When handing your car over to a valet attendant, you’re probably distracted thinking about how fast you can get into the terminal, through security, and to the gate on time. Sure, you may give your car a quick glance, grab your luggage, lock the doors, and head toward the shuttle.
What you’re not aware of, however, is how the valets are viewing your vehicle. They have worked around hundreds or even thousands of vehicles, which means your DTW valet attendants have an eye for detail that most people simply don’t.
From the condition of your tires to the way your keys are organized, these small details can tell an experienced valet attendant a lot about a car. Check out these 10 things valet attendants notice that you likely don’t.
1. Your Tire Condition
Unless you have a flat or your dashboard lights up with a warning, you probably don’t give much thought to your tires on a daily basis. But valet attendants are trained to notice tires that look underinflated, unusually worn, or unevenly worn.
Uneven tread wear can sometimes indicate alignment or suspension issues. A tire that looks noticeably low may simply need air, or it could mean you have a slow leak. They’re not mechanics; they’re simply noticing your tire condition once you hand over the keys.
2. How Clean — or Unclean — Your Car Really Is
The state in which you leave your car is something valets pick up on right away. From used coffee cups in the center console and fast-food wrappers under the seats, to meticulously cleaned interiors and spotless dashboards, valets can tell right away how clean, or unclean, you keep your car.
There’s nothing wrong with a little clutter, but it’s a good idea to remove trash and personal belongings before traveling.
3. Warning Lights
It’s easy to ignore that dashboard warning light when you’re just trying to get to the airport on time. Your parking attendant notices check-engine lights, tire-pressure warnings, low-fuel warnings, or other indicators as soon as they get in the car to move it. Again, they’re not mechanics, but it’s helpful for you to tell them of any warning lights so they are aware of potential problems that could crop up.
4. The Small Scratches You Forgot About
Take a look around your car before handing over the keys, taking note of minor marks that you may have missed before. Small scratches on door handles, bumper corners, mirrors, and wheels are easy to overlook during everyday driving. Your valet will probably notice them much faster.
5. How You Treat Your Keys
Your valet attendant views key fobs as one of the most important parts of the vehicle. From traditional keys and sophisticated key fobs with multiple buttons and functions, valets have seen it all. Some drivers hand over a single fob, while others hand over a large ring with several keys attached. Be sure to keep your vehicle key separate and easily identifiable to make the process simpler.
In addition, notify your valet if your vehicle has a special starting procedure, locking system, or other quirk.
6. Your Fuel Level
Valet attendants see vehicles arrive with everything from nearly empty tanks to enough fuel for several hundred miles. If you’re leaving your vehicle for several days, be sure to gas up before your trip. The last thing you want to do is make a pit stop at the gas station on the way home.
7. The Little Things You’ve Left Behind
A valet attendant may notice items in your vehicle that you completely forgot were there, such as:
- Sunglasses in the door pocket
- Laptop chargers underneath the seat
- Coins in the cup holder
- Toys in the back
- Garage-door openers
- Important documents in the glove compartment
It’s always best to remove valuables and personal belongings before leaving your vehicle at the airport.
8. Your Car’s Personality
Every car has its own personality. Your valet attendant notices patterns, from a brand-new SUV loaded with luggage to a 15-year-old sedan with 200,000 miles on the odometer. A pristine sports car gets noticed, but so does the minivan that’s seen a lot of family road trips.
While you may think your car is ordinary, but it’s one of many unique vehicles valet attendants handle throughout their shift.
9. How Your Car Is Parked
Most drivers don’t think about the position of their vehicle once they’ve handed over the keys, but valet attendants do. Parking your car isn’t just a matter of finding an open spot. It has to be parked in an efficient, organized manner so it can easily be retrieved later. Your valet has to have a detailed understanding of the lot’s layout, not to mention the flow of incoming and outgoing vehicles.
This is why your car may not stay right where it was initially positioned.
10. The Things You Don’t Tell Them
Perhaps the most important thing valet attendants notice is what drivers don’t mention.
- Does your car have a tricky ignition?
- Is there something unusual about the key?
- Does a feature work differently than expected?
- Is there anything an attendant should know before moving the vehicle?
You know your car best, so be sure to tell your valet about any quirks. A quick explanation at drop-off can go a long way in preventing confusion later.
Your Car May Be More Noticeable Than You Think
For most people, their cars are a way to simply get from here to there. For valet attendants, they represent something more. Working with vehicles is their job, and they do it with pride. Over time, they develop an instinct and awareness for details that the average driver may never think about.
So the next time you pull into a DTW valet area, take a moment to look at your vehicle from their perspective:
- Check the tires.
- Notice the warning lights.
- Remove the clutter.
- Take a quick look around the exterior.
- Make sure your keys are ready.
- Mention anything unusual about your vehicle.
Those few extra seconds can make your parking experience smoother, and may reveal a few things about your own car that you never noticed before.
Reserve Airport Parking With Valet Connections Today
At Valet Connections, we make airport parking one less thing for you to worry about. To book your reservation, contact us today at (734) 992-4946.