How to Care for a New Blacktop Drive

Devise a method of keeping traffic off a new blacktop drive. You can walk on it but the new drive needs three days to "cure" or harden to the point where it can accept traffic.

Avoid fast driving on your new drive. Stopping a vehicle "short" or braking hard can damage the blacktop.

Park your vehicle in a different position every time you park. This prevents indentations from forming in the surface of the blacktop.

Perform turns while moving. Turning the steering wheel of a vehicle while it remains stationary can damage the blacktop.

Direct the drivers of delivery trucks to park in locations other than on your blacktop drive. The weight of large vehicles can depress the surface of the blacktop.

Distribute the weight of trailers and campers. Placing plywood under the jack tongue and tires will prevent depressions from occurring in the blacktop.

Prohibit the use of lawn chairs as well as bicycle and motorcycle kick stands. They all apply intense weight that chips away at blacktop.

Avoid spills and leakage from fuel oil, anti-freeze, automobile radiators, and transmission or engine fluids. These liquids dilute and weaken the asphalt in the blacktop. Use cat litter or a product for cleaning up chemical leaks or spills to mop up the fluids, and remove it from the driveway as soon as possible.

Do not allow grass or weeds to grow in any developing cracks. Immediately eliminate grass or weeds by using an herbicide and repair cracks using asphalt patch or filler. When this is dry or cured, use sealer over the repair. Keep weeds and grass from growing right up to the edge of your drive.

Keep your drive swept clean. Keep all dirt, debris and gravel off the surface. Driving over gravel with your car can damage the blacktop surface. Use a push broom or leaf blower to sweep debris from the drive. Use a regular hose to wash away dirt, and use a broom or squeegee to push excess water off the drive as soon as possible.