Tesla has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation. It is the leader in the development of electric vehicles and safety-enhancing technology. Valet Mode is one of the newest features to be introduced for vehicle safety. This is an overview of Valet Mode and its use.
What is Tesla Valet Mode? Valet Mode can be used to valet your Tesla. When activated, the Tesla has a maximum speed, a reduced acceleration power and a locked glove box, front trunk and personal information hidden on the touchscreen.
Valet Mode has recently been introduced by many manufacturers. People are becoming more concerned about the safety of their cars and belongings as stories of valets driving customers' vehicles on joy rides start to circulate. Valet Mode does just that. Here's how and why to use it.
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What is Tesla Valet Mode?
It's easy for people to confuse all these almost-identical terms. Valet mode can be activated by the owner, as opposed to a service offered at a supercharger.
Tesla Valet Mode prioritizes the safety of your vehicle and valuables. Certain features are disabled and others are restricted, while personal storage compartments and other areas are locked. Valet Mode can only be disabled or overridden by the PIN code you create.
Valet Mode has several key features:
- Glove box locking
- Front trunk lock
- Limiting maximum acceleration and speed
- Hide personal information normally displayed on the driver profile or navigation
The differences between and the terms mentioned above are summarized as follows:
- Tesla Valet mode: This feature is built into each Tesla and can be used to ensure safety when you hand your Tesla over to a valet attendant.
- Tesla Valet Services: Tesla used to provide valet service to customers who had their vehicles serviced in Tesla centers. The service was initially free, but Tesla started charging for it. Now, the service is abruptly ending in many places.
- Tesla Supercharger valet service: This service was launched in response to the growing crowds at Tesla charging stations. New charging stations with attendants have been opened to improve drivers' experiences at charging stations. It's not a valet service because the attendants do not drive the vehicle or take the keys. Customers have disputed this claim, but you can visit the nearest Supercharger and find out for yourselves.
- Tesla on-Demand valet: The service is provided in partnership with Luxe to Tesla owners located in New York or San Francisco. It focuses primarily on charging and parking issues.
Tesla Valet Mode: How to Use it?
Tesla Valet Mode was created as a direct response to the concerns of customers regarding the security and safety of their belongings when receiving valet service. The first time it was introduced was in 2015 with the Model S. The technology has been refined over the years and is now standard on every Tesla.
Enabling Valet Mode
The choice to activate Valet Mode is entirely up to you. You must access your driver profile to activate Valet Mode. The "Valet Mode", along with a list profiles, will appear when you click on the icon for the driver profile. You will need to enter a 4-digit pin the first time this mode is activated (this will also be required to deactivate it). This mode can only be enabled or deactivated while the vehicle is in Park.
When enabled, the "Valet User Profile" will appear at the center and top of the touchscreen. To make it clear that Valet Mode has been activated, the display will also show that the vehicle's power, speed and navigation system functions are disabled (i.e. hidden search results like the home address).
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Valet mode: Functions
Valet Mode's main function is to protect the privacy of the driver. This includes both personal information as well as physical items that are stored in the car. The Privacy key functions are:
- Homelink Access
- Bluetooth settings
- Driver Profile Information
- Favorite saved locations Home and work addresses
- Past Charging Locations
- Editing various settings
Valet Mode will prevent your phone from being left in the vehicle. Tesla restricts access to phone contacts and calendar data if you don't have your Bluetooth device nearby. In Valet Mode, leaving your phone in the vehicle may conflict with this personal security goal and leave this information accessible.
Valet Mode limits the performance of your vehicle to protect it from the driving habits and vehicle handling of valet workers. Tesla owners may be concerned about the safety of their vehicles in other people's hands. This is why performance limits are implemented.
The maximum acceleration and speed are restricted to "Chill". Valet Mode does not only apply to valet services. If you have concerns about someone borrowing your vehicle, it could be an effective way to protect information and ensure safety.
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Select "Valet Mode", located in the center and top of the LCD screen, to turn off Valet Mode. You will be prompted to enter your PIN when you click on this option. Enter your PIN and Valet Mode is disengaged.
The process to deactivate Valet Mode with the mobile app is easier. You can turn off Valet Mode by selecting "Security", then clicking the toggle next Valet Mode.
Remember that the vehicle must be in Park for either method to deactivate Valet Mode.
Which Tesla Models Offer Valet Mode?
Valet Mode is a standard feature on all Tesla models.
All new and used Teslas currently on the road are included.
You can rest assured that all Tesla models have the latest version of Valet Mode with over-the-air updates.
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Is Tesla Valet Mode Activated by a Physical Key?
Valet Mode is not affected by the physical Tesla key you give to the valet attendant.
Valet Mode can be activated and deactivated either via the touchscreen or the Tesla mobile application.
The valet stand will ask you to activate Valet Mode and then give them the physical keycard. When you return your Tesla at the end the night and you receive your physical keycard back, you may deactivate Valet Mode.
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How do you charge Tesla in Valet Mode
You can charge your Tesla while in Valet Mode.
It is useful if the location where you valet your Tesla has destination chargers. While your Tesla is still in Valet Mode, you'll be able to charge up.
Can you summon a Tesla while in Valet Mode?
Teslas are not able to use Smart Summon in Valet Mode.
If your Tesla is in Valet Mode and you want to use Smart Summon, then deactivate Valet Mode on your Tesla app.
Valet Mode for Teslas: Driving with Tesla
Recently, reports have surfaced of mechanics and valet staff intentionally abusing customers by taking their vehicles for joy-ride or even intentionally taking them on a joy ride to increase the cost of repairs. Tesla's Valet Mode was introduced to combat this, as well as ensure the best possible customer experience when performing routine maintenance and valet.
This function, as mentioned previously, sets the maximum speed to 70 mph with acceleration set to "Chill". Watch this demo to see the Tesla in Valet Mode. Note: Tesla's accelerator and brake are still responsive despite the speed limits.
Tesla now has a feature called Speed Limit Mode. The driver can set their own maximum speed.
The first time you set it up, you will need to use the touchscreen on the Tesla. You can then turn it on using the Tesla app or the touchscreen.
This app allows you to set the limit even if you are not in Valet Mode.
This is perfect for parents who want to keep their licensed teen safe, while still allowing them to use the vehicle.
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How to set the speed limit mode in Tesla?
Set the Speed Limit Mode:
- Click on "Controls"
- Click "Safety".
- Toggle ON "Speed Limit Mode"
- Set up a 4-digit PIN
- Set Maximum Speed
The first time you do this, it's best to use the touchscreen, as the app allows only for the on/off of the feature, not the actual speed limit.
What is the difference between "PIN to Drive", "Valet mode" and "PIN to Drive?"
It is just as it sounds; PIN to drive allows drivers to be required to enter a PIN before operating the vehicle. Valet Mode is different in that the PIN can only be used to activate or deactivate security features which alter vehicle limitations.
PIN to Drive on the other hand completely eliminates the ability to operate the vehicle without the correct PIN.
Valet Mode Problems
Tesla's valet-mode has a few potential issues. Any problems that arise with your PIN can be a major contributor to any potential issues. To activate Valet Mode you must first set up a PIN. This will only be needed the first time. This PIN will be used to activate and deactivate Valet Mode.
What happens if you forget your Tesla PIN code?
You can reset your PIN if you forget it using "My Tesla". If you forget your PIN and want to disable Valet Mode, use the Tesla app. It does not require a PIN.
Some customers, however, have had problems with Valet Mode. This is especially true when it comes to disabling this function. One Tesla owner reported that their Tesla's valet mode was unable to be disabled due to a total failure. After the app refused to allow deactivation, the person tried several methods for disabling it. They deleted and redownloaded the application and restarted their phone.
These issues are usually caused by forgetting your PIN or not having the vehicle in Park.
This article should have been useful and you will be able to use Valet Mode with confidence in the future.
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