Like your smartphone, your car may soon get regular software updates. According to the Detroit Free Press, by 2022, more than 200 million vehicles world-wide will get over-the-air software updates according.
Nearly a third of the defects that lead to recalls might be fixed with these updates, resolving problems without a trip to the dealership. Many updates that now require a trip to the dealer will be handled by beaming new software to the vehicle. Software-only recalls affected 3.3 million vehicles in the U.S. last year.
Updates will include fixes, new security to keep up with would-be hackers, and adding features. Examples include new transmission programming to increase fuel economy, updated navigation information, and new infotainment apps.