Published on February 25, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
Modern cars are designed with embedded systems that control the electrical systems in a car. This embedded system is an electronic control unit (ECU) with automotive software. Most of the essential functions in a car are controlled by ECUs nowadays. There are a number of ECUs dedicated to various tasks in a car. The car has sensors that send data to an ECU, which in return monitors and controls the function of electrical systems in the car. It is the brain of your car and thus, its automotive software needs to be updated to avoid possible errors, for better transmission and improved responsiveness. Upgrading your car’s software is like your car insurance renewal, both are critical for your vehicle’s and your safety.
Reasons You Should Update Your Car’s Software
A. Boosted Efficiency per Update
Implementing an ECU software update enhances your car’s efficiency in many ways, like
1. Preventing problems like failed transmission - An outdated ECU software can damage transmission parts due to excessive strain and result in transmission failure. Such a situation can be prevented by updating the software timely.
2. Improved engine performance - ECU regulates ignition timing, gear shifting, and overall engine performance. A software update optimizes ignition time, improving the engine’s performance.
3. Efficient fuel use - ECU works to optimize the fuel-to-air ratio in the combustion process. A slight change in the ratio may lead to more fuel consumption. Software updates ensure the ratio is maintained by ECU.
4. Enhanced torque - ECU is responsible for maintaining the proper amount of torque produced by the engine. So if ECU doesn't work properly, there will be a loss of power and difficulty in acceleration.
B. Extended Car Life
Software updates can significantly increase your car engine’s operational life and transmission fluidity. It also reduces strain on other parts of the car as all parts and systems in a car are connected, damage in one can adversely affect the other parts as well. Hence, updating the software reduces the wear and tear of the car components, and adds new features to existing software, increasing the car’s life and performance. Similarly, car insurance renewal should always be done on time to extend the coverage of your car against any loss or damage.
C. Reduced Security Risks
With the digitization of electrical systems in a car, cybersecurity risks have also increased. Modern cars are run by storing, transmission, and analysis of data. Therefore, it is vulnerable to cyber-attacks such as hacking of electrical systems, auto theft, and remote control of the engine, brake, steering, etc. Securing a car’s system from such attacks is a challenge. Regular malware updates ensure that the software is upgraded with the latest security features against any malicious intrusions and can rectify any technical glitches without leaving it susceptible to any cybersecurity risks. As you update your car’s software to reduce security risks, your car insurance renewal covers you against any security risk.
D. Updating Software from home
As most modern cars are computers that are connected to the internet, you can update your car’s software sitting at home like you update your mobile phone’s software, if updates are available from the manufacturer. However, if there is an issue that needs to be fixed, you should contact your dealer and get the issue fixed by a certified mechanic.
E. Removing Manufacturer’s Restrictions
Car manufacturers program ECUs with restrictions to comply with regulations and to meet different requirements of different places. Software upgrades can help in removing the restrictions which do not apply to your location. This can significantly improve overall performance without any other modifications.
F. Prospective Possibilities
There are endless possibilities that can be achieved by new updates in the software of the car’s embedded systems. Software updates not just enhance your car’s performance but greatly improve the driving experience by introducing advanced technologies. For instance, the software now can analyze road conditions, control high speed and have better controls for driver safety. There will be driverless technology coming soon in the market.
Future of Car Software Updates
Like mobile phones, computers, and smart devices, the automotive industry is also adopting wireless software updates from manufacturers, known as Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates. OTA solution providers are collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to deliver updates to end-users. OTA updates are done via a cellular network without any physical contact. Security, embedded electronics, and IoT are three important parts of OTA updates. OTA updates are going to be the future way of software updates. The next-generation cars like electric cars, self-driving cars, and connected cars will be completely software-based and software will be updated and installed automatically.
Conclusion
If you want your car to perform at its best with the latest security features and product enhancement, make regular software review a part of your maintenance schedule. It will help you fix any malware and keep your car up to date with the latest features and save you a lot of money as well. Always inform your insurer about any new features added to your car to upgrade your insurance coverage at the time of car insurance renewal.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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