Your asphalt driveway is quite durable by design. However, even the most durable surface will be susceptible to wear, especially under certain conditions. You can keep your driveway in much better condition by knowing how to care for it during different times throughout the year. The harshest times of the year for your driveway will be the summertime and the wintertime. Here are some asphalt maintenance tips to prevent excessive wear and damage during these more extreme seasons.

Summertime asphalt maintenance and care

Repair any cracks before the heat sets in – While you should always stay on top of having cracks repaired when you find them in your driveway, this is especially important once the weather heats up. If you don't keep on top of the cracks, then you can end up with potholes in the driveway.

Avoid leaving heavy equipment or vehicles in one spot – When the temperature is very hot outside, it will cause the asphalt to become a bit softer. The softer surface of the asphalt makes your driveway more vulnerable to damage when heavy vehicles or equipment are left in the same spot for an extended period of time.

Don't leave oil on the asphalt – If a vehicle is leaking oil on the driveway, then you need to clean the leak up right away. High summertime temperatures and oil spills will both cause softening of the asphalt, and this makes the driveway very susceptible to damage.

Wintertime asphalt maintenance and care

Use the right de-icer on the asphalt driveway – Many people choose to use rock salt as their agent of choice for melting ice. However, using rock salt on asphalt will be damaging to the driveway because it is a corrosive agent. In lieu of rock salt, you can opt for potassium chloride because it will also melt the ice without causing damage.

Get rid of puddles – You don't want to leave puddles of water on the driveway. If the temperatures get to freezing, then this will cause ice to sit on the asphalt. Also, leaving water on the driveway for a long time can be damaging.

Conclusion

By taking care of your asphalt the way you should and by taking steps to protect it, you will be able to count on it to look good and to stay strong. This means you aren't going to run into a lot of problems. You do want to be sure you have it sealcoated according to the recommendations in order to preserve it for the longest amount of time.