Putting your car into valet mode is a great way to limit a stranger's access to your vehicle. But does it restrict the speed that they can drive the car? We researched this technology from multiple professional sources so that you'll know for sure what it does.
The valet mode in a car will limit how fast it can be driven. The top speed in this mode will vary from model to model.
Now that we know that valet mode does limit the vehicle's speed, we'll take a look at some popular models that have it equipped and how fast this setting will let them be driven. You might also be wondering what vehicles come equipped with valet mode or why you would use this mode in the first place.
To find the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
Top speed in valet modes will vary from model to model
Putting your vehicle in valet mode will reduce the maximum driving speed in most models. However, the amount that this speed is limited to will vary across them. While this list is not all-inclusive, it will give you a good idea of how much this variance can be.
A Tesla in valet mode will have its maximum speed reduced to 70 miles an hour.
Considering that some Tesla models boast a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, this might serve as a way to reduce the valet's temptation to test the vehicle's limits. The valet mode in this brand will also reduce the acceleration by 50%.
Ford vehicles equipped with this feature will have the speed reduced even further. The select models with valet mode enabled will only have a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
What vehicles have valet mode?
Valet mode is becoming a more popular feature these days. While not every make offers this technology, it seems like more and more options are available to consumers each year.
The list below has popular model vehicles that are equipped with valet mode. Remember that valet mode might not be offered across all trim levels in each model.
If valet mode interests you, consult your local dealership and inquire about which vehicle trims come equipped with it.
- Chevy Corvette
- Tesla model vehicles
- Audi A4
- Volkswagen Passat
- Nissan Leaf
- Volvo S60
- Jaguar F Type
- Infiniti Q60
- Cadillac CT6
- Subaru Legacy
Why would you use valet mode?
Some consumers might question why you'd ever want to use valet mode. But for those who might use valet services or want to put limitations on their vehicle when it's not in their possession, valet mode can come in handy.
The owner's manual in your vehicle will outline what valet mode will do for your specific model. Study it carefully, as valet mode does differ some across the models that offer it. Generally, valet mode will provide the following reasons why you should consider using it.
Valet mode will limit the speed the vehicle can be driven
Valet mode will limit how fast the vehicle can be driven. This makes taking the car out for a private "test drive" a lot less tempting. This is especially true for Tesla, whose top speed is cut by more than two-thirds.
This mode will work to protect your valuables
Valet mode also locks the glove compartment and trunk of the vehicle. This keeps valuables and other items from being accessible. Whether you're trying to safeguard goods from a shopping trip or personal documents, valet mode gives you the means to protect them.
As soon as valet mode is disengaged, these storage areas are available again. It's not recommended to ever store valuables for long in a vehicle. But when you do, it's good to know that there can be an additional layer of protection for them while you let a stranger drive it.
Valet mode locks others out of your infotainment system
Putting your vehicle into valet mode will also lock out personal information from your infotainment system. It will stop anyone from connecting to it with Bluetooth and keep prying eyes from seeing private data, like where the vehicle owner lives.
With so much information accessible through the infotainment system in late-model cars, this is a great benefit to valet mode. It wouldn't take long for someone to find out enough data about you and your family to take advantage of.
Should you tip a valet?
We seem to be living in a world where tipping is becoming more and more common across other industries than just waiting tables. Service industry employees everywhere are counting on tips being part of their wages, and taking care of them is important.
This is especially true if they provide excellent service.
A valet will work in every type of weather to park and retrieve your vehicle. Whether blazing hot or freezing rain, the valet is out in the elements, returning your vehicle to you ready to go. Valets must work quickly and efficiently so vehicle owners aren't waiting.
Surely these services deserve a tip. Tipping a valet when they drive away with your vehicle is an excellent way for them to remember you and maybe get them to go the extra mile upon the return. An additional tip at the time of delivery is a way to thank them for taking great care of your ride.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using valet service
You're sure to have seen valet service at a hotel or in front of a restaurant at some point. If you've never tried it before and are wondering what it entails, we will walk you through it. There are clear advantages to using valet services, but these benefits do come at a cost.
Valets will save you a lot of time and headache
Using a valet will save you considerable amounts of time. This is especially true in urban areas where parking is at a premium. By parking in front of the building and handing your keys to the valet, you are letting someone else park the car in a lot and then retrieve it for you when you're finished.
The lots a valet will use are often just for the valets. This means that where you would be able to park yourself might be a lot further away. While walking is great, having a valet do this for you in inclement weather is another great advantage.
With a valet, you'll never have to circle to find a parking spot. You'll take a lot of the guesswork out of your arrival by doing so.
Valet parking does come at a cost
But valet services are not usually free. If you are staying at a hotel, they will almost always charge a premium parking fee for any vehicle that they need to valet. A restaurant will do the same.
In addition to the fee you will pay, a valet will also deserve a tip. These costs can certainly add up. You might find that some places make refusing valet parking almost impossible, however, as the parking is so limited.
Weigh the options you have out carefully. If you don't mind the hunt for a parking spot and the walk, then skip the valet. But if time and convenience are important to you, then valet parking might be a great fit for you.
Final thoughts
Placing a vehicle in valet mode will reduce the speed that it can be driven. This mode works well whenever you temporarily give your car keys over to a stranger for a short period. If you use valet services, consider a healthy tip for the service industry workers who deliver your vehicle safely back to you. Drive safe!
We hope this post on valet mode answered all your questions. For additional information, we recommend reading the following posts:
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