Confessions of a Valet Parker – 7 Tips to Keep Your Car Safe
Whether you park your car or leave it at the hotel for valet parking, there are some things you should do to ensure your car is safe.
If your vehicle has a tricky door or an overly sensitive alarm system, make sure to tell the valet about them so they can be prepared for them. It will save them time and ensure you return your car exactly how it left it.
1. Park in Well-lit Areas
A well-lit parking lot can be a huge help when you’re driving through the lot at night. Drivers and pedestrians feel safer when they can see what’s happening around them, which reduces the risk of accidents.
Parking lots are also notorious for being targeted by criminals, so it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your car safe while you’re there. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
A parking lot can be dangerous for both cars and pedestrians, so it’s a good idea to always park in well-lit areas when shopping in the evening or after dark. This will make finding your car easier and prevent you from being hit by other vehicles.
It’s not uncommon for people to crane their heads over to find a spot, which can make it difficult for them to notice when other vehicles are approaching their vehicle. This can be especially dangerous if the other driver cares more about finding a spot than staying safe.
2. Keep Your Car Tidy
Clutter in the car can distract, making it hard to see and maneuver safely. In addition, loose items can cause accidents in the event of a crash.
Keeping your car tidy can be easy and inexpensive, and it doesn’t take much effort to do it regularly. Start by removing all the garbage from your car. This includes change, extra clothes, paperwork, and toys.
Next, organize the stuff that does belong in the car. Buy organizers for the glove box, the console, and other areas of the vehicle to keep all your essentials neat and accessible.
For example, many holder options exist for pens and paper, hairbrushes, CDs, and more. You can also purchase a trunk organizer to organize the cargo area better.
Another simple solution is to keep trash in a container that can be sealed and placed inside the car. This will help prevent it from scattering and accumulating in the gaps between seats, compartments, or floors. Some good car trash bins hang on the front seat headrest, are waterproof, and can fit into a car door compartment. They are the best way to keep your car clean and tidy.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Car
One of the most important ways to keep your car safe is always to monitor it carefully. This doesn’t mean watching it continuously; it just means paying attention to it often enough so that you can catch any suspicious activity before it becomes a big problem.
This is also true when you’re driving – it’s crucial to keep an eye on the road so that you can identify any dangerous driving habits or traffic issues before they become too serious. Things like swerving, tailgating, and even driving too fast for the speed limit can all endanger you, your passengers, and other people on the road.
If you see a potential danger, you can either pull over or take a different route to avoid a collision. Alternatively, you can use a safety device such as a rearview mirror that will give you more visibility of the road and help you spot any problems before they can cause you to get into an accident.
Another great way to keep your car safe is to lock it before leaving it unattended, especially in a busy parking lot. This will prevent thieves from easily stealing it if they can access your key.
4. Don’t Leave Any Valuables in Your Car
You can do a lot to keep your car safe, and one of the easiest things is not to leave any valuables in it at all. Even something as simple as a wallet, phone, or even some spare change can make your vehicle an easy target for thieves.
If you do have to leave your valuables in your vehicle, try not to leave them visible, such as in the front seat or trunk. This is especially important if you’re parked in an area where people may be watching your car as you drive away.
Also, if you do decide to leave your valuables in your vehicle, put them in an inconspicuous place, such as the back of the trunk or an inconspicuously covered back area. Thieves will be looking for places where they can break into cars, so leaving these items in an open area will only encourage them to try their luck.
This tip is particularly important if you have to park your car overnight or for long periods, as thieves can easily sneak into your vehicle and steal everything inside. You’ll want to avoid parking in dark, secluded areas and ensure your windows are always closed.
5. Call the Valet in Advance
Especially if you’re parking at a busy hotel or club, it’s often better to call ahead and request your car in advance. This will save you a lot of time when you arrive.
It also means you can give them a more accurate estimate of how long your vehicle will take to retrieve. They’ll know how many cars to expect, so they can keep an eye on them all and ensure they’re prepared for any delays.
Once you’ve parked, checking your car before driving away is important. If you notice damage or any valuables missing, you should immediately inform the head valet. This will help them get compensation for any damages and lost items, making it easier to prove their responsibility if anything happens later on.
It’s also important to remember that most valet parking company charge a tip for their service, so it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand. That way, you can give them a proper tip and avoid the hassle of finding the right amount at the end of the day.
6. Leave a Tip
Leaving a tip is a good idea if you are using a service such as valet parking. This helps the valet make ends meet and shows that you value their services.
Leaving a small tip for a job well done can be the difference between getting your car back as it was or having it damaged. This doesn’t have to be an expensive tip, but it can help you feel more comfortable and confident that your vehicle will be returned in good condition.
It is also a good idea to keep valuable items out of sight and out of reach when you are not in your car. This includes anything that might attract a thief, such as packages, mobile phones, portable GPS devices, and even power cords for music players and phones.
7. Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended
Leaving your car unattended is an easy way for thieves to take advantage of you and your vehicle. Whether you’re in a hurry and need to get into your car or just stop for a few minutes at the petrol station, it’s important not to let your keys slip into the ignition.
Then, if you’re going to be away from your car for a while, roll up your windows and lock them before you leave. Doing so will stop thieves from easily gaining access to your car, and can even deter them from trying.
Another tip to keep in mind is that if you’re parking outside your home, you should park it so that it faces the front of your house. LAX Curbside Express makes it easier for your neighbors to see your car and for the police to spot any suspicious activity. Also, try to avoid parking near busy roads and areas where people are likely to drive through.
Conclusion
Taking the time to follow these tips will help to keep your vehicle safe. However, if your vehicle gets stolen or your belongings are lost, it is important to have a comprehensive auto insurance policy to cover your losses.
FAQs
What is a Proper Tip for Valet Parking?
Tips for valet parking are a standard way to show your appreciation. They’re a significant portion of many valet attendants’ hourly wages, so it’s important to give them a little something when you feel their service is exceptional.
Can You Trust a Valet?
While most valets are honest people who care about their customers, there are always going to be a few bad apples.
They might lose your keys, put new dings in your car, or even steal your spare change.
What Makes a Good Valet?
The skills that make a good valet include greeting visitors, parking cars, and returning customers’ vehicles. Attendants also need to be organized and efficient.
The typical valet makes between $10 and $13 an hour, including tips. Overtime can increase total compensation.
What is Vale Etiquette?
If you’re using valet services for the first time, knowing how the service works is helpful. This will help you determine when and how much to tip.
Typically, it’s best to tip a standard $2 to $5. However, you can increase the tip if the service goes above and beyond expectations.