Now Implemented!
Description
When handing the car over to another driver, it would be nice to have some way to preset and limit operations for different situations. A tips panel would appear to advise the driver of special tips in handling the car, using the key fob, explain Drive/Neutral/Park and Automatic Parking Brake. The tips displayed would be relevant to the mode selected. This appears in the upper pane and would have a language selection option (English/Spanish/French, etc.), since the guest might not be using the same language.
For all modes except Guest Unlimited, the lower pane shows a map with breadcrumbs to show where the car travels while in this mode (i.e. to discourage joy rides, since the route is recorded).
A key code (3 or 4 digits) is required to return to normal mode once activated and some features and options would not be accessible and/or would be locked into a fixed state. For example, stability control might be forced on and returns to the prior state once the guest mode is turned off.
There could be four modes with various options that once set, the guest cannot change:
Guest Unlimited – Allows full access without restrictions, but provides a tips panel.
Guest Limited – Includes a speed limiter slider that remembers the last setting, with initial default at 55 MPH. Sets other vehicle defaults to what most non-electric car users expect (Creep, Steering effort, etc.).
Valet – Has a separate speed-limited slider, with default to 25 MPH. The FOB might work differently in this mode, as the Valet may leave the key in the car when parked, which should shut down the screens after the driver exists. Provides the option to keep Frunk, Glove-box, and Rear hatch locked while in Valet mode.
Car Wash – Has a separate speed-limited slider, with default to 15 MPH. The ride height would go to maximum (if air shocks equipped), and selecting Neutral would not go into Park when exiting the car so it can be pulled in the wash track (yes, not recommended, but we know some owners will need it).
For security, these modes should also hide the “Home” position/information on maps (if maps are even allowed), and disable the HomeLink garage opener options.
Competitive/Pricing/Notes
Unaware of anything like it. Requires no hardware.
Check out our free Guest/Valet/Car wash app as a short-term solution.
Status
Valet mode is available with version 6.2 software and a PIN code or the owner’s phone can be used to disable Valet mode.
Valet – Has a separate speed limited slider, with default to 25 MPH. The FOB might work differently in this mode, as the Valet may leave the key in the car when parked, which should shutdown the screens after the driver exists.