OTA Updates

Benefits, Risks, and the Impact on WOT Engine Reprogramming

OTA (Over-The-Air) updates have become a key topic in modern automotive technology. Popularized by Tesla, they allow for remote updates of a vehicle’s onboard systems without the need to visit a dealership. For many, this technology promises vehicles that are constantly optimized, with new features and regular fixes. While this promise is appealing, the reality can be far more complex, especially from the perspective of an automotive tuner like WOT.

A revolution in theory…

In theory, OTA is a major breakthrough. No more dealership appointments for software updates, whether it's for mapping, battery management, or bug fixes. Updates happen seamlessly in the background, often at night, allowing drivers to enjoy an up-to-date vehicle without any effort. This also reinforces the idea of a "living" vehicle that continues to improve long after purchase.

Tesla, a pioneer in this field, has led the way by keeping its vehicles high-performing and updated for extended periods. Many other automakers, such as BMW, Mercedes, and even mainstream brands like Renault, have joined the race to offer similar services.

...but challenges in practice

However, in practice, this ideal scenario is often marred by real-world problems. Recently, we experienced this with our WOT-tuned Porsche Taycan, which initiated an update without our consent when the vehicle was needed for an urgent appointment. The result: 30 minutes of downtime while the car attempted the update—only for it to fail and revert to the previous version! Unexpected situations like this can quickly become frustrating, and it's a problem we frequently encounter with certain manufacturers.

Direct impact on certified engine reprogramming

Another issue, more specific to our WOT certified engine tuning services, is the impact of OTA updates on engine modifications. An update can overwrite an engine reprogramming that we have carefully optimized for our clients. Imagine a vehicle tuned to deliver power aligned with its registration, suddenly reverting to its original configuration after an OTA update. Not only does this render the vehicle non-compliant, but it also erases all the optimization work done.

OTA: A control tool for manufacturers

Beyond standard updates, OTA also opens the door to another type of control from manufacturers: the monetization of features. Increasingly, we are seeing vehicles equipped with electronically blocked functionalities that can be "unlocked" with an additional payment. This model resembles what we do with WOT engine tuning, where we unleash the potential of engines that are often identical but deliberately limited to create less powerful versions.

While WOT tuning offers owners real freedom and custom optimization, manufacturers seem to use OTA to sell updates à la carte. What might seem like a simple security update can sometimes be a pretext to charge for services or options the vehicle already possesses on a hardware level.

WOT’s final word

Despite its undeniable benefits, OTA raises crucial questions about control and reliability. At WOT, we see these updates as a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can enhance vehicle safety and performance, but on the other, they can undo legitimate modifications, like our certified reprogramming, and negatively impact the user experience.

The key lies in control: the user should always have the option to decide when and how their vehicle is updated. There's still progress to be made, particularly in terms of the reliability of updates and the ability to enable or disable them easily. Once a vehicle is connected remotely, there is a risk of misuse or malfunctions that could compromise its proper operation.

At WOT, we advise our clients not to proceed with updates that affect engine tuning without consulting one of our experts. Some updates can make further reprogramming impossible, so it's crucial to assess their necessity beforehand. Caution is essential to preserve your vehicle’s performance and compliance.