Have you ever heard of a car needing a software update? If you own a Tesla, you are probably familiar with the software updates that are required for the maintenance of your vehicle. But for those who don’t know, you might still be wondering ‘What are Tesla software updates?’.
Tesla vehicles are unique for their software updates which provide new features and fix bugs within the software that runs their vehicles. These updates are released to the cars which help Tesla to maintain their technologically advanced vehicles remotely. Contrary to popular belief, cars are computers and with advanced machines such as Tesla vehicles, software updates are in order to improve upon the vehicles.
In this article, we will discuss what Tesla software updates are, how often they are needed, and how you can access these updates. We will also cover what these software updates fix or change for your vehicle.
How Often Are Tesla Software Updates?
According to Tesla, they release their software updates every 4 weeks in order to keep up with bug fixes and ensure the smoothness of their product rollouts. This schedule helps to keep Tesla consistent with its updates and allows Tesla owners to be able to anticipate upcoming software update releases.
It is of note though that not every software update applies to every Tesla vehicle. Some updates only apply to certain cars, while others apply to all Tesla models. Tesla refers to these updates as recurring on a “rolling basis” but they prefer to stick to their schedule. Otherwise, Tesla owners should expect to see a new update to their vehicle roughly once a month, but not every model will have an update at the same time.
How Can You Download Tesla Software Updates?
Tesla updates are sent through the internet, meaning that you don’t have to take your car to a dealership to receive these crucial updates. These updates are known as OTA updates, or ‘over the air’ updates. Instead, all you need to do is connect your Tesla to the internet in some way to download the update to the computer of your vehicle.
This way you can receive minor updates, major updates, and bug fixes through their OTA updates easily. This is a fan-favorite feature of Tesla vehicles because they allow for the car’s safety features and software to be ever-changing and ever-improving. Unlike other cars which do not have these capabilities, your Tesla will only improve with age through software updates.
While you are in your Tesla, you can see new software updates through the ‘Software’ tab that is on the Tesla touchscreen interface. According to Tesla’s software updates guidelines, they recommend that you accept these updates and download them to your vehicle as soon as possible.
What is the Software Update Process?
A software update will become available to you on your Tesla when a new OTA update occurs. You will likely see a yellow clock icon which allows you to schedule your software update. You may also choose to start the update immediately. Another way that you can begin the two-step process of updating your Tesla is to check for an update on the Tesla app.
When updating your Tesla, there are two phases to the software update process. First, you must download the software update to your vehicle while you are connected to Wi-Fi. You may drive your Tesla during this portion of the software updates, but you must stay connected to Wi-Fi, otherwise, the download will pause.
Second, the installation phase of the update must occur. While installing, you won’t be able to charge or drive your Tesla. This means that you should plan ahead for software updates and make sure that your Tesla is charged before you update your vehicle. Tesla notes that “some software updates can take several hours to complete”.
What Is Included in Tesla Software Updates?
So what are the improvements that are made to these electric vehicles through their frequent software updates? Well, the truth is that the updates are so varied. Some of them are very exciting while others are tamer and may seem like a waste of time.
Some of the Tesla updates are so integral that they can include completely new features. These take the form of extras that are completely free through OTA updates to your Tesla vehicle. An example of a recent update in 2022 includes faster charging rates at Tesla’s Superchargers. This increase in charging efficiency and speed came from an OTA update that adjusted the thermal controls within Tesla’s system.
It’s true! This major update to the speed at which Tesla vehicles can charge their batteries came completely free and without a trip to a Tesla dealership. There are many more examples of added features to Tesla vehicles that have been made completely through OTA software updates. These updates save Tesla owners time and money while adding value to the safety, security, and entertainment of Tesla vehicles.
Other examples are updates to Tesla’s security, including Sentry Mode. One update in 2022 allowed for more customization to this mode including camera-based detection disabling and the ability to modify the length of clips captured and recorded while the vehicle is in Sentry Mode. There have also been updates to Dog Mode, the addition of logos to radio stations while listening to the radio, and even an interactive application called Caraoke which allows you to sing karaoke while in your Tesla Model S or Model X.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tesla vehicles are far ahead of their competitors in the realm of providing continuous useful content updates to their vehicles. From major features that alter the processes in which Tesla EVs can charge to the addition of fun games for your passengers, these OTA updates regularly bring Tesla cars further and further into the future. Every four weeks or so, Tesla owners can expect useful updates that add value to their vehicles, keep them safe, and keep them satisfied.
