I have already ordered my Prius, but something occurred to me today. The parking garage at the building I work in is too small for all the cars, so they have valets to park them and shift them around during the day. I am worried that the valets are going to be a little confused when they turn the key and nothing happens. I'm not worried about the first guy to take the keys, but more about the guy who comes along in the middle of the day to move it somewhere. Any ideas?

I have a similar concern about running the car through the car wash. I would also be interested if anyone has any ideas.

aah, the car wash- I wondered what would happen too, so I gave 'em the car and watched.<br><br>The only problem was when it came out the other end; the guy kept trying to start it, the he started looking around for the owner (me).<br><br>I strolled over and watched him; the car was hot, so it wouldn't make a starting noise. I told him 'Esta es READY', pointing to the display on the center panel. He saw this and said 'Oh, Si', I started to tell him about the brake/shift interlock, he said 'OK, I got it', and drive off to the wipedown area.<br><br>I think most folks can figure it out.<br><br>Tell 'em to just drive it.<br><br>tony o.

It's too bad there's not an "attendant" display that shows up with instructions automatically when you put the valet key in the ignition!<br><br>I'm sure with all the electronics it's doable, provided that the computer can tell the attendant key from the regular ignition keys based on the embedded chip.<br><br>Rod

I've had mine through the local car wash a few times. I've kept an eye on the car and the people driving it, and have had no problems so far. <br><br>One of the wash guys complemented me on its unusual design. <br><br>Just your typical neighborhood car wash, nothing upscale. :-)<br><br>--gc

It's good to know that the car wash guys can figure out how to drive a Prius. Too bad the fellows at my car wash can't all drive stick-shift, because my 5-speed Corolla (soon to be my ex-car) seems to throw them for a loop. Not to mention the state employee who didn't know to shift the transmission during its last emissions inspection. (No, you can't get it up to 40 MPH in first gear!)<br><br>Speaking of emissions inspections, has anyone with a Prius in Illinois faced this yet?<br><br>Barbara

Leave the heater in 'defrost' or leave the AC on.<br>Either way the engine will stay running much more.<br>(Defrosters use the AC to dehumidify.)<br><br> --Mike (Oregon LOW CO2)