Car Safety Checks Before Leaving

A quick pre-leaving vehicle safety checklist for doors, mirrors, visibility, and surroundings.

Car Safety Checks Before Leaving

Overview

This page outlines simple checks you can use before starting a drive, especially if you have concerns about a current or former partner accessing your vehicle or tracking your movements.

These steps are optional tools. You can use all of them, some of them, or adapt them to fit what feels workable for you.

Information about additional safety tools and professional supports can also be found through resources listed at DV.Support.

Quick-Use Checklist

You can use this short list when you are in a hurry:

• Exterior check
• Door locks
• Backseat scan
• Mirrors
• Route plan

Exterior Check

Purpose: Notice anything unusual around or on the car before you unlock it or get inside.

• Look around the car from a short distance away:
  • Check the ground near the doors, wheels, and under the bumpers.
  • Notice any objects that were not there before (bags, boxes, tools, containers).
• Walk around the vehicle once if it feels safe to do so:
  • Check tires for visible damage or signs of tampering.
  • Look for loose wires, tape, or unfamiliar devices near bumpers, wheel wells, or the fuel cap.
  • Glance at license plates and windows to see if anything has been moved, broken, or removed.
• Check the fuel level:
  • Note if the fuel level is much lower than you expect.
  • Consider whether someone else could have used the car without your knowledge.

Door Locks

Purpose: Notice any unexpected changes in how the doors lock or unlock.

• Before unlocking:
  • Pause and observe whether the car appears already unlocked.
  • Check for any signs that a keyhole has been scratched or damaged.
• When unlocking:
  • Use the remote to unlock only the driver door, if your car has that option.
  • Listen for any unusual clicking or repeated locking/unlocking sounds.
• After entering:
  • Lock the doors once you are inside, if that feels useful in your situation.
  • Check that child locks (if present) are set how you prefer:
    • Front seats: Confirm you can open doors from the inside.
    • Back seats: Decide whether you want child locks on or off.
• Key or fob changes:
  • Notice if your keys or fob look different, lighter, heavier, or altered.
  • Note any new key or fob in the household that can access your car.

Backseat Scan

Purpose: Make a quick visual check of the interior before you drive.

• Before you open the driver door:
  • Look through the windows at the backseat and floor area.
  • Check the front passenger seat and footwell.
• After you unlock the car:
  • Open the back door for a brief scan if it feels safe:
    • Look at the seat, floor, and pockets on the doors.
    • Check any blankets, coats, or large items that could hide objects.
• What to notice:
  • Items that are new, moved, or missing (bags, cords, boxes, tools, electronics).
  • Any new cables, chargers, or small electronic devices that you did not place there.
  • Changes to seat positions, including folded seats or seats pushed very far forward or back.
• Trunk or cargo area (optional, if accessible and feels safe):
  • Open the trunk briefly and look for unfamiliar items or containers.
  • Note any new magnets, cases, or devices near the inside of the trunk lid or rear bumper area.

Mirrors

Purpose: Set up clear visibility and notice any unexpected changes.

• Driver’s seat:
  • Check whether the driver’s seat position has changed in a way you did not set.
  • Confirm you can comfortably reach pedals and controls.
• Mirror positions:
  • Adjust the rear-view mirror so you can see the full rear window.
  • Adjust side mirrors to reduce blind spots as much as your vehicle allows.
• If mirrors are repeatedly moved:
  • Note when and how often this happens.
  • Consider whether anyone else with access to the car could be changing settings.
• Night and glare settings:
  • Use the night/dim switch on the rear-view mirror if glare is an issue.
  • Angle side mirrors to reduce bright reflection from following cars when possible.

Route Plan

Purpose: Decide how you want to travel, who might know your route, and what information your car or devices might store.

• Basic route choices:
  • Decide whether you prefer:
    • More public routes (main roads, busier areas), or
    • Quieter routes with fewer stops, depending on your situation.
  • Identify any areas or locations you prefer to avoid.
• Navigation and tracking options:
  • If using built-in GPS:
    • Check “recent destinations” and clear entries you do not want stored.
    • Review saved “Home” or “Favorites” locations and edit or remove as needed.
  • If using a phone app:
    • Know that location history may be stored in the app or your account.
    • Consider using “incognito” or “private” modes if your app offers them.
• Who knows your route:
  • Consider whether anyone you are concerned about:
    • Has access to your phone, accounts, or car systems.
    • Can see shared locations on apps or shared devices.
  • Decide if you want to:
    • Turn off live location sharing for some apps or contacts.
    • Use alternative communication, such as sending a check-in message when you arrive, instead of live tracking.
• Backup options:
  • Note at least one alternate route in case of road closures or changes.
  • Identify one or two safe public places along the way where you could stop if needed (for example, a store or other staffed location).

Making This Routine Workable

You can adapt these steps to fit different time limits and situations.

• When you have very little time:
  • Glance around the exterior and backseat through the windows.
  • Check fuel level.
  • Adjust mirrors quickly before moving.
• When you have more time:
  • Walk fully around the car.
  • Open at least one back door to scan the interior.
  • Review navigation history and saved locations.
• Optional documentation:
  • Keep simple notes about repeated changes to locks, mirrors, seat positions, or items in the car.
  • Record dates and times if you notice patterns, which can be useful if you later choose to talk with an advocate, mechanic, or legal professional.

Recommended Articles

• Phone and Tech Safety Basics
• GPS and Location Tracking Risks
• Staying Safer When Traveling
• Gathering Evidence
• Privacy Settings Checklist