Kia EV6 and Blind Spot View Monitor: When Rain Is the Test

On the Kia EV6, the Blind Spot View Monitor system works well in dry conditions, but rain can cause water to condense on the lens, making the image almost opaque; the suggested solution is to apply a hydrophobic coating to the camera.

The Kia EV6 is one of the Hyundai Motor Group models equipped with a Blind Spot View Monitor camera system. In everyday driving conditions, this feature provides an intuitive experience: when the turn signal is turned on, the image of the blind spot area appears right on the instrument cluster in front of the driver, helping to change lanes confidently and less need to glance at the mirror. However, a recent real-life situation exposed the limits of the camera-based solution: rainwater on the lens can distort the frame, almost opaque.

Images from the mirror-mounted camera are fed into the instrument cluster when the turn signal is turned on on the Kia EV6.

Deploy smart interface, reduce mirror glancing

As described by Carscoops, the implementations of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis emphasize the seamlessness of the experience: the turn signal instantly triggers a frame from the camera integrated into the rearview mirror, which is displayed in an area of ​​the instrument cluster. When the road is dry, this is an effective approach, bringing the blind spot image right into the driver's line of sight, limiting the need to switch focus too much between the road and the mirror.

Compared to placing the entire image in the center screen, the display in the instrument cluster requires the driver's gaze to be less diverted from the forward viewing axis. This experience is especially useful in short lane change situations, when observation and response times need to be optimized.

User experience: intuitive but conditional

For the most part, the system works well and feels in control. However, a clip posted by an EV6 owner on Reddit shows a clear limitation: when driving in the rain, water droplets on the lens distort the image and make it almost blurry. For a feature that relies on camera clarity, this can feel inconsistent, especially for buyers used to sharp images in normal conditions.

The problem is the natural interaction of rainwater with the lens surface. In real-world situations, this is unavoidable. The recommendation from the automotive site is to use a water-repellent solution or hydrophobic coating on the exterior mirrors and cameras. These coatings create a slippery surface, allowing water droplets to slide off rather than remain on the glass. The improvement may vary depending on conditions and usage.

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When Rain Is a Test: Lessons for Camera-Based Solutions

The EV6 case shows the pros and cons of live image blind spot display. The pros are intuitive and easy to confirm distances and objects. The cons are dependent on lens quality and environment: rain, dirt, fog or grime can all degrade visibility, taking the experience from “very good” to “unusable” in just one heavy rain.

From a driver psychology perspective, the surprise of a sudden visual deterioration is something to consider. In adverse conditions, the traditional habit of checking the rearview mirror should still be maintained as an additional layer of confirmation.

Safety and related technology

Hyundai’s system is called Blind Spot View Monitor and is standard equipment on some of the company’s models. This is different from Tesla, which displays images of both sides of the car on the center screen; according to Carscoops, this solution is less effective than placing the display in the instrument cluster. Honda has implemented LaneWatch, but only on the passenger side.

From a technological point of view, it is recommended to use hydrophobic coatings on the lens surface as a reasonable approach, as the goal is to limit water droplets from sticking, thereby maintaining image clarity. However, the actual effectiveness depends on the frequency of use, the quality of the coating and the intensity of rain.

Value and positioning within the product range

The inclusion of Blind Spot View Monitor as standard equipment on some models shows Hyundai Motor Group's orientation to prioritize intuitive driving experience. For users, this is a plus point in terms of functionality in dry conditions. On the other hand, buyers need to be aware of the limits in the rain to have appropriate expectations and proactively maintain the lens surface.

Solution	Display position	Main features
Hyundai/Kia/Genesis Blind Spot View Monitor	Instrument cluster in front of the driver	Image from mirror-mounted camera; convenient; may be blurry in the rain due to water on the lens (on EV6)
Tesla	Center screen	Side-mounted displays; not as effective as in-dash displays, according to Carscoops
Honda LaneWatch	Center screen	Only display passenger side

Conclude

The Kia EV6’s Blind Spot View Monitor is a useful addition in dry conditions, providing a view of your blind spot right in your line of sight. Real-world experience in the rain shows the inevitable limits of exterior cameras, as water stains the lens, reducing the display to an unusable level. Some solutions, such as hydrophobic coatings, can help, but drivers should still maintain the habit of checking their mirrors in bad weather.

Pros: intuitive display in the instrument cluster, quick turn signal response, confident lane change support. Cons: weather dependent; in heavy rain, standing water distorts the image, almost opaque; lens surface maintenance is required to maintain effectiveness.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/kia-ev6-va-blind-spot-view-monitor-khi-mua-la-phep-thu-10308516.html