What to explain to valets?

[Driver1]

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?

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[TaycanCook]

Talk to them. I had a E60 M5 SMG that the valet admitted to me rolled forward because he didn't realize it needed the parking brake on. Didn't repeat that mistake. Talk to them, and tip them. How much is up to you. I tipped them on the way out, and on the way in. The car never got a ding, scratch, etc.

 

[DerekS]

Don't do it.

A friend recently lost a brand new Plaid Model S to an errant valet.

 

[nickmdp]

Don't do it.

A friend recently lost a brand new Plaid Model S to an errant valet.

Did they take it joyriding or something? I'm just struggling to understand how a car gets totaled while someone is just trying to park it.

 

[DerekS]

Did they take it joyriding or something? I'm just struggling to understand how a car gets totaled while someone is just trying to park it.

It was in a parking garage. The car was not in valet mode and the girl parking it gave it WAY too much pedal. It's a < 2.0 second car so...bam, totaled into other cars.

 

[nickmdp]

It was in a parking garage. The car was not in valet mode and the girl parking it gave it WAY too much pedal. It's a < 2.0 second car so...bam, totaled into other cars.

I honestly don't know what to say. I can only imagine the level of ignorance about cars required to do something like that would be in the same ballpark as a vegetarian getting a job as a butcher.

 

[DerekS]

I honestly don't know what to say. I can only imagine the level of ignorance about cars required to do something like that would be in the same ballpark as a vegetarian getting a job as a butcher.

I got to see the Teslacam video. It was amazing how quickly 2 seconds goes by when you’re in a parking garage.

Moral of the story, don’t use valets. Park your own car even if you have to tip them to do it.

 

[Fish Fingers]

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

But if its the latter and I was the OP, I would type out a few bullet points (large font) on a piece of paper (with photos and arrows pointing to the button etc) and laminate it - then leave it on the passenger seat and show it to the valet.

Save having to explain the same thing over and over again.

Once parked up
1. Press Park button <pic>
2. Check park indicator<pic>
3. Turn ignition off <pic>
Etc

 

[Driver1]

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

But if its the latter and I was the OP, I would type out a few bullet points (large font) on a piece of paper (with photos and arrows pointing to the button etc) and laminate it - then leave it on the passenger seat and show it to the valet.

Save having to explain the same thing over and over again.

Once parked up
1. Press Park button <pic>
2. Check park indicator<pic>
3. Turn ignition off <pic>
Etc

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.

The specific lot I’m referring to has the benefit of having only 2-3 valets as far as I can tell, so I could tip them well and get to know them. I guess I have to just do that, give them clear instructions and a sign with instructions, and hope for the best… and be appreciative of how my 4S won’t accelerate as quickly as that Plaid Model S!

and then of course there’s the issue of whichever destination parking lot I go to elsewhere in the city, so having the explanatory sign will be helpful for that.

But yes, deep down I know I need to get into a zen state and accept that one way or the other in NYC, whether by the hands of a valet or through the madness on the city streets, it’s only a matter of time before something dings up the car….

 

[WuffvonTrips]

I'd hate to have that issue- even the thought of handing over to a recommended PPF installer gives me sleepless nights- so I'm sorry I don't have any helpful suggestion, but I now can't get this out of my head...

 

[robborover]

Citreon Ami for when you go out?

 

[Allegedly]

Wouldn't it be nice if Porsche had a valet mode on the Taycan that switched the cluster display over to a very simple layout with only drive mode (PRND), speed (limited with very neutered acceleration), and relevant large font instructions on the display?

Radio is turned off, lights automatically on, glove box, frunk and trunk locked...

It's software. Tell me they can't.

 

[Pozuelo]

Actually there is a Valet mode, but it consists of an alarm if they exceed a certain speed or if they leave a certain area. Your suggestions are much better and would be complementary to the alarm.

 

[Allegedly]

Actually there is a Valet mode, but it consists of an alarm if they exceed a certain speed or if they leave a certain area. Your suggestions are much better and would be complementary to the alarm.

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?

 

[Allegedly]

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.

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