Selling your car? Do this first
New cars are computers on wheels, tracking just as much about you as your phone does. Before you sell your car or return a lease, you need to take the time to wipe all that data.
Otherwise, you’re handing over a digital diary of your life to anyone who knows where to look. Your car tracks where you’ve been, how fast you got there, your contacts and text messages and what radio stations you listen to most. Don’t let that info go along for the ride!
🚗 It starts when you leave the lot
Almost every new vehicle connects to the internet. Even worse, they’re notoriously bad when it comes to keeping your data safe and private.
Most folks don’t know newer cars have privacy settings. They’re just very well hidden. Privacy points: Don’t bother with your carmaker’s app if it’s not a must.
Check the policies: When you’re buying a car, kick the tires, check the mileage, look for flaws in the paint … but also read through the privacy policy to see what’s at stake. If you can’t be bothered, tools like Privacy Analyzer from security.org can help. Put in a URL and it’ll flag anything especially concerning.
Opt out … and out and out: When setting up your car’s software, you’ll get hit with a bunch of questions. Don’t feel like you have to say yes to everything. If you don’t like or understand something, skip it. Just know that you might lose out on certain features. That’s how they get ya.
Take the third-party route: Using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay from your phone rather than your vehicle’s software can limit the data carmakers get. Google and Apple collect a ton of data, too, but at least it stays with your phone and isn’t too hard to delete.
✌️ When it’s time to say goodbye …
It’s up to you to delete your data. If you’re using your car’s connected app on your phone, that’s a good place to start. In the settings, look for options to wipe your account.
Then do this: Privacy4Cars has a free iOS and Android app. With it, you can wipe out your phone book, call logs, text messages, navigation history, home address, garage door codes, passwords, biometrics and vehicle credentials.
File a privacy request: In some states, car manufacturers are obliged to tell you about the data they have on you and how you can wipe it. The EFF has a good guide with links here. It’s worth a few emails to know that you’re not leaving a trail of data behind.
Do a reset: Like your phone or laptop, some cars have a factory reset option to wipe the car’s memory and disconnect your account. Check your owner’s manual or search for steps online.
The data collection never ends, I know. At least you have me!
😂 Rumor has it Microsoft is working on software for self-driving vehicles. Can’t wait until my car suddenly stops in the middle of the highway and reboots to install updates.
Tags: Android, Apple, Google, internet, security
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