How to Clean Tire Marks Off Concrete

Though they may not cause any big issues, tire marks can be an unsightly and unwelcome guest on your driveway or the parking lot of your business. But don’t worry too much, there are ways to remove them. We’ll tell you how they happen and how to get rid of them, and even throw in a few extra driveway maintenance tips.

What Causes Tire Marks on Concrete and Driveways?

Tires are not made solely of rubber. They contain polymer compounds that, when heated up, can begin to transfer from the tire to the driveway. While these compounds are great for traction, unfortunately, they come with this inconvenient side effect. Many of these compounds are water-resistant, so the rain won’t do much to help wash them away. 

This transfer can happen in a couple of different ways. If you maneuver sharply on your driveway or stop very suddenly, you’re likely to leave a mark. Also, simply driving around in hot weather and heating up your tires before parking on your driveway can leave marks behind.

How to Clean Tire Marks Off Concrete

Here’s a step-by-step guide on removing tire marks from your driveway or parking lot. 

1. 1. Prepare the driveway. Sweep away or remove any sticks, rocks, leaves, etc. from the surface of the driveway. Cover up anything nearby that may be sensitive to cleaning products, such as plants or shrubs.

2. 2. Apply your cleaning product. Degreaser, bleach, and trisodium phosphate are all options to use on your driveway. Following the instructions on the bottle, apply the cleaner to the stains.

3. 3. Leave it to sit for 10 minutes.

4. 4. If you are using bleach, reapply a few times over the course of this time frame. If you are using a degreaser, use a scrub brush to work the cleanser into the stain.

5. 5. Rinse off the surface with lots of water.

Preventing Tire Marks on Concrete

There are also ways to prevent tire marks from ever ending up on your driveway in the first place. 

The simplest way to prevent tire tracks is to change the way you use your driveway. Avoid stopping abruptly or doing any sharp maneuvers. In hot weather, park your car in the garage or under the carport to prevent the tires from heating up. If you don’t have either of these, find the shadiest spot. 

Some driveways, concrete specifically, can actually be coated in a protective sealer to prevent tire marks. This will protect your driveway from a variety of different things and is a good idea to do regardless of whether you’re dealing with tire marks. It will help keep your driveway intact for a long time.

Taking Care of Your Driveway

There’s more to maintaining your driveway than just preventing tire marks. We’ve got a few more tips to keep your driveway looking good for years.

• 1. Get a proper driveway installation. A quick job may save money in the short term, but will only mean your driveway will fall apart far more quickly than you wanted. Choosing a company you trust is important.
• 2. If you’re going to pave or reseal your driveway yourself, choose an option that’s right for you and your car needs. Driveways are not a one size fits all product, and depending on how much and what kind of driving you’re doing on it, your best choice can vary.
• 3. Remove troublesome nearby shrubs or trees to prevent roots from causing cracks.
• 4. Keep a 2-3 inch strip clear around the driveway so that water has a place to run off and doesn’t sit on the surface for a long period of time.
• 5. Fill cracks with patching compound immediately. They can get worse quickly.
• 6. Never salt cement. It will cause cracks.
• 7. Don’t park right on the edges of the driveway. This can put extra stress on them and cause them to chip.
• 8. Keep your driveway clean. Substances like motor oil can penetrate asphalt and cause it to soften. Fresh oil can be cleaned up by first soaking it up with cat litter and then washing it with degreasing dish soap and warm water. Older oil stains can be cleaned with degreaser, warm water, and a scrub brush.

Working driveway maintenance into your seasonal routine is an easy way to save money and help your home look its best. The driveway isn’t everyone’s first priority, but taking care of it will pay off.

Shopping for tires? We’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to check out our site to see our high-quality stock. If you’re unsure about the state of your tires, check out our blog featuring guidelines you can use to make sure yours are safe and up to date.