This article will discuss the BSM light, what it is, what it does, how it works and why it is essential for every Toyota Rav4 owner.
Contents
What Does BSM Mean on a Toyota RAV4
A BSM light indicates a car has entered the driver’s blind spot. The lights serve the purpose of making the driver aware.
Many car owners assume that every light on their car’s dashboard indicates something is wrong with the car. Well, that is the case usually. A perfect example is the Blind Spot Monitoring light or BSM for short.
The next question you might ask is, what is a blind spot? From the name, in simple terms, a blind spot is an area that cannot be easily seen. For cars, it is an area that car mirrors cannot see well, and thus enters the BSM system, which assists the driver when overtaking and noticing other drivers who are not in their point of view.
How Does Blind Spot Monitor System Work in Toyota RAV4
The blind spot monitoring system of Toyota Rav4 comes fitted with radar and camera sensors attached to the back of the car.
When a vehicle enters your blind spot or is outside your point of view, the sensors pick that up and send a signal to the BSM lights located near or sometimes on the side mirrors. The lights turn on, and the driver knows they should not try to change lanes; if they do, they must do it carefully.
Other BSM light indications come with sounds; some Toyota Rav4 drivers have had their cars modified to receive a notification sound when another car approaches their blindspot together with the light.
Why Does the BSM Light Come On
The blind spot monitoring light comes on when a car approaches your blind spot and the mirrors in the car cannot capture it. The blind spot monitoring light comes on to notify the driver of a car approaching from behind and that switching lanes are not advised until they have a good view of the car that is approaching.
The blind spot monitoring lights are part of the driver-assist system and help the driver make conscious driving decisions.
How To Turn On Blind Spot Monitor in a Toyota RAV4
Initially, turning the BSM in a Toyota Rav4 depended on the car’s model. Because of the different models and years, the Toyota Rav4 manufacturers changed the car’s BSM setting from buttons to multi-information displays. Here are simple steps to help you turn on the BSM in the Toyota Rav4:
- Car turned on
- Find the icon that says settings
- Locate the BSM function and click on it
- Select the option that says on
It is that simple, and you will know that the BSM system is on when it turns green.
Can You Turn Off BSM on Toyota Rav4
Yes, you can turn off the BSM light on the Toyota Rav4. The steps are simple as turning the system on. You will need the multifunction display. You can control these systems from the car’s dashboard.
However, It’s worth noting that turning off the BSM light on your Toyota Rav4 may also affect other safety features that rely on the BSM system, such as Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) or Lane Change Assist (LCA). Disabling these features could increase the risk of accidents, especially in high traffic or low visibility conditions.
How To Turn Off BSM on Toyota Rav4
Provided you have a multi-function display, you can control the settings of your Toyota RAV4. The display system is straightforward, with icons indicated.
- Turn the car on
- Find the icon that says settings
- Locate the BSM function and click on it
- Select the option that says off
You will know the system is off when you no longer see the green lights.
Benefits of the BSM System
The blind spot monitoring system has tons of benefits for your Toyota RAV4.
Safe Lane Switching
The BSM system enables the driver to do safe lane changes. It detects obstructions that will make it difficult to switch lanes, and once obstructions are clear, you can switch lanes.
Prevents Accidents
Without the BSM system, accidents would be more rampant because the driver cannot see cars approaching from behind, and the mirrors cannot capture the vehicles either; the cars would collide.
Promotes Driving-Assistance
While driving you are tasked with several responsibilities; with the BSM system, you have one less responsibility and can concentrate on the areas within your point of view.
Assist in Parking
Parking can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to it, but with the BSM system, you can notice cars or obstructions that will prevent proper parking.
Sensors will send signals to the driver attempting to park and warn them of any danger.
Increase Driving Awareness
After the BSM lights turn on, you, as the driver, experience a sense of awareness and increase your confidence on the road.
Can Toyota RAV4’s BSM Work in All Weather Conditions
Toyota RAV4 BSM cannot work in all weather conditions. Muddy, rainy and foggy conditions affect the efficiency of the blind spot monitoring system.
The blind spot monitoring system may not be able to detect an oncoming vehicle in such conditions. You are advised to be highly keen when driving in wet conditions.
Because the blind spot monitoring sensors are located outside the car, when it rains, these sensors are not entirely waterproof, causing them to malfunction.
In conclusion, the BSM is not a warning light; instead, it serves as a notification that you should be aware of your surroundings. It is an essential component of the Toyota RAV4.
