What’s Inside a Self-Serve Car Wash Bay: The Complete Guide to Washing Like a Pro

David Knutson
Dec 10, 2025
3 min read

When you pull into a self-serve bay at Rice Street Car Wash, you’re not just grabbing a spray wand — you’re stepping into a professional-grade cleaning station designed to give you total control. Whether you’re tackling mud from a Minnesota back road or just maintaining that fresh, clean look between automatic washes, our self-serve bays put the power (literally) in your hands.

Clean Your Way, On Your Time

Each of our six self-serve bays is spacious enough to fit two vehicles end-to-end, with a generous height clearance of 9 feet 6 inches and a width of 9 feet 6 inches. That means you can confidently wash everything from sedans and SUVs to work trucks and trailers.

You can wash at your own pace, focus on problem areas, and use the exact products you need. It’s the ideal setup for anyone who prefers a hands-on, customized wash experience.

10 Functions — One Powerful System

Every bay is equipped with a professional-grade self serve car wash system offering ten wash options. Here’s a breakdown of what each one does:

Tire Cleaner – Loosens brake dust and grime from your wheels before you wash.
Bug Cleaner – Cuts through stubborn bug residue on the front of your vehicle.
Concentrated Soap – The first soap cycle that begins breaking down dirt and road film.
Soap – A high-pressure detergent stream that powers away residue.
Brush Soap – Foamy soap delivered through the soft brush for deep scrubbing.
Water – A strong rinse to clear off loosened dirt and soap.
Wax – A high-pressure wax layer that adds shine and helps protect your paint.
Foaming Wax – Adds a colorful, scented layer of protection (and fun).
Low-Pressure Water – A gentle rinse that’s perfect for final cleanup.
Off – Ends your cycle and stops the flow.

Each bay starts at $4 for 4 minutes, and you can easily add more time with coins, cards, or contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

One Common Mistake: Don’t Forget the Green Button

If you pay by credit card, remember this important step: when you’re finished washing, press the flashing green “STOP” button on the payment terminal. This ends your transaction and stops the timer. Forgetting to press it means your card will continue to run until the preset time limit expires. It’s a small step — but it keeps your wash affordable and your experience smooth.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Use the foam brush after your soap pass to scrub away anything stubborn (and always rinse the brush first).

Want that “showroom-clean” finish? Here are a few insider tips from our team:

Start with tire cleaner and bug remover before soap — they work best on a dry surface.
Keep the wand 2–3 feet from your vehicle for even coverage and safe pressure.
Use the foam brush after your soap pass to scrub away anything stubborn (and always rinse the brush first).
Finish with wax, then a low-pressure rinse to seal in shine and protection.
Wash from top to bottom — dirt drips down, and you don’t want to re-clean the same area twice.

Why Self-Serve Still Matters

Touch-free automatics are fast and convenient, but self-serve bays give you control and flexibility. Maybe you just drove through gravel roads, have an oversized vehicle, or want to deep-clean your wheel wells — the self-serve option lets you handle those details yourself. It’s also perfect for hobbyists, car enthusiasts, and anyone who simply enjoys the process.

Fast, Flexible, and Local

Our self-serve bays are open 24/7, well-lit, and easy to access — right off Rice Street in Maplewood, Minnesota. Take as much or as little time as you need to get your vehicle looking its best.

Stop by anytime or pair your self-serve experience with our unlimited touch-free memberships starting at just $20 per month — and enjoy free vacuums every time you visit.