Over-the-air (OTA) updates are transforming vehicles through improved car maintenance and various software updates. Let’s look at some ways this is happening.
Older vehicle models without computerization requires actual hardware updates to improve them. This has changed with computerization, digital technology, and advanced programming. Modern systems can be updated through a new format that could mean you will come out in the morning and see something new and different in your screen menus that allows you to utilize the modern features available in today’s cars. These over-the-air updates are transforming vehicles in many ways.
Tesla provides a roadmap to programming updates
Tesla vehicles are extremely data-driven with large digital screens that operate nearly every system in a vehicle. They are one of the first companies to provide software updates through OTA systems that send new software programming and instructions to a vehicle, enabling it to be updated and improved. Most automakers have begun to add systems to modern vehicles to allow updates to be completed without a visit to a dealership. In the past, car owners had to bring their vehicles to the dealership for updates and to address any issues, including software improvements.
Vehicle maintenance and recall evolution
Now that automakers can send over-the-air updates to vehicles, the world of car maintenance has been changed for good. This means some recalls don’t require a visit to the dealership to fix them. More recalls, and safety issues are caused by software than ever before, which causes automakers to figure out how to create updated software programming to ensure owners have the most advanced safety systems and updated technology. Some recall and maintenance still require visits to the dealership for hardware updates, but those visits are becoming fewer and fewer each year, which is good for everyone.
How are these updates delivered?
Software changes can be sent to a computer system through a cellular or Wi-Fi connection that positions the updates in the system through the software. This is similar to your computer or cell phone updates reaching these devices. At least ten of the top automakers already experience monthly OTA code updates across their vehicle fleet making, it easy for drivers to stay updated and enjoy the latest technology and code.
OTAs make it easier to send updates
If you had to take your vehicle in for an update to the software every month, you would get tired of going to the dealership. Thankfully, using over-the-air updates, automakers can send fresh software as often as possible. Sending updates often requires some extreme security measures to ensure they come from the right place and are added to the vehicle’s programming properly. These updates make it quicker and much more cost-effective to patch vulnerabilities; these regular updates open up the software or potential attacks.
What are some of the most extreme OTAs so far?
Tesla: Full Self-Driving
Tesla is the first brand in terms of OTAs, but that doesn’t mean every update they offer has been good for Tesla-branded vehicles. Tesla can upgrade the driving experience of its vehicles through these updates that can be sent remotely. The Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has been one of the most controversial updates to the Autopilot system. Neither of these names does the system any favors, but the FSD system adds more dynamic features to keep you safer during your drive.
Polestar: Power Boost
Power for electric vehicles doesn’t come from an internal combustion engine and can be added to a vehicle through over-the-air updates. Polestar added an additional 68 horsepower through a remote update to the Long Range Dual Motor version .This was the first time Polestar used its OTAs for this type of upgrade.
Rivian: Improved Ride and Handling
How could a company add software that improves the ride and handling of mechanical elements through an OTA? While that’s a good question, this can be done, and Rivian proved it with the updates added to the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. The update landed and improved the ride quality and handling characteristics without these vehicles being brought to dealerships.
Lucid: Dog Friendly Vehicle
Lucid grabbed onto the Dog Mode that is found in most Tesla models and added a dedicated “Creature Comfort Mode” through an OTA update. This update to the Lucid Air sedan allows the car to be more enjoyable and useful when you want to take your pet along with you. This feature ensures you can leave your furry friend in the car, and they will be safe.
Automakers have begun using over-the-air updates for car maintenance and updates to the software that can make a huge difference in your driving experience. What are some updates that have come to your vehicles through this method?
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