Your car's data storage could put you at risk

From smart infotainment systems to hands-free calling and navigation, modern cars are more connected than ever. But while they make your drive easier and more enjoyable, they also store a surprising amount of personal information – data you might not even realise you’re leaving behind when it’s time to sell or trade in your car.

Your car remembers more than you think
Just like your smartphone or laptop, your car’s infotainment system quietly collects and stores personal details. This could include:

• Contact names and numbers
• Call logs and text messages
• Saved home, work, and frequently visited addresses
• Route history and GPS locations
• Login details for connected apps
• Bluetooth-paired device data

If you’re not careful, all of this could be passed along to the next driver. In the wrong hands, that information could pose a real security risk, from privacy violations to something far more serious, like theft or hijacking.

Treat your car like a smart device
Before handing over the keys, it’s essential to wipe your personal data from the vehicle, just as you would before recycling an old phone or computer. While you’re clearing out your belongings from the cubbyhole and boot, take a few extra minutes to clear your digital footprint, too.

Here’s how to do it:

Unpair all Bluetooth devices
Remove your phone and any other paired devices. Most cars will delete associated contacts and call logs when the device is unpaired, but double-check to be sure.

Delete contact information and call history
Go into the infotainment system’s menu and manually remove saved contact details, call logs, and any stored text messages. The process can vary depending on your car's make and model, so check the owner’s manual if needed.

Clear navigation history
Your car likely saved locations like "Home", "Work", and other commonly visited destinations. Make sure to delete recent and saved routes from the navigation system to prevent someone else from seeing your travel patterns.

Log out of all apps
If you’ve used in-car apps, whether directly on the vehicle or through your smartphone, be sure to log out and disconnect those accounts.

Disengage the garage door opener
If your car has been programmed to open your garage door, remove this coding before selling it. Often, this just requires pressing and holding a couple of buttons, but again, refer to the manual for specifics.

Cancel or transfer connected services
Don’t forget to cancel any subscriptions or telematics services associated with the car, or transfer them to your new vehicle if you’re upgrading.

Factory reset as a last resort
Most modern cars offer a “factory reset” option, which wipes all stored data and restores default settings. This is the most thorough approach, but keep in mind that it also erases things like seat position memory, audio preferences, and lighting settings.