Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates: What You Still Need to Check
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Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates!
Over-the-air (OTA) updates have revolutionized how we maintain modern vehicles.
Instead of driving to a dealership for every software fix, manufacturers can now wirelessly improve performance, fix bugs, enhance safety systems, and even add new features.
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Nevertheless, many drivers mistakenly believe that OTA updates eliminate the need for traditional maintenance.
In reality, maintaining cars with over-the-air updates still requires careful attention to physical components that software simply cannot reach.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- What Are Over-the-Air Updates in Cars?
- How Do Over-the-Air Updates Actually Work?
- What Are the Main Advantages of Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates?
- Why Can’t OTA Updates Replace All Traditional Maintenance?
- What Should You Still Check Manually on an OTA-Equipped Car?
- Real-World Examples of Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates
- What Does the Future Hold for Car Maintenance with OTA Technology?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Over-the-Air Updates in Cars?
Over-the-air updates are wireless software upgrades sent directly to your vehicle through a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
They allow automakers to modify everything from infotainment systems and navigation maps to advanced driver-assistance features and powertrain calibration.
Additionally, OTA updates can address safety recalls without requiring owners to visit a service center.
For instance, Tesla has used OTA to fix Autopilot-related issues, while Ford has improved BlueCruise hands-free driving performance remotely.
Furthermore, these updates keep your car feeling fresh years after purchase.
Consequently, a two-year-old electric vehicle can gain new driving modes or better energy efficiency long after leaving the factory.
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How Do Over-the-Air Updates Actually Work?
When an update becomes available, the car manufacturer pushes it to your vehicle’s telematics control unit.
The system first checks whether your car is parked, has sufficient battery charge (usually above 50%), and is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or has strong cellular signal.
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Moreover, the update is downloaded in the background and installed only when the vehicle is idle.
Modern systems use delta updates, which means only the changed code is transferred instead of the entire software package.
This significantly reduces data usage and installation time.
Therefore, the process feels similar to updating your smartphone, but with stricter safety protocols.
The vehicle often verifies the update’s integrity through digital signatures before applying it, ensuring no malicious code is introduced.
What Are the Main Advantages of Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates?
One major advantage is convenience.
You no longer need to schedule appointments or wait at dealerships for routine software improvements.
Additionally, OTA updates often arrive faster than traditional service campaigns, reducing the window during which a safety vulnerability exists.
Furthermore, manufacturers can continuously refine vehicle performance based on real-world data collected from thousands of cars.
For example, they might optimize regenerative braking efficiency after noticing patterns in driver behavior.
In 2025, approximately 67% of new vehicles sold in major markets (US, Europe, and China) come OTA-capable, according to SBD Automotive research.
This widespread adoption demonstrates strong industry confidence in the technology.
On the other hand, OTA capability also creates new revenue streams.
Automakers can now offer paid feature upgrades, such as increased horsepower or enhanced autonomous driving functions, without hardware changes.
Why Can’t OTA Updates Replace All Traditional Maintenance?
Despite their power, OTA updates only affect digital systems.
They cannot repair worn brake pads, replace a punctured tire, or clean a clogged air filter.
Therefore, relying solely on software updates creates a dangerous false sense of security.
Moreover, physical components degrade over time regardless of software health.
Battery cells in electric vehicles lose capacity through chemical aging, not code errors.
Suspension bushings wear out from road conditions, and windshield wipers deteriorate from UV exposure.
So, is it really wise to trust a vehicle completely just because its software is up to date?
The answer is no. Maintaining cars with over-the-air updates works best when combined with regular physical inspections.
What Should You Still Check Manually on an OTA-Equipped Car?
Even the most advanced OTA-equipped vehicle still requires routine physical checks.
Tire pressure and tread depth should be monitored monthly because incorrect inflation affects safety, range, and handling.
Software cannot detect a slow leak or uneven wear.
Additionally, brake fluid moisture content and pad thickness need periodic inspection.
While some cars display brake wear estimates, these are approximations based on algorithms, not direct measurement.
Furthermore, cabin air filters, engine air filters (in hybrids), and wiper blades must be replaced based on actual condition and mileage.
Beyond that, you should visually inspect the battery pack area (if accessible), check for fluid leaks under the car, and listen for unusual noises during drives.
These manual checks complement OTA updates and help catch issues early.
Comparison Table: OTA vs Manual Maintenance
| Component / System | Can OTA Fix or Improve? | Requires Manual Check? | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment software | Yes | No | Whenever update available |
| Tire pressure & tread depth | No | Yes | Monthly |
| Brake pads & fluid | Partial (monitoring) | Yes | Every 6–12 months |
| Cabin & engine air filters | No | Yes | Every 12,000–15,000 miles |
| Battery cell health (physical) | Partial (monitoring) | Yes | Annually or as advised |
| Suspension & alignment | No | Yes | Annually or after road damage |
| Windshield wipers | No | Yes | Every 6–12 months |
| ADAS camera calibration | Partial | Yes (after windshield replacement) | As needed |
Real-World Examples of Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates
Sarah’s Tesla Model Y Long Range Sarah drives approximately 18,000 miles per year commuting between Boston and New York.
Her 2024 Model Y received several OTA updates that improved range by 7% and refined the adaptive cruise control algorithm.
However, after one update, she noticed slightly increased tire noise.
A manual inspection revealed that the tires had worn unevenly due to her frequent highway driving.
She rotated and aligned the tires herself, preventing accelerated wear that the software update could not detect.
Mike’s Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Mike’s 2025 Mach-E received a major OTA update that fixed inaccurate range estimation during cold weather.
While grateful for the improvement, he still performs a 5-minute visual check every Sunday.
During one routine inspection, he discovered a small coolant leak near the heat pump.
Because he caught it early, the dealer repaired it under warranty before the issue triggered a dashboard warning.
This hybrid approach kept his vehicle reliable despite excellent OTA support.
What Does the Future Hold for Car Maintenance with OTA Technology?
In the coming years, OTA updates will become even more sophisticated.
Vehicles may receive predictive maintenance alerts based on sensor data, suggesting when to inspect specific components before they fail.
Nevertheless, physical wear will always exist.
Think of OTA updates like regular smartphone software upgrades: they improve functionality and security, but they cannot prevent your phone’s battery from degrading or the screen from cracking.
Similarly, cars will always have mechanical parts that require hands-on attention.
Consequently, the most responsible owners will develop a balanced maintenance routine that respects both digital and physical realities.
Those who master this balance will enjoy safer, longer-lasting vehicles.
Maintaining Cars with Over-the-Air Updates: Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do OTA updates void my vehicle warranty? | No. In fact, most manufacturers encourage OTA updates and may require them for certain warranty claims. |
| How much data do OTA updates typically use? | Most updates range from 100 MB to 3 GB, depending on complexity. Always use Wi-Fi when possible to avoid cellular data charges. |
| Can I decline an OTA update? | Usually yes, but some critical safety updates may be mandatory. Check your owner’s manual for specific policies. |
| Will OTA updates make my car slower or drain the battery? | Temporary minor battery drain can occur during download/installation, but most updates are optimized to minimize impact. |
| Are OTA updates secure? | Reputable manufacturers use encryption and digital signatures. However, you should only install updates from official sources. |
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