Software updates

Software updates

We are now able to offer software updates to all makes and models of vehicle at our Southampton based workshop. This includes ECU, Sat-nav, infotainment and transmission control updates for automatic vehicles. We offer software updates for your vehicle directly from the manufacturer.

Manufacturers are constantly tweaking and improving their software while a car is in production. It is often the case that an update is released for a vehicle after it has left the showroom which means there may be improvements to your vehicle that you are missing out on.

A vehicle software update is a way to install improvements or new features directly into the car’s computer systems, much like updating a smartphone. These updates can help optimise fuel consumption, boost engine power, and even improve the responsiveness of driver assistance and safety features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping.

In addition, software updates can enhance the in-car experience with infotainment upgrades, add security protections against digital threats, and ensure compliance with the latest emission standards. Regular updates keep your vehicle running smoothly and ensure you’re always enjoying the latest advancements in automotive technology.

Car manufacturers regularly release updates for the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to enhance performance, improve fuel efficiency, ensure safety, and address known issues. These updates are generally rolled out to refine engine and transmission management, often improving aspects like fuel injection timing, throttle response, and even emissions control. In some cases, updates are released to correct software bugs, or adjust settings to better meet updated regulatory standards. here is a breakdown of the key benefits offered.

Improved Performance: An ECU update can recalibrate how the engine manages fuel, air intake, and timing, often leading to better power output, responsiveness, and sometimes a slight increase in horsepower or torque.
Better Fuel Efficiency: Manufacturers often release updates to improve fuel efficiency. These changes can make the engine run leaner, optimize shifting points (in automatic transmissions), and adjust idle settings, which can save fuel over time.
Enhanced Drivability: Updates can address issues like throttle lag or gear-shifting delays, resulting in smoother acceleration, more predictable throttle response, and better overall driving experience.
Improved Reliability and Longevity: ECU updates sometimes fix known issues that may affect engine longevity, including small bugs in engine management software that can contribute to wear and tear. This can enhance the long-term reliability of the engine.
Compliance with Emission Standards: Some updates are designed to ensure the car continues to meet emission standards, which can be crucial if emission regulations have changed or if the car needs to pass a smog test.
Enhanced Safety Features: Some ECU updates might also improve the performance of safety systems like traction control, ABS, or stability control by better coordinating these with the engine's performance.
Resolve Bugs: Manufacturers occasionally release updates to correct errors or software bugs that could affect vehicle performance or cause minor issues.

We can also offer software updates to your infotainment system, transforming your user experience with the very latest updates direct from the manufacturer. This can include your sat-nav settings, user convenience and vital security updates to keep your car safe. Similar to updating your phone or laptop, a software update for your car is recommended to keep it up to date and at its best. Here is a breakdown of what an infotainment update can offer:

Navigation and GPS

Updated Maps: Adds new roads, locations, and traffic data to improve navigation.
Routing Optimisation: Incorporates data to calculate faster routes, taking into account real-time traffic, road closures, or weather.
Enhanced POI (Points of Interest): Updates add or modify POIs, making it easier to find locations like charging stations, gas stations, restaurants, and more.

Security Updates

Cybersecurity Patches: Protects against known vulnerabilities that could be exploited, especially in connected cars.
Improved Authentication: Some updates enhance how keys or mobile apps interact with the car to prevent unauthorised access.

Convenience Features

Remote Control Functions: Adds or refines functions like remote start, remote unlocking, or climate control from a mobile app.
Improved User Experience: Updates may optimise user interface speed, add new customisation options, or introduce new settings for a more enjoyable experience.

A software reflash is the process of updating or reinstalling the software (firmware) in a device, such as a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU. a software re-flash erases and replaces existing software (akin to reformatting a computer's hard drive) can resolve annoying electrical issues a driver is experiencing with their vehicle. If the factory software is corrupted, a straightforward erase-and-reinstall process may be the solution.

Are your car keys lost or damaged beyond repair? we are able to replace and reprogramme your car keys at our Southampton based workshop. We offer a car key replacement service for all makes and model of vehicle and can have you back on the road in no time at all.

FAQ

When should I update my vehicles software?

we recommend having your car check for software updates at least once a year in line with your annual servicing. We carry out software checks as part of our servicing schedule and will report back to you if a software update is due or recommended.

How much does a software update cost?

Software updates cost can vary between manufacturers - we charge a £35 hardware fee plus the cost on an individual basis to perform a software update. We will always give you a price before we perform the update.