Software update can be crucial for safe operation of your car
Critical safety systems can be at stake
Many of us know by now that the average auto contains multiple computers and more lines of code than the first space station. For the most part they operate reliably and with little upkeep, but just like our smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers, they can work better with software updates. But how do we know when updates become available and whether or not it’s worth getting it done? And who pays for it?
If you’re a tech- head auto technician you can spend a lot of time reviewing manufacturer bulletins covering vehicle computer software updates. They’re usually created to address specific problems that have been reported by consumers, dealership techs, or during manufacturers’ evaluations. Often they can be innocuous little things, like improving the HVAC temperature control response or making radio station seek and search features work more smoothly. But sometimes they can involve critical safety systems and the updates are required to avoid unintended acceleration or anti- lock- brake failures.
Unfortunately, most carmakers provide few details, even to their own dealership techs about exactly what the updates will do. They often only list the diagnostic trouble codes they are designed to eliminate or in rare cases a brief description of what a customer might be complaining about.
For j ust about all car companies, the only time a vehicle owner will receive notification of software updates is either when they’re part of an official recall or when t he carmaker has proof that avoiding such notifications will lead to lawsuits or a substantial decrease in customer satisfaction. Tesla is one of the few makers leading the way by providing notifications of available updates directly to owners and giving them the option of completing these data uploads themselves through wireless communication services.
Who pays for these updates? If they’re related to emission controls or powertrain functions, most carmakers will cover the fees for the duration of those specific warranties. But for just about everything else, after the base warranty on the vehicle expires ( usually after three to five years or 60,000 to 100,000 km, depending on the carmaker) it’s the customer who has to foot the bill. Most shops will charge around one hour of labour time for one or more updates, but depending on the upload time and the number of vehicle computers involved, this may rise.
A cheaper alternative would be to call either your factory retailer or their consumer hotline and ask them to check your vehicle’s identification number ( VIN) for bulletins and possible updates. Armed with the details on these software modifications, you can best decide what course of action to take.
How about malware updates? Several automakers recently found out that their vehicles’ software systems could be hacked, leading to auto theft and remote control of things such as steeri ng, brakes, wipers, and such.
Black- hat hackers have found that by remotely tapping into some vehicles’ infotainment systems they could electronically wander about a common communication harness to take control of engine and transmission controllers, among other things.
This sent auto engineers and programmers i nto a whirlwind of activity to create firewalls to prevent malicious electronic intrusions.
So far their efforts have been far from spectacular. While most vehicles that are prone to this type of attack now ( or will shortly) have the requirement for vital systems’ controllers to receive a validation signal before executing command functions, few engineers have addressed the need for these on-board systems to be able to recognize and report a malicious attack on their own. Sort of makes your fiveyear- old $ 200 laptop seem pretty superior.
This type of update is one your carmaker should be notifying you about and if not, pick up the phone and make the call.
SORT OF MAKES YOUR FIVE-YEAR-OLD $200 LAPTOP SEEM PRETTY SUPERIOR.