Yahoo Autos Putting an aftermarket car blind-spot warning system to the test
A blind-spot warning (BSW) system can reduce both stress and the risk of a crash by helping you keep tabs on vehicles lurking over your shoulder and out of sight. But until recently, the only way to get one was to invest in a new car.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, the ever-vigilant automotive aftermarket has risen to the occasion, and a handful of kits are now available to update almost any vehicle with the technology. And we purchased one to try.
The Goshers Blind Spot Detection system includes a sensor for each side of the rear bumper, a left and right side LED warning display, an audible alarm unit, a controller, and all the necessary wiring to link the whole thing together.
The suggested retail price is $250; we paid $200 from an online retailer. A Premium model with two more sensors for the front is available for $350.
Installation is somewhat complicated. It requires splicing into the car's wiring, holes in the rear bumper for the sensors, and removing and reinstalling various interior trim pieces to route the wires and keep them out of sight.
The company website stresses that professional installation is required, but it does not provide a list of installers or a cost estimate to do the job. Your local repair shop should be able to perform the installation, but get an estimate first if you decide to buy the kit. One of our staff certified automotive technicians needed about four hours to install the system in a Chevrolet Cruze test car.
