Every minute counts when traveling, from catching your flight on time to coordinating pickups. Whether you’re a busy professional or a large family headed on vacation, the last thing you want to stress about is the condition of your car while you’re away. Is the oil low? Is the car a mess? Why schedule that separately when you get back when you can have professional valets do it all for you while you’re gone?
Value-added vehicle services are getting more and more popular at airport parking facilities. Such services include anything from car washes to oil changes to detailing. When you can coordinate these services with your travel schedule, you come out ahead of the game – saving money and time. Let’s take a look at the benefits of value-added vehicle services, as well as timing considerations and coordination tips.
What Are Value-Added Vehicle Services?
Traditional airport parking is pretty straightforward. You drive your car to the airport, you park the car yourself or drop it off with a valet, and you catch your flight. Then you do everything in reverse at the other end. But with customer-centric service models on the rise, it’s common to see facilities such as DTW airport parking offer additional automotive care while you’re gone.
Common services include:
- Exterior and interior car washes
- Full detailing packages
- Oil and filter changes
With these services, you can enjoy a cleaner, safer, and more efficient vehicle upon your return.
Benefits of Scheduling Vehicle Services During Travel
From maximized downtime to cost efficiency, there are many benefits associated with scheduling vehicle services during your business trip or vacation.
Maximized Downtime
Why let your car just sit idle while you’re away when you can get it serviced at the same time? This maximizes your downtime so you don’t have to worry about scheduling maintenance on your own time.
Cost Efficiency
Bundled services are often more affordable than if you were to schedule individual visits to separate providers. Plus, airport-based valets often offer lower overhead costs or promotional deals—especially when you sign up for their loyalty programs.
Convenience
Many valet services will offer extra perks as part of their reservation systems or mobile apps. Or, if you decide at the last minute, you can opt for these services right at the drop-off counter. Why hassle with coordinating drop-offs, pick-ups, or shuttle rides just to get a detail or an oil change?
Better Vehicle Longevity
Regular detailing and maintenance boosts your vehicle’s resale value. Even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon, you can protect your paint job, keep up the interior, and maintain the engine for longer vehicle lifespan.
Enhanced Safety and Reliability
It can be frustrating to arrive to the airport after a vacation to find your car has a dead battery or underinflated tires. Value-added services make sure these inconvenient surprises don’t happen, sidelining your timely return home.
Timing Considerations
What’s the ideal time to schedule certain services? Take a look at these guidelines to see how you can match each service to your travel plans:
Car Washes
These should be done for trips longer than three days. That’s because onsite and offsite airport parking lots make your car vulnerable to dust, pollen, bird droppings, and harsh weather. Try to get a package with interior vacuuming and car scent to return to a refreshed vehicle.
Oil Changes
Schedule these for any tripslasting more than five days, especially if you’re due or overdue for one. The health of your engine depends on fresh oil and filters to operate efficiently. Make sure you know whether your vehicle takes synthetic or conventional oil, and make sure DTW airport parking valets use the recommended type.
Detailing
Schedule details forlonger vacations and business trips. That’s because details take more time than other services, making them ideal for multi-day absences — especially if the area has experienced messy weather in the interim. Opt for a protective wax coating if your car will be stored outside for a long time.
Effective Coordination Tips
Avoid miscommunication or delays by taking the proper coordination steps, such as verifying timing and pre-booking online.
Verify Timing
Make sure you ask when the services will be performed. Some companies provide the service on the first day to leave enough time, while others wait until just before you are due back.
Pre-Book Online
Book in advance by using the parking facility’s website or mobile app to ensure a technician is available to handle the request. This may also get you a discount if you bundle services ahead of time.
Leave Detailed Instructions
Make sure the technicians know exactly what you want done, then confirm the appointment and get an itemized list of services that will be performed.
Inspect Upon Return
When picking up your vehicle, make sure the services were performed to your satisfaction. Get documentation or a checklist of services rendered for your records.
Are Value-Added Services Worthwhile?
The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Service quality: Don’t assume all airport vendors are certified mechanics. Do not use them for complex repairs; for those, you’re better off going to a specialty mechanic.
- Cost vs. DIY: The convenience usually justifies the price when getting a professional car wash, especially if you’re on a business trip.
- Transparency: Get price lists and detailed descriptions in advance so you’re not surprised by hidden charges.
Value-added maintenance services are often a smart and time-saving choice, but be sure to read online reviews and service policies before booking.
Today’s busy traveler can certainly benefit from vehicle maintenance coupled with airport parking. From improving vehicle health to saving time, scheduling service while you’re away is a wise investment.
Get a Quote on Value-Added Services From Valet Connections
Choosing ValetConnections.com for your extra perks while on vacation connects you with transparent pricing, experienced staff, and convenient appointments. Just call us to reserve your specialized services and parking spot today.