Car maintenance has undergone a swift change, especially due to digitalization. We’ve entered the era of over-the-air (OTA) updates, where automotive software download is delivered remotely to the vehicle, using a SIM card with a data plan or a Wi-Fi connection. While frequent visits to dealerships can be time-consuming and costly, with OTA updates cars receive automotive software updates remotely in a hassle-free manner.
How does an OTA update work?
Updates to automotive software are delivered directly from the manufacturer. It encompasses system upgrades and fixes, addressing various components like powertrain systems, brakes, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and even enhancements for electric vehicle (EV) charging and mileage. Here is how it works:
1. The device manufacturer creates the update, fixes glitches, adds new features, boosts functionalities, etc. This is followed by continuous automotive software testing and security checks for stability and security.
2. Once it is verified the update is secure and tested, it is uploaded to a cloud server accessible by target devices.
3. Devices periodically check for updates through built-in connections, with some allowing manual initiation.
4. When OTA updates are detected, these devices securely download them from the cloud, with download times depending upon update size and internet speed.
5. Devices undergo an installation process post-download, often involving system restarts, followed by verification to ensure proper installation and functionality.
6. When updates are installed, users are notified about what the update entails, which includes key features, bug fixes, etc.
How do these updates affect vehicle longevity?
Vehicle longevity depends on digital capabilities nowadays. OTA updates include a number of features and capabilities that impact longevity.
1. OTA updates can augment or enhance the core driving functions of the car, such as regenerative braking to save energy/battery power in extreme weather conditions or automatic braking in an emergency.
2. Another area where OTA updates come in handy is while dealing with adverse situations. For example, based on the intensity of a rainstorm, an automotive software update can be deployed to direct windshield wipers accordingly.
3. These automotive software updates tackle any vulnerability in the system, thus enhancing overall security against cyber attacks. Furthermore, they enhance driver assistance systems by improving features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, ensuring safer and more reliable performance on the road.
4. Using data compiled from the vehicle, OEMs can deploy targeted OTA updates seamlessly, thus improving overall user experience without any downtime for the customer.
Leading OEMs that efficiently deploy updates to address issues and improve customer experiences are likely to retain customers for extended periods. OEMs that don’t keep up with this trend will likely fall short of customer expectations, and won’t be able to sustain for much longer. OTA updates to automotive software should be deployed not just to acquire new capabilities, but also keep the vehicle secure and ensure convenience for users.
With the advent of OTA updates, customers don’t have to take a vehicle into the dealership for software updates. Scheduled updates are usually best set to occur during off-peak hours, thus optimizing device performance without disrupting usage. Users can schedule updates too, with options to pause or cancel. For the dealership, automotive software updates mean reduced administrative and logistical costs, which are achieved by cutting down on expenses related to physical updates such as distribution and service calls. It ensures devices receive timely updates, thus helping to maintain their performance and extend lifespan. The ability to remotely make changes to a vehicle’s software capabilities has unlocked a plethora of possibilities for consumers, giving new life to older vehicles!
