The blind spot camera is an optional safety feature available on Tesla vehicles to aid visibility when changing lanes or making turns. Formally called “Automatic Blind Spot Camera”, it displays a live feed from the camera located on the appropriate side fender whenever a turn signal is activated.
It gives visibility so you can spot any hidden vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians and helps avoid accidents. When enabled, it automatically activates the corresponding camera and overlays the video feed on the touchscreen anytime the blinkers are triggered.
Time needed: 2 minutes
Follow these steps to start using Tesla’s helpful blind spot camera monitoring system:
- Once inside your Tesla, touch the main screen
On your vehicle’s touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Blind Spot Camera
- Show side repeater camera when turn signal is engaged
The toggle switch for the setting will display beside the option labeled “Show side repeater camera when turn signal is engaged”
- Turn on the blind spot camera feature
Enable the feature by sliding the toggle to the right so that it displays blue instead of gray
- Test to make sure it’s working correctly
The blind spot camera activates whenever you trigger your left or right turn signal. This displays the live video feed from the associated side camera, giving you an expanded rear 3⁄4 view down the sides and back corner of your vehicle. Test the feature & check the feed before proceeding with lane changes or turns to confirm no vehicles or obstacles occupy those blind zones.
How Lane Assist Works
Once enabled, using the new blind spot safety feature is simple and automatic. Whenever an appropriate turn signal is activated, it triggers the associated camera feed:
- Left Turn Signal – Engaging your left turn signal displays video from the left side repeater camera, providing a view down the entire driver’s side and rear corner.
- Right Turn Signal – Likewise, activating your right blinker displays feed from the right repeater camera overlooking the passenger side and back fender.
The cameras are positioned pointing backwards at approximately a 45 degree angle. Their field of view extends from the rear bumper all the way back along the sides of the vehicle through the blind zone hidden from the rear view and side mirrors.
This enhanced visibility aids smoothly merging into other lanes as well as making safer turns. The camera feed remains persistently displayed in the corner of the touchscreen whenever the corresponding turn signal is active. Check before proceeding to confirm no cars, bikes, or people occupy these frequently overlooked blind spots.
By automatically activating the Tesla’s relevant side cameras, the blind spot safety system makes drivers more aware of surrounding hazards typically invisible to them. This prevents accidents and improves overall road safety.
Customizing Feed Position
A recent software update introduces customization options for precisely where the blind spot camera feed appears when activated. Previous versions fixed the feed in the lower left corner closest to the steering wheel. While handy, the unmovable video was frequently obstructed by the wheel itself or your hand.
The update enables freely dragging the feed anywhere on the touchscreen. Three set positions are highlighted – the original bottom left spot plus either of the upper corners. Simply grab and drag the live video during any turn signal activation to your optimal location. This flexibility accommodates personal preference for visibility. Many choose one of the top corners to fully avoid obstructions.
The update remembers your chosen spot going forward. Reposition any time to best suit your driving style and seating position.
Using the Blind Spot Feed
This enhanced side visibility is invaluable when changing lanes or making turns. But like any camera feed, it requires briefly glancing away from the road ahead. Before proceeding:
- Check the feed to confirm no hidden vehicles, bikes or pedestrians
- Scan mirrors and perform shoulder checks as usual
- Dismiss camera view by turning off the blinker
The blind spot camera improves safety by eliminating vehicles otherwise invisible behind the C-pillar. But always combine video checks with other best practices when maneuvering for full awareness.
Used properly, the expanded visibility aids smooth and secure lane changes, merges, turns and parking. Make sure the associated camera has an unobstructed view anytime the turn signal is activated.
Future Software Update Improvements
While the blind spot cameras aid visibility looking sideways and rearwards, there a bunch of potential for front windshield visibility as well:
- Camera Behind Steering Wheel – Some vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 feature a display directly in the gauge cluster showing the camera feed. This allows keeping eyes closer to the road.
- Additional Front Pillar View – The right door pillar combined with the rear view mirror creates a sizable blinded spot for crossing pedestrians or vehicles. An additional feed could eliminate front corner blindness.
These would further boost safety but the current hardware is the limiting factor to get these updates pushed out in 2024. Still Tesla continues to innovate in this area.
Summary
Tesla’s blind spot camera addresses the common inability of drivers to see hazards hidden alongside or behind them when changing lanes or turning shown on the touchscreen. In fact, the center screen is the hub for a lot of Tesla’s safety features – but some Tesla owners have been using it to watch YouTube & Netflix while driving instead.
By automatically displaying the associated side camera, the blind spot camera makes users more aware of surrounding traffic and obstacles otherwise invisible behind the rear pillar. This prevents accidents and improves overall safety for all road users.
Customization introduced allowing optimal positioning further enhances utility. As vehicles progress towards full autonomous capability, interim safety innovations like blind spot camera monitoring will remain invaluable.
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