new cars, servicing and software updates...

[Black Sheep]

This might be a bit of an odd question,

Black Ewe's car is a year old and so has just had it's first service which involved a software update, in a year or two's time we won't be taking it to the main dealer for it's service because 1) it's quite a distance and 2) #TightYorkshireGit

Is there much risk that it'll miss out on updates that it needs by being serviced outside of the dealer network?

I know things like the built in sat nav won't get updated, but is there anything vital that would be missed.

 

[Milkfloat]

Depending on the car and infotainment system you might have 'Map Care' which gives you 3 years free sat nav updates. You can often di these yourself, so it is worth looking at. For example my BMW will update the Sat Nav for the UK over the air (inbuilt SIM card) but to get the quarterly updates for the whole of Europe I need to do it via a USB download.
As for other updates, then some can come over the air, but some will be dealer only - having said that there are not too many that are crucial and if they are safety related you would get a recall notice anyway.

 

[biggs682]

Back in the day when cars had points you had an update when it became harder to start or run smoothly

 

[BoldonLad]

Interesting point. I would guess, that by time car is three years old, manufacturer has lost interest in updating software, (except safety related items). But, I could be wrong our car is 4 years old, so, one year out of warranty, and about to go for it’s first non-dealer service tomorrow.

 

[HMS_Dave]

Pretty much as @Milkfloat says. Software updates are mostly for benign stuff, but occasionally they could be for safety reasons, which could include steering and brakes as most are electrically controlled so it's always worth checking for this just in case they aren't counted in a safety recall...

 

[Drago]

Mrs D's car updates itself either over 4G or via WiFi.

 

[Black Sheep]

If it makes much different, it's a Nissan Quashquaiaiaiaiiaiaaiiiii

 

[BoldonLad]

If it makes much different, it's a Nissan Quashquaiaiaiaiiaiaaiiiii

Mine’s a Renault Captur 1.5dci, every component under the bonnet is Nissan, so, I suspect, same car, different body shell

 

[mikeIow]

Maybe look out for an independent specialist?
Our Volvo was due it‘s 6th annual service.....I was quoted well over £500 with a main dealer, versus less than half that with a local indy Volvo specialist.....& they have access to any updates needed.

 

[Badger_Boom]

There are plenty of independent specialists out there who can do everything a dealer can (including software updates) in accordance with manufacturers specification if you’re worried about warranty, just better and usually cheaper.

 

[Drago]

My own Volvo I get the major services done at the deal, and thus get the routine software updates, and do the minor ones myself. Even the best independents (and the horrifically complex XC90 needs a specialist, not merely a good independent) will not have immediate access to the latest software updates, and will not have any access at all to technical bulletins.

 

[Black Sheep]

If I need to get a car for myself in the future, I'm getting a Morris Minor!

 

[Smokin Joe]

Software update -

What the garage tries when everything else has failed and they're desperate.

 

[Illaveago]

I was informed about my service which is due in March by my friendly garage .
We've only had the car 6 months and it has only done 1,500 miles since it's last service. The car will be out of it's manufacturers warranty now .
What has got me niggled apart from the price is that it is either one year or a certain number of miles whichever is the soonest.
I think the service costs over £460 for an oil change and pollen filter. Not even new spark plugs or oiling the door hinges.
I haven't had the chance to use my car much due to the lock down and there doesn't seem chance in the near future .
As for updates, I don't use satnav, I use "The Force". It is amazing how one can get by just by using a few reference points .
I don't use a mobile phone except for emergencies so that's not a problem .
The only problem I can forsee is having to jack the car up and crawl underneath to drain the oil on a cold wet day .