Cars Are Rolling Computers Now. So What Happens When They Stop Getting Updates?

jeffw@lemmy.world to Technology@lemmy.world – 612 points –
Cars Are Now Rolling Computers Now. So What Happens When They Stop Getting Updates?
wired.com
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Is that a new rule? For all cars?

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/nhtsa-announces-final-rule-requiring-rear-visibility-technology

If by "new" you mean decided a decade ago and implemented 6 years ago, then yes.

I didn't know. Maybe it's not a law in Australia or I just haven't been paying attention as my '96 Magna is still going fine.

Luckily modern cars are generally a lot safer to drive than your old magna. Air bags (not new, just better), crumble zones, automatic emergency braking, lane assist/departure warning etc. have come a really long way in the past 30 years. They're not only less likely to be in major crashes, they're also safer for both people in the car and outside the car (bikes/pedestrians) if it happens.

Hehe you forgot ABS :) It's up to me to pulse the brakes to keep steering, learned that in a defensive driving course.

I have a newer 2003 Verada as well but it's decided it no longer can find TDC (code 22, 23) so I'm saving up for the diagnostics and possible repair or replacement.

I agree a newer car is safer, and am hanging out for an EV when I can afford one. In the mean time the simple reliability of the Magna is a trade off I must make.

As for repairability, I'm aware that I will soon need to replace the capacitors in the ECU and TCU on the Magna since they die of old age. It's a failure mode for older cars that people might not anticipate - same as how all electionics die eventually.