This is a small problem, but one we've run into twice since buying our 2006 Prius six weeks ago. We go to University occasions frequently where they use student organizations to do the Valet parking. We have the SmartKey set up, and both times have had to spend some time educating the fellows on how to park, leave, and then start the car again on pickup. Has anyone else run into this? Any suggestions?
You should have gotten a pad of Valet Parking instructions with your Prius. If not, you can probably get some from your dealer. One of the Prius Yahoo Groups has a copy of the instructions in their File section; you could always download it and print them out. (I'd provide a link, but Yahoo Groups are blocked here at work...)
Here's a link to an image of the Valet Parking Card which in 2004 and 2005 was provided with a new Prius. You can print this out which *MAY* help explain the Prius unique instructions to a Student Valet. http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/Imagerius-v...-card-small.jpg
I was a valet parker during college at an upscale night club. There were plenty of things that would confuse the other uniformed parkers. The keyless system is one, the other was the SMG/F-1 style transmissions found (at least then, anyway) on Maseratis, BMWs and the like. We were fast on the learning curve, though.
Even with the SKS system on, it's best to put the key in the dash - Most people are used to having to pull the key out, so they'll be sure to get the car turned off so they can remove the key when they get it parked. I'd also use the valet cards, although those aren't guaranteed to work - many people, when presented with instructions which in some way are contrary to what they're expecting will read it without actually comprehending it. I haven't yet been at a function with valet parking, but FWIW when i am i think i'll probably insist on parking it myself unless they have experience with Prii - Maybe take the valet kid along with me in shotgun to show me where to park and use the time to explain the operation to him.
I tried to order the Valet Cards from my dealer but he couldn't locate a part number. Later I discovered what I think are the part numbers which are as follows: 00505-VTSxx-PRI where the "xx" is the is the last two digits of the model year. For example, 005050-VTS04-PRI is for the 2004 model. Good luck! Tim
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Nov 9 2006, 08:45 AM) [snapback]346288[/snapback]</div> I don't know about Spokane, but in Los Angeles and a few other large cities, such as San Francisco, New York and Chicago, some places required me to use the valet service and alternative self parking was not readily available.
Valet parking has always been a problem for me. One time I went to a wedding reception in my Corvette (400+ HP) and the valet swore he knew all about Corvettes with a manual shift and how the hand brake worked. I had put the hand brake on so tight that the car couldn't hardly move unless the driver released it. After the reception when I retrieved my car the handbrake was still on as tight as when I left it and the brakes were smoking. Evidentally the valet didn't have a clue how to release the brake and he took my Vet for a little ride before returnig it to me. Needless to say, I am concerned about valets driving my Prius.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ Nov 9 2006, 02:12 PM) [snapback]346555[/snapback]</div> As well you should be. Plenty of horror stories have been posted here on Prius Chat. I would offer to let the valet ride with me while I park the car, and let him show me where to park it. Then I'd take my fob with me. This might work if the valet is sufficiently gullible and knows nothing about SKS: Tell him the car is so advanced that there is no key and it will not operate unless you are in the car. With the fob in your pocket, and no conventional key-lock, he might believe you.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Nov 9 2006, 08:45 AM) [snapback]346288[/snapback]</div> And I can't afford to go to places that have valet parking. :lol:
Here's one that works: tell them you have an advanced biometric security system. make a show of locking the doors, then stepping up and grabbing the handle in "just that special way" so it "recognizes" your "finger prints and unlocks for you. then make a big show of locking it again, step back so the FOB is out of range, and have the valet try it. Of course, the whole time you (and whoever you're with) makes a big show of keeping your hands out of your pockets and away from any keys. guaranteed to convince anyone not familiar with the SKS.
It's not just your local valet, the folks at Big O, jiffy lube, etc often bung the whole "1st attempt" at driving thingie.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 10 2006, 07:30 AM) [snapback]346890[/snapback]</div> Yeah, I had to have a tire patched on my in the first 6 weeks I owned it. I took it to my local Wheel Works, and I asked the manager if he knew how to drive a Prius. He said "sure." So later, we go out to the car and I hand him the key so he can turn it on to read the mileage. He couldn't find the start button! So I said "that's what I thought" and showed him. After that, he agreed to let me drive the car into his work area.
