-Spot Monitoring System uses a combination of sensors, cameras, and radar to detect vehicles in the blind spot. Whenever the sensors detect the vehicle, they alert drivers through a warning light or sound.

However, rain can affect the functioning of the sensors, which can impact the performance of the BSM system. Now, let’s see whether it works in rain or not; And if not, then let’s find the reasons below.

Why Blind-Spot Monitoring System Doesn’t Work in Rain?

The sensors of the blind-spot monitoring system are usually mounted on the back bumper or the side of the vehicle.

So, while driving in heavy rain, fog, or snow, the water droplets can cover the sensor up and as a result, the BSM may end up with a false alert or failure to detect vehicles in the blind spots. However, the BSM system works correctly in light rain or fog.

How Reliable Is Blind Spot Monitoring?

As the blind-spot monitoring system doesn’t work correctly in some cases, it isn’t good for a driver to completely rely on this system; Especially in adverse weather conditions.

So, we’d recommend always checking your blind spot manually before changing lanes or making a turn without completely relying on this system.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Does Blind Spot Monitoring Work at Night?

Yes, the blind spot monitoring system works perfectly at night. It uses radar to scan vehicles in nearby blind spots at night.

What Speed Does Blind Spot Monitoring Work?

Typically, the blind spot monitoring system only works while the vehicle is running. The minimum speed requirement for the BSM to work is above 20 to 35 mph. And it works perfectly at highway speeds. 

Are Aftermarket Blind Spot Monitors Worth It?

The accuracy of the aftermarket blind spot monitoring system is slightly worse than a factory-installed BSM. But it doesn’t mean that aftermarket BSM won’t be worth it. If you intend to add new technology to your old car, then it is completely worth it. But fully relying on this technology isn’t recommended at all.

Conclusion

Blind spot monitoring system works in rain, but their performance may be affected in heavy rain or other adverse weather. However, it is always recommended not to rely solely on these systems to avoid accidents. You should always check your blind manually and have to be alert while driving. We hope, now you’ve got your answer to the question about whether BSM works in rain or not after reading this article. If you still have any questions regarding this, do not hesitate to ask in our comment section below. Thanks for reading.