A Different Approach to Valet Instructions

Soflauthor · Oct 14, 2012

I valeted (is that a word?) my car for the first time over the weekend, and there was a lot of arm waving. The car survived the experience, but it occurred to me that there had to be a backup approach.

So … I decided to create a simple instruction sheet for valets, post it on the web, assign the page to my Model S browser as a “favorite,” and then call it up (full screen) just before I get to the valet stand. That way, a simple set of driving instructions for the Model S is on the Model S display as the valet gets in. He/she can read as required and potentially embarrassing situations might be avoided. It can also be useful if you lend your Model S to a friend (yeah … right

)

I’ve posted the Valet Instruction Sheet as a public service at the new website supporting our center console insert (CCI):

teslaccessories.com

You’ll find it under “Valet” in the top navigation bar.

If you find errors, omissions, or ambiguities, let me know here and I'll correct them. Hope you find the instructions (and the website) informative.

Sousaphil · Oct 14, 2012

Brilliant idea! I can't wait for my opportunity to take advantage of your work...at least 2 months from now.

gg_got_a_tesla · Oct 14, 2012

Very useful! This works with the tech package alone, of course. One'd have to post the key-fob-press instructions otherwise.

Nice website btw!

Johann Koeber · Oct 14, 2012

Soflauthor said:
I valeted (is that a word?) my car for the first time over the weekend, and there was a lot of arm waving. The car survived the experience, but it occurred to me that there had to be a backup approach.

.....

If you find errors, omissions, or ambiguities, let me know here and I'll correct them. Hope you find the instructions (and the website) informative.

Some tiny suggestions:

3c probably a typo: card instead of car; might be misleading

Fob or fob: inconsistent usage

Robert.Boston · Oct 14, 2012

Presumably they will have figured out step 1 (getting into the car) if they are reading the screen....

I would also add a BOLD caution at the end of step 2: "This car goes fast! Drive with caution" or something similar.

steve841 · Oct 14, 2012

Fob may need "(remote)" next to it.... Remember what you're dealing with.

Also, I'm in the CCI email database now!

bonnie · Oct 14, 2012

Or ... just don't let the valet drive the car. I've found that most valets want nice cars out front, are happy to let you park in a valet spot IF you leave your key behind. I've always refused to let them get behind the wheel and I've always been allowed to park in the valet area. Just smile a lot and say 'no way'.

Nice website. And I like the idea of easy to bring up instructions. But I still wouldn't let a valet take the car.

kalikgod · Oct 14, 2012

SOFLAuthor,

That is a great idea. It might be worth it to repeat the instructions in (Google Translate) Spanish below the English. I have ran into trouble trying to give instructions with a language barrier valeting my LEAF.

This is something Tesla should when they implement Valet mode. Have the instructions showing on half the screen and backup camera on the other half.

Soflauthor · Oct 14, 2012

Thx for comments so far. Have implemented some the recommended changes/corrections.

Also, thx for visiting the site. Tell your Tesla friends.

efusco · Oct 14, 2012

Will that same screen pop back up if a new valet brings your car back to you? Just thinking that a printed card that can be left on the seat/dash or hanging from the rear view mirror might work a bit better for that second driver.

SCW-Greg · Oct 14, 2012

TM should add a valet mode screen as you have outlined (excellent work SoFLo), and I think this has been mentioned on other threads, but when you would enable valet mode with this instruction screen, there should be a hidden option to limit top speed to say 55 and cut acceleration by half or so.

No joy riding in my car without me present!

edit: Future update option, maybe you could set "Valet" as a driver profile - with constraints you can tailor?

Lloyd · Oct 14, 2012

55 is too fast for a valet in a parking lot!

Doug_G · Oct 14, 2012

bonnie1194 said:
Or ... just don't let the valet drive the car. I've found that most valets want nice cars out front, are happy to let you park in a valet spot IF you leave your key behind. I've always refused to let them get behind the wheel and I've always been allowed to park in the valet area. Just smile a lot and say 'no way'.

Nice website. And I like the idea of easy to bring up instructions. But I still wouldn't let a valet take the car.

Me too. I'll pay for valet parking, and even tip, as long as they don't set foot in the car. Only had trouble once, and in that case they simply lost a customer.

palmer_md · Oct 14, 2012

yep, just limit power output to 5kW and they will not go too far or too fast if they try to take it off the lot. Does the car not have a valet mode to reduce power? I remember the Corvette ZR1 had this feature.

vfx · Oct 14, 2012

Robert.Boston said:
I would also add a BOLD caution at the end of step 2: "This car goes fast! Drive with caution" or something similar.

I would make it this:

"This car goes fast and is super quiet!! Drive with caution"

earthling · Oct 14, 2012

Wow! Just the idea of having the ability to have additional software written and installed into your car has given me an adrenaline rush. The possibilities are endless.

markwj · Oct 15, 2012

Soflauthor said:
So … I decided to create a simple instruction sheet for valets, post it on the web, assign the page to my Model S browser as a “favorite,” and then call it up (full screen) just before I get to the valet stand. That way, a simple set of driving instructions for the Model S is on the Model S display as the valet gets in. He/she can read as required and potentially embarrassing situations might be avoided. It can also be useful if you lend your Model S to a friend (yeah … right )

Does this count as the first web App for the Model S?

Lloyd · Oct 15, 2012

vfx said:
I would make it this:

"This car goes fast and is super quiet!! Drive with caution"

That sounds like a challenge to a valet driver!

solar powered · Oct 15, 2012

Soflauthor:
Thank you! One suggestion--most fobs require clicking a button. If the valet tries that with the Tesla fob, he will either open the frunk, the trunk or get all 4 windows to roll down. Suggest adding as a 2nd sentence: "Do not click or depress the fob--just carry it with you into the car to drive and carry it out with you after parking to lock the car."

Soflauthor · Oct 16, 2012

All --

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've made a few minor wording changes based on your comments.

A Different Approach to Valet Instructions

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