What Is an Over-the-Air Update in a Car?

This wireless software push keeps your car running smoothly.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jun 13, 2024 | 3 min read

Volvo

Modern cars, trucks, and SUVs are loaded with software code that keeps their motors running, controls their features, and provides extensive connectivity between driver and vehicle. Maintaining all that software is where over-the-air (OTA) updates come in.

How an Over-the-Air Update Works

Most people are familiar with over-the-air software updates pushed to their mobile phones. Whether to add features and stability to an app or to upgrade the operating system that the device is using, these updates arrive automatically over the data network that the phone is connected to, which transmits the computer code needed to improve the device's functionality.

Automotive OTA updates operate on the same principle. When connected to a data network, the vehicle is sent new software from the manufacturer that can be installed automatically or by the owner via a touchscreen button.

What an Over-the-Air Update Is Used For

Like your phone, your automobile can evolve as the software engineers who write its code find new efficiencies and remove potential bugs from your car's software systems.

This means that OTAs often provide seemingly transparent improvements, including efficiencies in infotainment, vehicle interfaces, and engine management, which can be challenging to spot from the driver's seat. Some of these updates may also improve vehicle security, making your car harder for hackers to exploit.

OTA updates can also install new features the vehicle didn't leave the factory with. This delivery method has been used extensively by Tesla, particularly for its limited semi-autonomous driving system and for improving the acceleration of specific models by updating drivetrain-management software.

Electric and non-electric vehicles use OTA updates extensively, with examples including Cadillac and Ford adding new functionality to their semi-autonomous systems.

These software updates can be used to perform vehicle recalls, as well, which is more convenient for owners, as they don't have to return to a dealership or service center to have a problem fixed. Again, Tesla has been one of the companies that has used OTA updates to deal with government-mandated recalls.

Special Requirements for Over-the-Air Updates

Car companies work to make over-the-air updates as painless as possible for car owners. They are downloaded using the vehicle's built-in SIM card, which means they usually don't consume data from an owner's mobile plan or require a phone to be paired with the car.

Some companies, however, need you to subscribe to a service to receive OTA updates. Most of the time, these updates require your permission to install, and you will receive a notification on the dashboard or infotainment system that one is waiting for you, although some will install without asking the owner.

Remember that a vehicle might not be drivable or have all features available during installation. It's always a good idea to install an OTA update when parked safely at home in case an error results from the update.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.