top of page
General Car Tips


How to Clean Your WeatherTech Rubber Mats Like a Pro
WeatherTech mats are built to battle Minnesota’s toughest elements—blizzards, slush, or summer dirt from Como Park picnics. Their deep grooves and high edges trap grime like a fortress, but that means they need regular cleaning to stay effective. Our self-serve bays are the perfect arena to blast away salt, mud, and debris, ensuring your mats look as ruggedly handsome as the day you bought them.
David Knutson
Dec 27, 20253 min read


Top 5 Car Wash Mistakes to Avoid in Minnesota Winters
As winter’s frosty breath sweeps across the crossroads of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Roseville, your car faces a gauntlet of snow, salt, and slush, threatening to dull its shine like a storm cloud over the Mississippi. At Rice Street Car Wash, we see drivers make the same costly mistakes every winter, thinking they’re saving time or money but risking their vehicle’s finish. Our Petit 360 Automatic Car Wash and self-serve bays, open even at 15–20 degrees below zero, are here to
David Knutson
Dec 18, 20253 min read


Why Our Petit 360 Touch-Free Automatic Wash Handles Trucks & SUVs Better Than the Competition
At Rice Street Car Wash, we know your vehicle isn’t always a standard sedan — whether it’s a tall SUV, big pickup, work van or even a family hauler with roof racks, you want the wash to handle it confidently. That’s why our automatic bay is equipped with the industry-leading Petit Accutrac® 360-series system — and here’s exactly why that matters for larger vehicles.
David Knutson
Dec 6, 20253 min read


Winter Prep Checklist for Your Car’s Interior and Exterior
As winter’s icy breath sweeps across the crossroads of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Roseville, Minnesota’s roads turn into a battleground of snow, salt, and slush, threatening to dull your car’s shine and muck up its interior. At Rice Street Car Wash, we’re here to help you fortify your ride against the season’s wrath. Our Petit 360 Automatic Car Wash, self-serve bays ($4 for 4 minutes), and Unlimited Wash Club perks—free vacuums and 50% off Family Plans—make winter prep a breeze
David Knutson
Dec 4, 20254 min read


Pros and Cons of Installing Winter Tires for Minnesota Winters
As winter’s icy grip tightens around the crossroads of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Roseville, Minnesota’s roads transform into a treacherous mix of snow, ice, and slush, testing every driver’s mettle. One question echoes through the frosty air: Should I install winter tires?
David Knutson
Dec 2, 20254 min read


How Regular Washing Protects Your Car from Road Salt
Minnesota road salt causes rust, corrosion, and underbody damage. Learn how regular washing protects your vehicle and how Rice Street Car Wash helps you remove salt fast and affordably all winter long.
David Knutson
Nov 27, 20252 min read


Is It Ever Too Cold to Wash Your Car? Not at Rice Street Car Wash!
❄️ Too cold to wash your car? Not at Rice Street Car Wash!
Our Petit 360 Automatic and self-serve bays stay open down to –20°F, melting away road salt and protecting your car from rust.
👉 Drive the shine—defy the cold! www.ricestreetcarwash.com
David Knutson
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Car During Harsh Minnesota Winters
Minnesota winters test every car. Learn how to prepare your vehicle for snow, ice, and salt with our winter maintenance checklist—and find three reliable local repair shops near Rice Street Car Wash to help you stay on the road all season.
David Knutson
Nov 11, 20253 min read


Myth Busted: Rain Doesn’t Wash Your Car
Rain might seem like nature’s rinse, but it’s more like a dirty trick. As rain falls through the air, it picks up pollutants, dust, and pollen, turning into a gritty shower that clings to your car’s paint. On the roads of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Roseville, rain mixes with road grime, oil, and salt residue, leaving a streaky, spotty mess that can harm your vehicle’s finish.
David Knutson
Nov 4, 20253 min read


Top 5 Things to Check Before a Road Trip
Minnesota’s icy I-94 or gravelly North Shore roads demand reliable tires. Check tread depth (use the penny test—Lincoln’s head should be partly covered) and ensure proper tire pressure for your vehicle’s specs, especially in cold weather when pressure drops.
David Knutson
Oct 27, 20254 min read


Busting Winter Car Care Myths
As winter’s icy claws grip the roads at the crossroads of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Roseville, your car battles a relentless storm of snow, salt, and slush, its sleek lines buried under a gritty, frosted veil. At Rice Street Car Wash, we hear a familiar question echo through the frosty air: How do I protect my car in this Minnesota cold? Myths about winter car care swirl like snowflakes in a blizzard, misleading drivers. Fear not!
David Knutson
Oct 23, 20253 min read


Tips and Tricks for Cleaning the Inside of Your Car
Dust, fingerprints, and UV rays can leave dashboards and door panels looking tired. Meguiar’s and Mothers interior cleaners and protectants restore shine while adding a protective layer.
David Knutson
Oct 20, 20253 min read


How to Save Money at the Car Wash
As you cruise through the vibrant crossroads of St. Paul, Maplewood, and Roseville, your car battles Minnesota’s relentless elements—winter salt, summer pollen, or muddy backroads—that threaten to dull its shine. Keeping your ride gleaming shouldn’t drain your wallet, though. At Rice Street Car Wash , we make car care affordable with our Petit 360 Automatic Car Wash , self-serve bays ($4 for 4 minutes), and exclusive membership perks like 50% off Family Plans and free vac
David Knutson
Oct 13, 20253 min read


Tips and Tricks for a Spotless Car Interior
At Rice Street Car Wash, we’ve got you covered with top-tier products like Meguiar’s, Mothers, and Shout Auto, plus microfiber towels, glass cleaners, and leather care essentials, all available on-site. For a few bucks and a little elbow grease, you can transform your car’s interior into a pristine haven that rivals the Mississippi’s sparkle under a Minnesota sunset. Here’s how to clean like a pro using our premium products.
David Knutson
Oct 8, 20254 min read


A Local’s Guide to Keeping Your Car Looking New in St. Paul
Minnesota winters are notorious for road salt, and while it keeps our streets safe, it can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage. Salt buildup can lead to rust, corrosion, and long-term damage if not washed off regularly.
Local Tip: Wash your car every 7–10 days in winter, especially after snowstorms, and don't forget to wash the under side of the vehicle.
David Knutson
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Touchless vs. Self-Serve Car Wash: Which is Right for You?
At Rice Street Car Wash, we know every driver has their own preferences when it comes to keeping their car, truck, or SUV clean. That’s why we offer two state-of-the-art options at our Maplewood location: the Petit i360 Touch-Free Automatic Wash and six oversized self-serve bays. Both deliver exceptional results—but which one is the best fit for you?
David Knutson
Sep 30, 20253 min read
bottom of page