Touchless vs. Self-Serve Car Wash: Which is Right for You?

David Knutson
Sep 30
3 min read

Updated: Nov 10

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?

The Touchless Automatic Wash: Speed and Peace of Mind

Our Petit i360 Touch-Free Automatic Wash uses the latest in car wash technology to give you a spotless clean without brushes or bristles ever touching your vehicle. The automatic wash bay has a height clearance of 8 feet, accommodating most passenger vehicles, SUVs, and standard pickup trucks.

Why Drivers Love It:

Paint-Safe Cleaning: High-pressure water and specialized soaps remove dirt, salt, and road grime while keeping your vehicle’s finish protected.
Time-Saving: In just a few minutes, your car is cleaned and ready to hit the road.
Consistent Results: The wash is designed to cover every angle, making sure everything from bumpers to rooflines gets attention.
Perfect for Minnesota Winters: Regular touchless washes help protect against corrosive road salt.

For drivers who want quick, reliable, no-contact cleaning, the touchless automatic wash is a go-to option.

The Self-Serve Bays: Space, Control, and Flexibility

“Driver using self-serve car wash bay at Rice Street Car Wash with high-pressure wand and foam brush”

Not all self-serve car washes are created equal. At Rice Street Car Wash, our six self-serve bays are truly oversized, with each bay offering 9’6” height clearance and 9’6” width. That means whether you’re driving a compact car, dually pickup, trailer, or small RV, you’ll have the space you need to wash comfortably.

“Driver using self-serve car wash bay at Rice Street Car Wash with high-pressure wand and foam brush”. Each self serve bay will fit 2 cars and trucks at the same time. — Each bay at Rice Street is 55' long and will fit 2 vehicles at the same time

Why Customers Choose Self-Serve:

Room to Work: With 9’6” x 9’6” clearance, our bays give you plenty of space for oversized vehicles.
Full Control: With options like concentrated soap, brush soap, wax, and spot-free rinse, you decide exactly how your car gets cleaned.
Detailing Made Easy: Perfect for targeting wheels, wheel wells, and problem areas that automatic washes might miss.
Cost-Effective: Pay only for the time you use—ideal for drivers who want maximum value.
Works for All Vehicles: From motorcycles to lifted trucks, the self-serve bays can handle it all.

For customers who enjoy the hands-on approach, our self-serve bays make car washing less of a chore and more of a satisfying weekend ritual.

Which Wash Is Right for You?

Both options are designed with flexibility and customer satisfaction in mind. The choice depends on your needs on any given day:

Go Touchless Automatic if you’re pressed for time, need a quick wash before work, or want a safe, consistent clean for your car’s paint.
Go Self-Serve if you’re particular about details, need extra space for a larger vehicle, or simply enjoy the process of washing your car yourself.
Go Both if your vehicle is very dirty and requires a little extra scrubbing before going through touchless wash. Bugs, tree sap, road tar sometimes need the brush! All of our brushes in the self serve are Hogs Hair so they will not scratch your car.

Many of our regulars actually use both options depending on the situation—automatic for speed, self-serve for precision.

Unlimited Memberships: The Best of Both Worlds

Why choose just one? With monthly memberships starting at $20, you can wash as often as you’d like. Whether you prefer the convenience of touchless or the customization of self-serve, an unlimited membership gives you the freedom to switch it up without worrying about cost.

Try Them Both at Rice Street Car Wash

Located at 1736 Rice Street in Maplewood, near the intersection of Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue, Rice Street Car Wash has been keeping local vehicles clean since 1989. With oversized bays, advanced touchless technology, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle looking its best year-round.

Stop by today, try both options, and see which one fits your lifestyle. After all, the best car wash is the one that makes your car shine—inside and out.