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Parked driver preparing to delete GPS data from their vehicle.

Wipe Your Personal Data From a Vehicle in 7 Steps

Did you know that vehicles equipped with modern technology store personal data? Much like a computer, a vehicle can keep track of frequently called phone numbers, routes to your favorite locations (including your home) and placing your coffee order on your way to the office.

When it’s time to sell your vehicle, turn in your lease or return the rental you’ve been using during a car repair or vacation, it’s important to remove your personal data from the vehicle so it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. Here are seven things to do before you turn over the keys.

  1. Reset the infotainment system to factory settings. Although this may not remove all your personal data, it can be used to erase saved locations, phone numbers and connected devices. Your vehicle owner’s manual will have more information on how to do this and many of the other items on this list.
  2. Clear your GPS data. Your navigation history, saved routes and favorite places can potentially reveal where you live and when you’re most likely to be away from your home.
  3. Remove garage door codes or gate access. If you programmed the vehicle with push-button access to open a garage door or security gate, clear that data before turning it over to the dealership or next owner. 
  4. Disconnect Bluetooth pairings. This may include connections to your phone, which itself holds a wealth of personal information. Although Bluetooth connections require proximity to your device, if someone has your GPS history, they may be able to drive close enough to gain access.
  5. Delete your contacts. Many people do not store personal contacts in their personal or rental vehicles, however, sometimes they may be added automatically if you connect your phone via USB port. If your phone contacts or call logs have been synced with the car's system, ensure this information is deleted as part of the factory reset.
  6. Clear any login information. If you have used in-vehicle apps, such as music streaming or mobile payment apps, log out and wipe any data that may be linked to your personal bank accounts or credit cards. In vehicles equipped with OnStar, you can cancel or transfer services to a new vehicle. Contact OnStar by pressing the blue button in your vehicle or call 1-888-466-7827.
  7. Remove all personal items. Take your toll tag off the windshield. Check the sun visors, sunglasses compartment, glove box, center console, phone charger pad, pockets in seat backs and side doors, and the trunk. Lift the floor mats and look under and between seats. Don’t leave anything that may have your name, address or financial information, including any USB drives or storage devices.

If you’re ready to move out of your “smart vehicle” and into a new one, remember to clear all personal data before you turn it over to a dealership, rental car company or the next owner. That’s the best way to keep your personal data — well, personal.

Lori Tutt
By Lori Tutt, GM Financial

From cars and movies to great works of literature, Lori Tutt has a passion for the classics. She’s never claimed to be good with numbers but can readily find the right words to describe money matters like budgets, investments and understanding credit. And when she’s stressed, she turns it around with desserts (or clever wordplay).

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