Feature · 3 min read
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates Explained
Improves the car's software remotely, without a dealership visit.
What are Over-the-Air Updates?
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates are software updates downloaded straight to the car over Wi-Fi or mobile data, much like phone updates. They can fix bugs, add features or even change how the car drives.
How does it work?
The manufacturer pushes a new software package to your car. You're usually asked to approve it through the touchscreen or app. The car then downloads in the background and installs while parked — sometimes in a few minutes, sometimes over an hour or two — and may need to reboot.
What does it feel like?
You wake up to a notification: 'Update available — install tonight?' Tap yes, and by morning the maps look different, a new driving mode has appeared, or a niggling bug has gone.
Benefits
- ✓Bug fixes and security patches without a workshop visit
- ✓New features added long after you bought the car
- ✓Maps and charger data stay current
- ✓Recalls can sometimes be handled remotely
Limitations
Capability varies enormously by brand and model. Some manufacturers only update infotainment and maps; others can update almost every system in the car, including motor and battery control. Older cars may only get bug fixes, not new features.
Common problems
- ✓Update fails part-way and needs a retry
- ✓Features promised at launch arrive late or not at all
- ✓Some updates need a strong Wi-Fi connection at home
- ✓Rare cases of new bugs introduced by an update