Hidden* Features on Cars

[PhilA]

Many valet keys don't allow the trunk to be opened and higher performance cars they limit performance. Primarily aimed at the USA market where they would drive a car to the front of an establishment (like a hotel, casino, etc) and the valet guy would be responsible for moving it to a car park space. Hence you don't want them smashing your fast car into something and/or nicking your property.

That's been a long running thing here. Pontiac has the valet ignition switch- select it to on, remove the key and lock the glove box. Then, turn the switch with the little wingnut type arms round further and it'll shut the car off. You can switch the ignition on and off without the key, so therefore the valet can't get to your stuff.
The car was never fitted with a great deal of performance so that's not a worry.

[AMCrebel]

My Chevy had that kind of ignition switch (key optional) - I never thought about it being a valet thing.

[Jerzy Woking]

You can roll the front windows up or down on my Doblo by holding down the lock or unlock button on the remote for 3 seconds.

A few of my friends work at the Dover ferry port and Eurotunnel Folkestone. They must know where every hidey hole is on every standard model car.

[mercrocker]

Apparently each new generation or revision of Transit is handed to Border Force for a minute inspection of cavities and factory methods of trim affixing....

I got a very close call coming back from France in my Granada with the ex missus who had stashed some weed in her luggage. They knew the driver's side rear door card had been off without even opening the door and were very interested in getting inside. It was only a door latch repair but I didn't really want them pulling the thing apart...

[Barry Cade]

I heard many years ago the Honda Integra 5 door was the best smuggling car, as it had a huge space under the pop up headlights..

[Barry Cade]

My Chevy had that kind of ignition switch (key optional) - I never thought about it being a valet thing.

I'm just off out to check the Astro!

[Warren t claim]

I heard many years ago the Honda Integra 5 door was the best smuggling car, as it had a huge space under the pop up headlights..

Howard Marks used to swear by the Mk1 Capri as a dope smuggling car. Loads of room behind the trim either side of the rear seat.

[xtriple]

Hidden features... The Jag moves the steering wheel up and away and the driver's seat down and back when you open the driver's door, but only if the control switch is set to auto. I only found out after the clock spring was replaced by the Jag specialists as they set the switch there.

[Hooli]

Mine used to do that, till I broke the sensor for fore & aft when I rebuilt the seat onto a replacement frame. I must fix that one day.

[LynehamHerc]

How do you cope with it not working?

It must be incredibly frustrating for you, the things you poor Jaaaaaa....g drivers have to endure.