Car updates - automatic or replaced?

I had a quick question for those with more experience on the matter. Sorry if it sounds noobish.

I've made some pretty rapid progress since the start of my league's season started a week ago, but obviously didn't replace any parts as they are at 100%.
Something I've been wondering for a while is if each performance gain you make goes directly into the current car, or if that enhancement is only updated once you make a replacement?

thanks in advance

No, you have to replace an older component to get the newer version on the car

Thanks for the quick response. It was a surprise to take pole position with what I consider to be a pretty underdeveloped car, so can't wait until the updated version comes through! :D

boa tarde pessoal, estou com dificuldade em trocar os componentes velhos do carro, alguem pode me ajudar por favor?

https://igpmanager.com/play/?url=race-next#tab2

Refit

Then press Save All.