We never thought we’d see the day we needed to use an eye chart with our cars, but here we are.  Standard on more and more of Honda’s newer model cars is their LaneWatch™ system, which uses a camera in the right side mirror to give you a look into your blindspot.

Sometimes that system needs an “eye exam.” Specifically, when we replace the side mirror with the camera (or you manage to tinker around in the hidden diagnostic menus and wipe out the system by mistake) we need to re-aim the LaneWatch camera.  Essentially it’s telling the camera what to look at and places the guidelines on the screen in the right locations.

We accomplish that by setting up a specially-designed target about 15 feet (14.764 feet, to be exact) behind the front wheel and telling the system to take a picture. It then automatically calibrates the camera.

Take a look at the “Before” and “After” pictures to see what changes when we aim the camera.

The LaneWatch Camera Image before the aiming procedure. Notice how there are no guidelines and you can see the edge of the mirror along the top of the image.

Here’s the normal image after aiming has been completed. Note the guidelines (representing 10 feet, 36 feet and 78 feet from the rear bumper) and how the image has been cropped and resized.

You can watch more about the LaneWatch™ System on Honda’s YouTube Channel: