In other cases, the automaker realizes that there’s an opportunity to improve the functionality, durability or efficiency of one or more vehicle systems and updated software is released to make it happen. In this case, a simple erase-and-reinstall is the fix. Perhaps the affected factory software has become corrupt. Sometimes, a software update, or re-flash (which wipes out existing software and replaces it, sort of like reformatting your computer hard drive) can correct some issue a driver is having with their vehicle. This computer port provides access to the vehicle’s various computer brains and the software written into them.īut why does a vehicle need software updates? The reasons are numerous. This typically happens at a dealer, where a technician plugs in a tablet-like device via a special cable to the computer port your vehicle has hiding under its dashboard.

If you drive a modern car or truck, chances are that some updated software has, or will be, available for installation. And if that’s the case, a trip to your dealership is likely required. You download it, it installs itself, and your device is back up and running - tickety-boo, lickety-split.īut what about the software in a vehicle? Sometimes, that software needs updating too. When the software acts up, or when its developer finds a latent issue or some way to make the software work better, they typically release a patch, or software update. Got a laptop or iPhone or Smartwatch? No problem. But, as it goes with software, sometimes, things go wrong. It exists in computers big and small and controls the devices and programs that we humans use on a constant basis.

New vehicles have more computers than ever, with software, coding and microchips controlling virtually every aspect of their operation, from how they shift, to how the climate control system works, to the operation of the lights, signals, safety systems, and even rear-seat entertainment consoles. In more than one regard, your modern car, truck or crossover is a great big sheetmetal computer on wheels.

Gmc acadia software update