stjohnh
Well-known member
Hi,
I thought I'd pass on my experiences with technology to avoid accidents. I have a 2013 S and since getting it I have installed a Mobileye 560 system (lane departure warning, following too close warning, pedestrian warning), backup camera (with new larger display radio), backup obstacle warning (voice tells distance to object while backing up), and 4 sensor blind spot warning system.
The Leaf has well known poor visibility to the rear, so backup camera is a no-brainer. I'm 68, reflexes are slowing, vision is worsening, and neck flexibility is worsening, making looking over shoulders less reliable... What I really need is a self-driving car, but these add ons will have to do for now.
COSTS:
Mobileye 560- $1100 including installation, must be installed by authorized dealer
Backup camera- $30 (installed by me) plus $100 for new radio with bigger -brighter display, also self installed.
Backup obstacle warning system- $15 (not a typo, $15 self installed http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0148A0XP4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Blind spot warning system- $115 self installed http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGA7FZU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
HOW HELPFUL?
Mobileye 560- very helpful, has prevented several accidents, mainly from the lane departure warning, especially at night if I get sleepy. Expensive, but I'd install again in a heartbeat any new car I got. I also had it installed in my daughter's Ford Escape SUV. She says it has helped her avoid accidents, I have been unable to get her to stop texting while driving, and the lane departure warning has got her to focus on the road rather than her phone more.
Backup Camera- very helpful. I'm cheap and lazy, so didn't install the Nissan camera which others have done. Installation not difficult, I switched out the OEM radio for a larger display radio ($99) so I could see behind me better. I also put one on my wife's Leaf and daughter's Escape.
Backup Obstacle distance warning- Very helpful. Install a little more difficult, 4 sensors in back bumper. You might think the backup camera would be enough, but the obstacle warning is very helpful when sun shines on the camera lens or it gets water drops on the lens from splashing rain. Also it is difficult to judge actual distances with just the backup camera.
Blind spot warning system- somewhat helpful. Main problem is the car that is in the blind spot has to be fairly close for the system to detect it. System would be better if it had longer range. All aftermarket systems currently use ultrasonic sensors, most OEM systems use radar, which gives more range. Installation most difficult. I probably wouldn't do it again unless an aftermarket radar-based system becomes available.
I thought I'd pass on my experiences with technology to avoid accidents. I have a 2013 S and since getting it I have installed a Mobileye 560 system (lane departure warning, following too close warning, pedestrian warning), backup camera (with new larger display radio), backup obstacle warning (voice tells distance to object while backing up), and 4 sensor blind spot warning system.
The Leaf has well known poor visibility to the rear, so backup camera is a no-brainer. I'm 68, reflexes are slowing, vision is worsening, and neck flexibility is worsening, making looking over shoulders less reliable... What I really need is a self-driving car, but these add ons will have to do for now.
COSTS:
Mobileye 560- $1100 including installation, must be installed by authorized dealer
Backup camera- $30 (installed by me) plus $100 for new radio with bigger -brighter display, also self installed.
Backup obstacle warning system- $15 (not a typo, $15 self installed http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0148A0XP4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Blind spot warning system- $115 self installed http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGA7FZU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
HOW HELPFUL?
Mobileye 560- very helpful, has prevented several accidents, mainly from the lane departure warning, especially at night if I get sleepy. Expensive, but I'd install again in a heartbeat any new car I got. I also had it installed in my daughter's Ford Escape SUV. She says it has helped her avoid accidents, I have been unable to get her to stop texting while driving, and the lane departure warning has got her to focus on the road rather than her phone more.
Backup Camera- very helpful. I'm cheap and lazy, so didn't install the Nissan camera which others have done. Installation not difficult, I switched out the OEM radio for a larger display radio ($99) so I could see behind me better. I also put one on my wife's Leaf and daughter's Escape.
Backup Obstacle distance warning- Very helpful. Install a little more difficult, 4 sensors in back bumper. You might think the backup camera would be enough, but the obstacle warning is very helpful when sun shines on the camera lens or it gets water drops on the lens from splashing rain. Also it is difficult to judge actual distances with just the backup camera.
Blind spot warning system- somewhat helpful. Main problem is the car that is in the blind spot has to be fairly close for the system to detect it. System would be better if it had longer range. All aftermarket systems currently use ultrasonic sensors, most OEM systems use radar, which gives more range. Installation most difficult. I probably wouldn't do it again unless an aftermarket radar-based system becomes available.