A Local’s Guide to Keeping Your Car Looking New in St. Paul

Living in St. Paul comes with its perks: historic neighborhoods, the State Fair, beautiful river views, and four distinct seasons that keep life interesting. But if you’re a vehicle owner, those same seasons—and our city’s roads—can take a toll on your car’s appearance. From salty winter slush to dusty summer construction, keeping your car looking sharp in St. Paul requires a little extra care.

At Rice Street Car Wash, we’ve been serving St. Paul and Maplewood drivers since 1989. Over the decades, we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to maintain your vehicle in our unique climate. Here’s our local guide to keeping your car looking its best year-round.

Winter: Battle the Road Salt

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. Our Petit i360 Touch-Free Automatic Wash is ideal for removing salt quickly and safely—no brushes, no scratches, just high-pressure water and detergents designed to protect your paint.

Spring: Pollen and Road Grit Season

When the snow melts, it leaves behind sand and grit used for traction. Combine that with spring pollen, and your car can start looking dull fast.

Local Tip: Use our self-serve bays to give your car a detailed clean. With 9’6” clearance and width, our oversized bays are perfect for tackling hard-to-reach areas like wheel wells, which often trap sand and grime. A good coat of wax in the spring can also help protect your car’s finish heading into summer.

Summer: Bugs, Dust, and Construction Zones

St. Paul summers are packed with road construction, outdoor adventures, and weekend trips up north. That means bugs on your windshield, dust from gravel detours, and tar spots from fresh pavement.

Local Tip: Don’t let bug splatter bake onto your paint in the hot sun. Our self-serve bays feature concentrated soap and brush soap, giving you full control to scrub away stubborn messes before they cause permanent damage. For quick cleans, the touchless automatic is a great choice to rinse off dust after a long day.

Fall: Leaves and Early Frost

Autumn brings beautiful colors—but falling leaves and early frost can leave behind stains, sap, and water spots. The cooler temperatures also signal it’s time to prepare for another tough winter.

Local Tip: A spot-free rinse in our self-serve bays is perfect for preventing water spots on crisp fall mornings. It’s also a great time to add an extra coat of wax, creating a protective barrier before the snow flies.

Interior Care: Don’t Forget the Inside

While the exterior takes the brunt of Minnesota’s seasons, the interior of your car suffers too. Dirt, sand, salt, and pet hair can build up quickly, especially during winter.

Local Tip: Take advantage of our Fragramatics self-serve vacuums. With six units available, it’s easy to keep your carpets, mats, and seats clean. A tidy interior not only looks good but also makes your car more comfortable year-round.

Rice Street Car Wash: Your Local Partner Since 1989

We’re more than just a car wash—we’re part of the St. Paul community. Conveniently located at 1736 Rice Street in Maplewood, near Larpenteur Avenue, our oversized bays and advanced touchless wash are designed to handle everything Minnesota throws at your vehicle.

With unlimited memberships starting at just $20/month, you don’t have to choose between convenience and thorough care. Wash as often as you like, all year long. Save even more with family plans -- 50% off each additional vehicle added to your plan.

Final Thoughts

Owning a car in St. Paul means dealing with salt, sand, bugs, and everything in between. The good news? With the right routine and the right local car wash, your vehicle can look its best every season.

Stop by Rice Street Car Wash today, and see why local drivers have trusted us for over 35 years. A clean car isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment and driving with pride through every season St. Paul has to offer.