Download new software instead. In some cases, that is already possible. And over the next few years, as the already extensive software on modern cars becomes even more feature-rich, manufacturers mean to step up the effort. They plan to offer many types of improvements through downloads that are beamed directly to the car via satellite, Wi-Fi or cellular signal, without the vehicle's having to be brought into the shop. And your car will be serviceable like a giant smartphone, with new features added while you sleep.
A leading proponent of this is Tesla, which has been sending updates to its cars' operating systems since 2012. The company is expected to announce an updated operating system next week. The chief executive, Elon Musk , has said that the update will include improvements to the company's Autopilot automated driving system. But Tesla is by no means alone in the download department.General Motors has been offering upgrades via the cellular-delivered OnStar entertainment and roadside-assistance system since 2009. GM's Acadia sport utility vehicle can now receive new apps for its entertainment system over the air.
Other manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, send wireless up loads to update various in-vehicle apps, including maps and entertainment offerings like Spotify. "Software updates to my Tesla are like Christmas," said Ankur Pansari. "It's like a new toy to play with."
"These are very important to me," said another Tesla owner, Scott Wolf. "Knowing they can fix the car without having to bring it in, is very impressive."
Ford, which previously provided software updates to its Sync infotainment system using a USB memory stick, will soon send software uploads to deliver Apple Car Play and Android Auto functionality to its 2016 models equipped with its Sync 3 infotainment system. CarPlay and Auto replicate certain iPhone and Android smartphone features on the vehicle's display. Ford delivers the updated software via Wi-Fi , installing it when the vehicle is restarted.
Manufacturers are also looking at software downloads as a new source of revenue, turning on features remotely if the owner pays a fee. Tesla has already incorporated fees-for-features into its business model. While late-model Tesla vehicles are equipped with cameras and sensors to enable semi-autonomous driving, this feature -- Autopilot -- requires a $3,000 to $3,500 software download to make it work.
Remote software updates will become crucial as vehicles become more capable of driving themselves. "Software upgrades will be almost mandatory once we move up to higher forms of autonomous driving," said Richard Wallace, a director at the Center for Automotive Research. "The artificial intelligence underpinning self-driving will require constant upgrading to deal with novel situations."
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