If you have a brand-new asphalt driveway, or you know you need one and are getting ready to pursue the project, you will likely be keen on making sure it lasts as long as possible. You might have heard that some things could threaten to damage your new driveway, but can they? What else might you look out for? Take a look at these five things that can damage an asphalt driveway below.

1. Metal Snow Shovels

Metal snow shovels can indeed damage an asphalt driveway. When Maryland gets snowcrete instead of just fluffy snow, you may need to use some elbow grease and a more powerful tool like a metal shovel or even a metal garden shovel to break through the ice. Beware of hitting the driveway directly with metal shovels; use a safe deicing chemical instead.

2. Rock Salt

Rock salt has been the traditional deicing tool for roads, parking lots, and driveways for decades, but it has its downsides. Salt dehydrates things, and rock salt can risk doing the same to asphalt and causing it to crack faster. Another product, such as calcium chloride, could be a better option.

3. Spiked or Studded Tires

Spiked or studded tires could puncture asphalt driveways and cause water to seep into the sublayers, causing cracking and potholes. Studded tires are great for rough terrain, but they are not the same as winter tires, which are a safer choice for asphalt driveway owners.

4. Heavy Weights

Parking your car in the same exact place or leaving heavy loads on your driveway for long periods could cause the asphalt to form ruts over time. While you might not be able to help where you park, you should be aware that you might need to repair the asphalt after some years, which is normal.

5. Oil Spots and Other Stains

Oil spots and other stains can also put a damper on your asphalt’s condition and curb appeal. It is possible to treat oil spots and remove other stains yourself; if you have an accidental spill on your driveway, it doesn’t hurt to clean it up or hose it off as soon as you can.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you with asphalt, concrete, and hardscaping projects.

We refuse to sell hot air to our customers, and that’s why we have been around for over four decades. We listen, inform, educate, and then decide what is best for our customers’ project and budget. If any problems arise during construction, we keep our customers updated and respond to make the imperfect perfect.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Tags: asphalt driveway care, asphalt maintenance, asphalt repair

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at 9:42 pm and is filed under Asphalt Paving. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.