> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Delete a vehicle record
> Permanently remove a car from your facility when it was created by mistake or should no longer appear in your active inventory.
Deleting a car is a **permanent** step. Use it only when the record should not exist at all—for example a duplicate entry, a test vehicle, or a car that was added to the wrong facility.
This guide explains where the **Delete Permanently** button lives, what data is removed, and safer alternatives when you only need to hide a departed car from daily lists.
## What you will accomplish
You will permanently delete one car record and all data tied directly to that vehicle in your facility.
**Expected outcome:** The car no longer appears on [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars), parking maps, or customer-linked lists. This cannot be undone from the dashboard.
## When to delete vs. when to use another option
* **Delete permanently** when the record was created by mistake, is a duplicate, or is test data that should not exist.
* **Archive** (see [Archive or restore a vehicle](/docs/cars/archive-or-restore-a-vehicle)) when the vehicle sold or left your facility but you may need photos, activity, or billing history later.
* **Remove from spot** (see [Move a car](/docs/cars/move-a-car)) when the vehicle left your building today but the record should stay active with full history.
* **Update customer link** (see [View and edit vehicle details](/docs/cars/view-and-edit-vehicle-details)) when the car is correct but the wrong owner is attached.
**Try archive before permanent delete**
Most teams **archive** departed cars instead of deleting them. Deleting removes photo sessions, activity history, and other data connected to the car. Ask a manager when you are unsure which option fits.
## Before you start
* Confirm with a manager or owner when the car has real customer history, invoices, or signed contracts.
* Make sure you opened the correct vehicle from [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars).
* Your role must allow deleting cars. If you do not see the **Danger Zone**, ask an admin about permissions.
*Start on [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars). Click **View** on the vehicle you need to remove—double-check year, make, model, and plate before you scroll to **Danger Zone**.*
## Delete a car from the record
Go to [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars) and click **View** on the vehicle you need to remove.
**Expected result:** The car detail page opens. Double-check the year, make, model, and VIN before continuing.
Scroll to the very bottom of the page past **Vehicle Details**, **Activity Feed**, and **Notes**.
Look for the red **Danger Zone** heading with the subtitle **Irreversible and destructive actions**.
You will see two sections:
* **Archive Vehicle** — hides the car from your daily list but keeps history (see [Archive or restore a vehicle](/docs/cars/archive-or-restore-a-vehicle))
* **Delete Vehicle Permanently** — removes the record forever
In the **Delete Vehicle Permanently** row, click the red **Delete Permanently** button.
**Expected result:** A confirmation window titled **Permanently delete car?** appears. It warns that the action cannot be undone and will remove photo sessions and associated data.
Read the message carefully. Click **Cancel** if you changed your mind—or if **Archive** is the better choice.
When you are sure, confirm permanent deletion in the dialog.
**Expected outcome:** The app deletes the record and returns you to the [Cars list](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars). The vehicle no longer appears in search results—even when you show archived cars.
***Archive Vehicle** sits above **Delete Vehicle Permanently**. Most departed cars should be archived—not permanently deleted.*
*The confirmation window gives you one last chance to stop. Read it carefully before you confirm permanent deletion.*
## What gets removed
Deleting a car permanently removes the vehicle record and associated data such as:
* Photo sessions and walkthrough images tied to this car
* Activity and event history on this record
* Parking assignment for this vehicle
* Parts entries and notes on the car page
Customer records, invoices already issued, and contracts may still exist separately. Deleting the car does not automatically delete the customer or erase all billing history. Ask a manager if billing or legal records are involved.
## Troubleshooting
**I do not see Danger Zone**
Your account may be read-only or missing delete permission. Contact a facility owner or admin. You can still update most fields with [View and edit vehicle details](/docs/cars/view-and-edit-vehicle-details).
**Delete failed or the car is still visible**
Refresh [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars). If the record remains, you may lack permission or another teammate recreated it. Contact support or a manager with the car VIN and a screenshot of the error.
**The car left but I want to keep history**
Do not delete permanently. Use [Archive or restore a vehicle](/docs/cars/archive-or-restore-a-vehicle) to hide the car from daily lists, or use **Remove from Spot** in [Move a car](/docs/cars/move-a-car) when the record should stay active without a parking assignment.
## What to do next
* If you removed a duplicate, search [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars) for the correct record and link the customer there.
* If a customer’s car left your facility, prefer [Archive or restore a vehicle](/docs/cars/archive-or-restore-a-vehicle) instead of permanent delete.
* Export your remaining inventory with [Export your vehicle inventory report](/docs/cars/export-your-vehicle-inventory-report) when an owner or insurer needs a full list.
This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.