What to explain to valets?

[Driver1]

I should have worded it to say "if the valet mode did".

I just remember the first time I got in this car and it takes a minute to figure it all out.

It's so quiet that it REALLY needs include "vehicle is running" or "vehicle is not running".

I realize most valets would be able to figure it out but why not make it stupid-proof?

I’ve learned to never underestimate the potential of stupidity (or, even worse, the complete lack of caring!)

Sponsored

 

[Skilly]

Its funny I have a slightly different view. Agree with the coaching (and even the laminated instructions - great tip!).

In the spirit of "yes and..."

I'm more concerned about the door dings and rim scrapes than I am with a write off. It's the collateral damage that is going to be more likely than the 'oops I totalled your car' scenario....sure everyone has heard of that happening but it usually starts with "I heard about this guy" rather than a personal experience.

Every valet you might want to take your smartphone on a 15 second tour with your camera around the car. Makes it easier in a debate about whether that ding or scrape was there pre or post valet.

 

[Driver1]

Its funny I have a slightly different view. Agree with the coaching (and even the laminated instructions - great tip!).

In the spirit of "yes and..."

I'm more concerned about the door dings and rim scrapes than I am with a write off. It's the collateral damage that is going to be more likely than the 'oops I totalled your car' scenario....sure everyone has heard of that happening but it usually starts with "I heard about this guy" rather than a personal experience.

Every valet you might want to take your smartphone on a 15 second tour with your camera around the car. Makes it easier in a debate about whether that ding or scrape was there pre or post valet.

I’m similarly worried mostly about the scrapes and small dings here and there from just not paying close enough attention, which won’t be enough to warrant an insurance claim but will be sad and diminish the car’s awesomeness. Might install one of those motion activated dash cams that has a view of both out the front and the internal cabin as a deterrent from carelessness. Paired with tipping well and taking a few moments to teach them about the car.
Ill try to avoid the temptation to bring a new meaning to “wrap” by adding a layer of styrofoam to all exterior surfaces.

 

[DerekS]

In the spirit of "yes and..."

 

[Skilly]

Im guessing that this is one of those if you know, you know things? I just dont know.

 

[DerekS]

Im guessing that this is one of those if you know, you know things? I just dont know.

Ah. Bojack Horseman (Netflix show.) The character Todd joins an improv group/cult and they keep chains of improvisation going by saying "Yes, AND?"

I thought you were referencing that.

 

[Skilly]

Ah. Bojack Horseman (Netflix show.) The character Todd joins an improv group/cult and they keep chains of improvisation going by saying "Yes, AND?"

I thought you were referencing that.

ha - same idea! Well done!

 

[gusone]

I live in NYC and, sadly, my only option is going to be handing over my keys every day to a valet to park and retrieve my soon-to-arrive Taycan from a cramped NYC garage (that makes Tetris look easy) with steeply inclined driveways.

I read in another thread recently something about Taycans rolling back on slopes when parked because the parking brake fails to engage, and the Taycan is new and different enough that I'm not sure the garage valet will know how to properly operate the Taycan, realize how much torque it has, know how to properly put it in park with the parking brake on, etc.

Does anyone have tips on what to explain about the care to the valet to avoid a disaster?

Do valets have insurance? I can't imagine your insurance company paying out if you gave the keys voluntarily to a valet.

 

[kloisdad]

I think I will have to do that – unfortunately in New York City there are almost no self-parking garages (and only a small number of apartment buildings have parking lots with deeded individual parking spots). Almost all lots (and all the ones within walking distance from me) are ones where the space is so valuable that the valets have to constantly rearrange cars to maximize space usage and get cars out when they need to be. So even if I park the car initially it’ll be shuffled around by the valet between then and when I pick it up again.

Not sure how close you live to FiDi or BPC but I park in the Battery Parking Garage and it’s self-park. Pricing is around $450/mo and I think it’s an additional $80/mo we pay for the reserved floor where you fob in and out and there’s not a ton of people squeezing in next to you.

 

[Driver1]

Not sure how close you live to FiDi or BPC but I park in the Battery Parking Garage and it’s self-park. Pricing is around $450/mo and I think it’s an additional $80/mo we pay for the reserved floor where you fob in and out and there’s not a ton of people squeezing in next to you.

Thanks for that info! I’m about a 15-20 minute walk from there so might be a bit far if I end up using the car every day, but it’s great to know that option’s there. I just visited a bunch of the lots near me and the better ones are 100% full! Craziness.

 

[Hirschaj]

1 more thing for valet mode. Disable my home address from nav.

It may not happen often but valets in South Florida have been known to get that address and give it to someone who ends up breaking in to your home while they know you are away.

Currently, I just use the address of my neighbor Mike. Sorry Mike.

I do something similar but I don’t use the address of a neighbor, instead I use the address of a nearby business.

 

[Archimedes]

We don't tend to have valet parking in the uk.
Does it tend to be the same individual, or do they change?

Valeting in the US is a highly regarded career that attracts dedicated, skilled professionals that are very knowledgeable about all things automotive related. They’re usually highly trustworthy and take great pride in their work, taking care of your automobile as if it were their own. I remember the valet in my building, little Fangio, named by his Father after the famous racer,…

Seriously, it’s a minimum wage job on the level with fast food work and attracts similar talent.

OP you just need to accept that your car is gonna take some bruises.

 

[rb33gl]

Don't let anyone called Ferris park it...

Sponsored